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

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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.