Newspaper Articles

Announcement of the creation of the basketball Pep Band by Phi Mu Alphia Sinfonia.

Announcement of fielding the first "official" Madison College marching band. A date is given for it's organization: June 15, 1972

A mention of the premiere of the new JMU Fight Song written by Dr. George West.

"Madison names director for new marching band" - bio article on Malcolm Harris for the new band.

Announcement of fielding the first "official" Madison College marching band. A date is given for it's organization: June 15, 1972

The first parade competition of the Madison Marching band

"Nine Band Performances Scheduled"

Discussing the first and second years of the band and growing the program.

Hand drawn "Join the Marching Dukes of JMU" ad and form. "All instruments welcome. Particularly interested in Trumpets, Trombones, and Tubas"

Teaser page in The Breeze about the debut of the new "Marching Royal Dukes."

In the sports column commentary on the game: "the most exciting thing to watch ... was the JMU marching band."

Letter to the editor by Joan Ditmore chastizing The Breeze for ignoring the hard work of the new "Marching Royal Dukes."

Announcement that the Marching Band will present a concert of their half-time performances which will be recorded live. (The first LP of the band.)

In a letter to the editor, Michael Ratcliffe complains that the newspaper lacks JMU related news. Top of his list of things that could be covered: "marching band."

A short humor piece in the football insert of the newspaper, high-lighting that not everyone knows the words to the fight song. The words are then printed at the end of the article. These differ from the current words.

A 2-page spread on the band. First in-depth article in the Breeze covering the marching band.

"Pro Debut Successful" - article on the MRDs playing an NFL game.

Another 2-page spread of the band. This time to highlight their first "professional" performance at Batimore Colts vs New York Jets NFL game.

Add for the Marching Bands of America Mideast Regional Championships. AKA: the first Parade of Champions.

Article about JMU hosting a Bands of America competition. This is the pre-cursor to the annual "Parade of Champions" competition hosted by JMU.

"University Hosts Band Competition" - notice on the upcoming BOA competition.

POC: coverage of the Hanover "Nighthawk" band that won Division "A"

POC: coverage of the Hanover "Nighthawk" band that won Division "A"

Photos of the MRD's second appearance at an NFL game: the Redskins vs Dolphins game at RFK stadium.

"Castoffs in the end zone" - Letter from Dr. George West (Music professor and composer of the fight song) citing the poor location of seating for the band compared to how other colleges treat their marching band. Also, requesting that the words of the fight song be displayed for the student populace.

Article on if the dukes will play more NFL games. Also a small article on how the first LP was recorded.

Announcement of the upcoming performance at the Steelers game

Madisonman Comic - asked to lead the fight song, Madisonman doesn't know the lyrics.

George West "de-composer" - writes Madisonman to demand $4.98 (canadian) for a copy of the fight song lyrics.

Letter to Madisonman - from someone who took up Dr. West's offer - includes the fight song lyrics, and also chides the school for not including them in football and basketball programs on a regular basis.

Article on the new MRD director: Pat Rooney

Article on members of the MRDs participating in the Olympics.

Introducing the new uniforms.

Article on the pep band. Comments include mentioning the new uniform and noting this is the first season the pep band plays all Womens games.

"Dukes on Disc" - recording for Columbia Pictures.

Article on the MRDs in the Homecoming insert.

First announcement of receiving the Sudler Award.

National coverage of the Marching Royal Dukes receiving the Sudler trophy.

A special full-color section on the Sudler trophy. Pg 1

A special full-color section on the Sudler trophy. Pg 2

A special full-color section on the Sudler trophy. Pg 3

A special full-color section on the Sudler trophy. Pg 4

Local commentator praising the performance of the Dukes. Also, sending clippings to the Marshall band director asking him to be more like the Dukes.

Article about upcoming performance in the Clinton Inaugural Parade

Announcement of the Dukes going to Monaco, due to the Inaugural appearence.

Half-page article on the recently-completed Monaco tour.

Parent's day insert. MRDs on the cover and details on a scheduled evening performance.

Article about Dr. Rooney receiving the Virginia Outstanding Faculty Award by the Governor. This is the states highest honor for faculty.

Article on the Dukes performing at George W. Bush's inaugural.

Centennial Celebration - the 100th anniversary of the University - webpage article focusing on the marching band.

Announcing the upcoming season, including the Macy's Day parade.

Coverage from the Macy's day parade. Two separate articles, a "pat" and resolution passed by the SGA.

The "Mad" 70s - Enter "James Madison" - article on the renaming of the university and changes in the band.

The "Mad" 70s - article on the founding of the MRDs

The "Mad" 70s - A House of Cards - article on the "playing card" uniforms.

Article about the bands who attend Parade of Champtions. Also a mention of the MRDs going to Macy's Thanksgiving parade this year.

Be The Change wordpress article - Article on the MRDs 3rd appearance in the Macry's Day parade. This time, leading the parade.

Article about the pep band in the NCAA tournament, including compliments from the opposing Texas A&M fans and team.

"Craziness in the Convo" - how the pep band and the cheer leaders are an X-factor in the team winning at home.

"Marching Band Members Get Engaged After Big Game"