James Madison University - Bluestone Schoolmaam Yearbook (Harrisonburg, VA)

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Music in Motion bi (2) Directing the Marching Royal Dukes during a fall practice, Pat Rooney choreographs some of their famous geometric patterns. Diverting the crowd temporarily, the Tuba Line performs a few sideline antics. 20 Royal Dukes Half-time at JMU is an extraordinary sensation in movement. No one regrets that the football players have left the field temporarily when the Marching Royal Dukes take their position on the turf at the half time. Technical thoughts of the game disappear with a blast of sound that vibrates everyone within range of the fanfare. The present Marching Royal Dukes have come a long way from the original 60-member troupe of 1971, when JMU football was also spanking new. This year the band is 275 players strong — up from the 225 membership of 1981. Under the direction of a new band leader, Pat Rooney, the Royal Dukes have taken on a new poise and style unique from previous JMU marching bands. The hand not only generates more sound because of the increased membership, but also emphasizes movement. The motions of the Royal Dukes are far from chaotic, however; sound waves and physical movement combine in crisp synchronized professionalism. Rooney introduced the marching band to precision-oriented drills; drills which require the band members to march almost constantly as they form continual geometric patterns. Pat Rooney has also given a new twist to the contemporary drum and bugle corps style of music the marching band is known for. He has placed an emphasis on jazz-rock; music that is classicly upbeat with syncopated rhythms and inventive harmonies — numbers like Jack Miraculous and Firedance which really get the blood flowing! The band has existed at Madison for only 11 years, a short time compared to other bands. We are already considered one of the best bands in the country, according to a judge at an October competition. This feeling is not limited to competitions and our campus. At the U Va-JMU football game in Charlottesville, the Royal Dukes performance aroused criticism among U Va fans for their own Pep Band, which specializes in satirical skits. U Va Athletic Director Dick Schultz said in The Cavalier Daily: The Cavalier defeat and the outstanding performance of the award-winning James Madison Band affected fans ' feelings. The Royal Marching Dukes produce exciting audio-visual sensations at all of their half-time performances. What makes the 1982 marching band so spectacular is a feeling of movement. Music and form combine in a single spirit of movement each time Pat Rooney and the Royal Marching Dukes invade the field. ♦

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H ' burg Hotspots (1) Cramming students into J.M. ' s is a lot easier with the new dance floor space, but wall-hugging crowds still exist. (2) Downtown Harrisonburg 1940 — cruising the city in Dade: Chevy. Madison women occasionally got the opportunity to attend a restaurant or see a flick. regional), dancing on the tables, and Friday afternoon happy hours. If you want a little more room, try the Other Place, which also specializes in live bands. Another possibility is Spanky ' s. Known mostly for its sandwiches, wines and cheeses, Spanky ' s now offers beer specials, and theme nights like Mexican Night. The easy-going atmosphere can make for a mellow evening of drinking and talking. Next door is Jo ' s, a restaurant and lounge, which offers live entertainment on a much smaller scale. Jo ' s, which serves both beer and liquor, also has the me nights, such as Men ' s Night, and Amateur Night, where any Jo can go up on stage to perform. If you ' re looking for a classier place to socialize, try Belle Meade Lounge, complete with dance floor and D.J.; Christopher ' s Lounge and Tavern on the Square: or a happy hour at the Sheraton Lounge, featuring hot hors d ' oeuvres. Partying on-campus is more convenient and cheaper, but a night on the town offers a greater variety of places to get-down and down some cold ones while mingling with new faces in the crowd. ♦ Hotspots 19

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m Making sure the band is in unison and sounding good, drum major Dana Gillis keeps the 4:30 practice going near the Hillside field. Awing the crowd with intense trumpet solos, Chris McGee performs Firedance.