For God, Family and Republic

The Virginia Military Institute, located in Lexington, Virginia, is the oldest state military college in the United States founded in 1839. General Thomas Jonathan Jackson, commander of Virginia's First Brigade taught calculus and philosophy at the Institute. Known as "the West Point of the South," VMI offers a spartan, physically demanding environment combined with strict military discipline. One of its time-honored traditions (besides not allowing women up until the time of that meddlesome U.S. Supreme Court ruling) are its Pipe Band. This is a distinctively southern martial tradition owing to Virginia's vibrant Scotch-Irish influences.

Visit the VMI web site and check out some of their music selections (*.WMA). My favorites are Scotland the Brave and Stand up for Jesus. Compare the VMI Band to a solo version.