Marching Royal Dukes Alumni ::: An Official Chapter of the JMU Alumni Association

Welcome home. Whether you marched on the field at Bridgeforth, helped operate the consistently 500+ member band, or found lifelong friendships through our shared love of music and tradition, you’ll always be part of the Marching Royal Dukes family. We hope you'll join us to connect with old friends, share memories, stay updated on current band happenings, and continue supporting the band that helped shape us all.

We’re proud to help carry the spirit of the Marching Royal Dukes forward—and we invite you to join us in celebrating the legacy, energy, and pride that make the MRDs truly one of a kind.

With Royal Pride,
Your MRD Alumni Leadership Team

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Reignite Bonds That Last a Lifetime
We keep MRD Alumni connected— to each other and to the band. Through events, reunions and social media, we’re building a strong network of Dukes who bleed purple and gold.

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Give Back

Support the Soundtrack of Saturdays
From scholarships to new instruments, our alumni association helps ensure today’s MRDs have the resources they need to thrive. When we give back, we help the band march forward.

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Share an Update

Honor the Tradition. Amplify the Future.
Share a story, honor a moment in your life, and uplift the journey that our alumni are on together as we live our lives!
It's how we keep our legacy alive for generations to come.

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Attend Upcoming Events

Don’t Miss a Beat—Join Us
See what’s on the horizon for MRD alumni—signature events like MRD Alumni Band Weekend, community concert performances, service opportunities, and more. Whether you're marching again or just cheering from the stands, there’s always a reason to come back and connect.

See what's coming next

Explore History NEW FOR 2025!

Every Step Leaves a Story
Discover the sights, sounds, and stories that shaped the Marching Royal Dukes. Browse decades of photos, videos, and memorabilia. Whether you marched in the ’70s or just graduated, there’s something for every Duke in our growing digital archive. Dive in and relive the moments that made MRD history.

Learn about our past

Earliest original photo of the MRDs. Likely Homecoming game, which was played on a grassy field next to Godwin. Rain caused Harrisonburg High to be unusuable. Courtesy: jmumrd.org

Brian's Song circle drill, fall of '77. / Courtesy: jmumrd.org

Fondly known as "It" - the massive banner that was the replica constitution was created by Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi made that constitution over the course of 2 days and nights. / Courtesy: jmumrd.org

BOA Exhibition '88. / Courtesy: jmumrd.org

Deb Barrigan And Sue Hawkins Smith on the podium in '89. / Courtesy: jmumrd.org

"Keeping the rest of the band in time, Lillian Gregorio beats out the rhythm of the music on the quints. The MRD reflied on the drum line to keep them in step." '93 / Courtesy: jmumrd.org

Warmups before the Sudler Award presentation in '94. Blue Suits (Rooniforms) left to right: Dr. Pat Rooney, Glenda Rooney, Rick Deloney, Bill Posey, Shelly Boardman, George Megaw, Mike Doll, Bill Rice. / Courtesy: jmumrd.org

The Marching Royal Dukes were awarded the Sudler Trophy in 1994. The trophy is the John Philip Sousa Foundation’s prestigious biannual recognition for performance and musical quality. Presentation of the Sudler Trophy, Oct. 22: Back row, JMU President Ronald E Carrier, Mrs. Virginia Sudler, JMU Director of Bands Pat Rooney, Edith Carrier; Front row, band members Melissa Palladino, Charity Mays. / Courtesy: JMU Library Special Collections (https://sites.lib.jmu.edu/mrd/photo-exhibit/)

Several MRD Alumni participating in an alumni band day, 1994, shortly after the Marching Royal Dukes won the Sudler Trophy (left to right): MRD Alumni Mike Zerbe, Sam Elson, Mike Crouch, unknown, Dan Everard and Jen Stearns Condon.

No caption information available. / Courtesy: jmumrd.org

The Marching Royal Dukes were selected to perform in President William J. Clinton’s inaugural parade in 1997 and were the largest band present. The parade featured collegiate and high school bands, choirs, and floats. / Courtesy: JMU Library Special Collections (https://sites.lib.jmu.edu/mrd/photo-exhibit/)

An aerial photo from the November 2001 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade appearenace in Herald Square, NYC, just two months after 9/11. / Courtesy: JMU Library Special Collections (https://sites.lib.jmu.edu/mrd/photo-exhibit/)

The Marching Royal Dukes pose for a photo in NYC following their 2013 feature in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. / Courtesy: jmu.edu

The Marching Royal Dukes parade down Main Street during the 2012 Harrisonburg Holiday Parade. / Courtesy: Artem Pekun

Three members from the trombone section perform during the 2017 FCS Championship in Frisco, TX. / Courtesy: Athletic Bands

The 92nd Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade hosts James Madison University for the fourth time in 2018, entertaining 3.5 million Manhattan spectators and over 50 million television viewers on NBC. / Courtesy: MRD Alumni (https://express.adobe.com/page/qiSgkRLnCX6pZ/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKbDwNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFtaWswNzdhVXZqbklRckhkAR5x447KCUl5YDtBT941nBoL1qB4zGfBI0EnTn1nTBK8XUu0JeEUsQmVz34Lbw_aem_n2qc7pYI9cSYOJI09RHLBQ)

The Marching Royal Dukes perform at the 1787 August Orientation Pep Rally in 2024, showcasing JMU's unique in-game chants and fight song to the incoming freshman class. / Courtesy: jmu.edu

Marching Royal Dukes play as the Dukes score a touchdown in Bridgeforth Stadium, present day. / Courtesy: jmu.edu

The Marching Royal Dukes present the "JMU" formation during pregame, present day. / Courtesy: jmu.edu

The Marching Royal Dukes surround the steps of Wilson Hall during the 2023 filming of ESPN College GameDay, featuring a visit from the Jonas Brothers over Marching Royal Dukes Alumni Band and the band's 50th anniversary. / Courtesy: jmu.edu

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Official chapter of the JMU Alumni Association.