Marching Royal Dukes from JMU to perform at prestigious state music conference

James Madison’s marching band will partner with Virginia Tech and Bath County High School to celebrate the value of music in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The James Madison University Marching Royal Dukes, in collaboration with the Virginia Tech Marching Virginians and the Bath County High School Marching Band, will perform on Friday, November 18 at 2:00PM at the 2016 Virginia Music Educators Association Conference at the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia.

Each band will perform a few selections of music from the season, followed by a combined performance in celebration of the Homestead’s 250th Birthday. This is the first time that a marching band has been featured as part of the conference. This performance will take place on the Homestead Front Lawn, and will be free and open to the public. The Marching Royal Dukes are excited to perform alongside other collegiate and high school marching bands. Scott Rikkers, the Director of the Marching Royal Dukes said, “this is a unique opportunity to celebrate an important Virginia landmark and support music education, as well as acknowledge the contributions of the music educators in our commonwealth, many of whom are graduates of JMU and Virginia Tech.”

About the JMU Marching Royal Dukes

The JMU Marching Royal Dukes are one of the largest collegiate marching bands in the United States with a membership of over 450 students who collectively represent every University department and major. The MRDs have been thrilling audiences with their exciting music and visual artistry since 1972. In addition to their half-time and post-game performances in Bridgeforth Stadium at every JMU home football game, the MRDs maintain an active schedule of exhibition performances at various venues in the Shenandoah Valley and up and down the East coast. The band has performed three times in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and made several trips abroad. The Marching Royal Dukes strive for excellence in music and marching through their commitment to fostering personal growth, leadership skills, and community engagement.