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

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Tadpol es AMBER LOGSDON WRITER Junior FROG Brandon Walraven and his partner, senior Erin Henning, guided an all-male group of 32 freshmen from Dingledine Hall. It ' s definitely been a rewarding experience, said Henning, who enjoyed watching the freshmen group acclimate to the university, from move-in day to their first day of classes. During the week, Henning and Walraven led their tadpoles through campus for meals and large group activities. The illusionist act was one of the group ' s favorite events. At lunches, the freshmen mingled with other FROG groups, such as a female group, also from Dingledine. They were a little more independent than most groups, said Walraven, who described his tadpoles as a diverse group of athletes, talkers and introverts. Many in the group had a positive attitude toward their FROGs. You can really go to them and ask anything if you want. They ' ll be around all year, said freshman Robert van Wijngaarden. While the group developed relationships with their FROGs, they also forged friendships among themselves. A few created a dance move called C203, named after one of their rooms in Dingledine. Others played pick-up basketball together. I definitely feel nostalgic. It reminds me of my freshman year, said Walraven. According to Walraven, at the beginning of the week, the group was unsure of how excited to act about orientation activities. However, by the end of the week, some told him they did not want orientation to end. When it did, their FROGs gave them some parting advice about how to succeed at the university. I told them to get involved, said Walraven. I think that ' s the best way to enjoy JMU. It seemed that this group of men heeded his advice. When Henning and Walraven returned to Dingledine for birthdays, they found that their tadpoles had adjusted to college well, becoming involved in club sports, fraternities and religious groups. I 26 Freshmen Orientation

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Members of the university Color Guard prac- tice one of their routines. Incoming freshmen participating in band experienced a different welcoming than their fellow classmates, photo by JULIA LYONS Hitting the Right Notes SARAH LOCKWOOD WRITER While most freshmen participated in 1787 Orientation, others were introduced to the university through Marching Royal Dukes (MRDs) band camp. This weeklong camp, which began with an early freshmen move-in, involved 12-hour days that prepared band members for the season. Going into it was kind of nerve-wracking, said freshman trombone player Grace Owens. But I immediately felt like I fit right in ... I just felt so welcome, especially by my section, but [also] by staff and all the student leadership. Director Scott Rikkers and Assistant Director Bill Posey head- ed the band, but it took many to run the week. One of the gradu- ate assistants, Nathan Whittaker, described his job as a jack of all trades, with responsibilities that included taking attendance and recording the band. Student leaders, from drum majors to section 28 Freshmen Orientation leaders and drill instructors within individual sections, also contributed. The hot August days were split into sectionals, full music rehearsals, marching practices and drill-setting sessions. Between rehearsals and during meal times, sections participated in section Olympics, competing in activities like scavenger hunts, obstacle courses and marching drills. While some sections bonded by trying to win, others took a different method. With the section Olympics, the trom- bones always try to lose, said Whittaker. I think they are losing the best. The trombone section ' s lighthearted attitude was one of Owens ' favorite parts of the week. While she was still able to meet her FROGs and attend a few of the 1787 events, Owens also learned about the school through her fellow MRDs. If anything, I probably got a better sense of campus and a better sense of what being a JMU student was just from hanging out with [my section], said Owens. Band camp helped the MRDs prepare for their shows, but it also helped prepare freshmen for the next four years.