The band has known Anne for far longer than Dave has been affiliated with Rockbridge. She contributed to the recording sessions for Stand Up. She's a world class musician, and many, including myself, were really hoping she'd step into Boyd's role when the news Boyd was leaving first broke in 2018.
https://www.antsmarching.org/forum/s...4&postcount=50
I think it was made pretty clear that Dave did not want another violin back after Boyd. He was trying to separate the band from that sound - so I believe it's highly unlikely offers went out to for a violin gig with the band in 2018 (despite some rumors that this was the case).
In 2018, there was a poster on here that insisted for months that the band would have a guest violinist during the tour at the Hollywood Bowl. It turned out to be a full/close to full orchestra (Anne was part of that orchestra), but my recollection is she did not end up soloing like she did on Ants last night back in 2018. Would love for her to join but seems like a dream:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8hBCzPTvB8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_fwgkpghtM