They provide the soundtrack of many a Wahoo fan’s Saturdays in Scott Stadium. They regularly fill the evening air with vibrant sounds while mastering their latest award-winning shows at Carr’s Hill field. They’ve even marched down New York’s Fifth Avenue and across millions of TV screens across the world as part of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. But who are the Hoos making this joyful noise with the Cavalier Marching Band? 

We went behind the scenes to introduce you to some of the leaders of this remarkable group. On trombone…meet section leader Jonathan Palmer! Jonathan a 4th year Cavalier Marching Band member from Murrysville, PA who literally excels above, on and below ground – he is a licensed private pilot and certified open-water scuba diver. A Foreign Affairs major in the UVA Politics Department, Jonathan has spent two summers interning on the Hill in legislative and fundraising capacities, and has been accepted into the Leadership Minor at UVA. Tuba section leader Erik Bergstrom is on track to graduate this spring with a Chemistry-Biochemistry degree. He scored in the 95th percentile on the MCAT and plans to head to medical school after graduation. Horn section leader Joanna Hsu will graduate this spring with a degree in Kinesiology Education through the Curry School. When not on the field or in the classroom, this first-generation college student regularly volunteers her time with a number of worthy organizations, including working with special needs children at Western Albemarle High School and an adaptive PE class. So, next time you check out their fabulous halftime show or lock arms to celebrate a UVA score with a rousing rendition of The Good Ol’ Song…let’s give an extra hand to the incredible student musicians in the Cavalier Marching Band!