The Marching Royal Dukes

“And now, presenting ‘Virginia's Finest,’ The James Madison University Marching Royal Dukes!”

This familiar announcement begins each exciting performance as one of America’s premier collegiate marching bands takes the field with its exciting music and fast-paced movement. From humble beginnings in 1972, the first year of JMU football, the Marching Royal Dukes quickly moved to the fast track of college bands in America.

Among their many awards and performances, the MRD’s have performed at NFL games in Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Washington. In 1983, they were the featured halftime show for the NFC title game between Washington and Dallas. They have been performers for Walt Disney Productions. In 1988 and 1991, they were the featured exhibition band at the Bands of America Grand National Championships.

In 1994, the John Philip Sousa Foundation named the Dukes recipients of the Sudler Trophy, known as the Heisman Trophy of college marching bands. In 1997 and 2001, they were featured in the inaugural parades for Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. In 2002 and 2006, they performed at the inauguration ceremonies for Virginia Governors Mark Warner and Tim Kaine.

The band has established a strong tradition as ambassadors of the university and community. They took their first European tour in 1997, where they performed for the closing ceremonies of the 700th anniversary of the Grimaldi Family in Monaco. In December 2000, the Dukes performed at a New Year’s celebration in Athens before an audience of more than 500,000; in December of 2003 they were the featured band for the New Year’s celebration in Dublin, Ireland, and returned for their second tour in 2006. During the 2004 season, the Marching Royal Dukes traveled with the JMU football team to perform at the NCAA Division 1-AA National Championship game in Chattanooga, TN, where the Dukes took home their first national title in school history.

The MRD Drum Line was featured twice in country artist Keith Urban’s “Love, Pain, & the whole crazy World Tour” in 2007 and 2008. The MRD’s have performed twice in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, first at the 75th Anniversary in 2001, and most recently in the 82nd annual parade in 2008. The band will take their 5th tour abroad to London and Paris in 2010 where they will perform in the 50th Annual London New Years Parade and Festival.

The MRD’s have become well known for their outstanding recordings. In addition to recording for Warner Brothers productions, the band’s own recordings began in 1978. In 1988, they produced their first compact disc, and their 2-CD set compiled in 2001 includes favorite selections from 1988-2001. All recordings can be obtained at the JMU Bookstore.

The band is supported by the Yamaha Corporation and Zildjian Cymbals, and has been used in the international advertising campaigns for both firms.

Scott Rikkers is the Assistant Director of Bands at JMU and Director of the Marching Royal Dukes. Bill Posey is the Assistant Director of the MRD’s. Rick Deloney is the Director of Marching Percussion, Carly Philp is the Color Guard Instructor, and Suzanne Trow is the coach of the dance team, the Dukettes.

BANDS AT JMU . . .

The JMU Pep Band

As one of the most visible athletic bands at JMU, the Basketball Pep Band has twice been selected by Eastern Basketball Magazine as the Best Pep Band in the East. With a membership selected from among the active members of the Marching Royal Dukes, this exciting group performs at all home men’s and women’s basketball games, travels to the CAA tournaments, and has become a crowd favorite at these events.

JMU Wind Symphony – MUAP 346

The Wind Symphony is the premier wind and percussion concert ensemble at JMU consisting of a select group of 50-60 performers. This group has performed at the Virginia Music Educators Association Conventions and College Band Directors National Association conventions. Membership is determined by auditions held during the first week of each semester. The Wind Symphony meets during both the fall and spring semesters.

Symphonic Band – MUAP 239

The Symphonic Band is a select group of wind and percussion students who are dedicated to the performance of both traditional and contemporary band literature. This ensemble performs music from all periods. Membership is determined by auditions held during the first week of each semester and the Symphonic Band meets during both the fall and spring semesters.

Concert Band – MUAP 238

The Concert Band is open to all students at JMU. Each semester, this ensemble presents several concerts featuring literature of different genres. There is no audition required for membership, although chair placements will be done at the beginning of each semester. The Concert Band meets during both the fall and spring semesters. During the spring semester, a second concert band, University Band, is offered as a fourth ensemble opportunity for all interested JMU musicians.

University Band – MUAP 238 – Spring Only

The University Band is open to all students at JMU and is offered each spring. This ensemble presents several concerts featuring literature of different genres. There is no audition required for membership, although chair placements will be done at the beginning of each semester. The Concert Band meets during both the fall and spring semesters. During the spring semester, a second concert band, University Band, is offered as a fourth ensemble opportunity for all interested JMU musicians.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE JMU CONCERT BANDS,
contact Dr. Steven Bolstad, Director of Bands at bolstasp@jmu.edu or (540) 568-6656.