HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER...

INCOMING STUDENTS...

The MRD’s is open to all JMU students as well as students enrolled in one of the local colleges and community colleges. All incoming JMU students will receive an invitation to join the band in May. This will be mailed to your home address. If you do not hear from the band office, please feel free to contact Connie Driscoll at 540-568-6656 or email driscocl@jmu.edu. You will return a reservation form, available here and on our website, to the band office. This will reserve your spot at our pre-season band camp.

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When are auditions?

Percussion and Color Guard: Audition dates for prospective members of the percussion sections (Drum Line and Front Ensemble) and Color Guard sections will be held on Saturday, June 23, 2012. Percussion auditions are held for both battery and auxiliary percussionists. Once we are aware of your interest in performing as a color guard or percussion member, further information about the auditions will follow, as well as be available on our website. Upon successful completion of the audition, you will receive your invitation to band camp. For a tentative schedule of the 2012 audition day, click here.

Winds: Auditions for marching spots are held during Band Camp and are based on the music and marching fundamentals you will learn for the first show. Season music will be sent to all prospective members during the summer.

Who can join?

Any JMU student or Blue Ridge Community College student may participate in the Marching Royal Dukes (please refer to the audition information for color guard and percussion). You don’t have to be a music major; you just need a strong desire to be one of “Virginia’s Finest.” MARCHING BAND IS A CLASS at JMU and you will receive college credit, so please tell your advisor that you will be joining the MRD’s and he/she will assist you in registering for MUAP 237.

Blue Ridge Community College Students should contact the JMU Office of Outreach Programs for information regarding registration.

How much does it cost?

The JMU Bands will pick up the tab for almost all costs of being a member, including your meals and residence hall expenses during our required pre-season band camp, season travel, and performance day food and drinks. The only required payment for members is to purchase marching shoes, white gloves, an MRD baseball cap and a band T-shirt. Each section of the band may have a certain item that you will need to purchase (such as drum sticks, mouthpieces, and reeds).

How much time does it take?

The Marching Royal Dukes meet during the assigned class time. All members of the MRD’s are required to attend our pre-season Band Camp during the week before the fall semester begins. Our regular rehearsal schedule is: Monday sectionals (not required), rehearsals on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. On weeks of performances, we have a dress-rehearsal and a warm-up on Saturday morning. Please click here for a tentative performance schedule for the 2012 season.

NOTE: When the band performs, attendance is required at all games, performances, and play-off games, even when the game may occur during a break such as Thanksgiving.

When do I report to Band Camp?

MRD Camp begins on Sunday, August 19, 2012. All MRD’s living in JMU housing will be able to move into their assigned dorm room for the year. During this week, we will have music and marching rehearsals, audition for marching spots (winds), and put together our first halftime show and Pre Game. When school begins, you will already be in your residence hall room and ready to start the school year. Camp details will be sent to all prospective members during the summer, and can also be located on the MRD website.

What is the size of the band and what if I don’t make a spot?

In recent years, the band's membership has between 425 and 450. This includes approximately 340 brass and woodwinds, 45 percussion, 45 guard, 20 dance team members, 4 drum majors and electric bass players. Based on instrumentation and the auditions during Band Camp, winds will either be assigned a marching position or an alternate position. We usually carry 20-30 alternates. Alternates are considered a member of the Marching Royal Dukes. They perform in all pre-game shows and play a big part in the success of our program. Alternates have the opportunity to challenge for a marching position before each performance week during the season.

When will I hear from you again?

After you have received your acceptance to the university and you have returned your residence hall room deposit, you will receive an invitation in May to become a member of the Marching Royal Dukes! After you respond to that letter/e-mail, you will receive information about Band Camp and moving into your residence hall room early. You will also begin receiving our newsletter and music to prepare for Band Camp. As stated earlier, color guard and percussion members will receive an invitation to Band Camp after successful completion of the audition in June. If you are a transfer student or currently a student at JMU, please contact the JMU Band Office for membership information.

TRANSFER & CURRENT STUDENTS

If you are a current JMU student or transfer student and would like to join the MRD’s, please contact the JMU Band Office at 540.568.6656 or Connie Driscoll at driscocl@jmu.edu for more information.

JMU Dukettes - Click Here!