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RCPS Bands Join Marching Royal Dukes

ROCKINGHAM ROYALTY

On Friday, September 3rd at Turner Ashby High School, members of the four Rockingham County High School Marching Bands participated in a “royal” event ... a joint-performance with “Virginia’s Finest” — the James Madison University Marching Royal Dukes. The 440-member “MRD”s performed two numbers during halftime of the TAHS-Western Albemarle football game, followed by the joint-performance of their famous tune “Get It On”.

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The marching bands of Rockingham County Public Schools maintain a rigorous practice and performance schedule each year – playing at all home football games, as well as various community and school events and a number of state marching band competitions – including the annual “Parade of Champions” at JMU.

“I am grateful to the JMU band staff and our high school band directors and principals for supporting our students. To perform with a marching band of this caliber provides an experience that is second-to-none. Our students will look back on this event as one of the most memorable band experiences of their school career”, says Kelly Troxell, Director of Fine Arts for RCPS.

Scott Rikkers, Director of the Marching Royal Dukes, summed up the event by saying, “It is always good to work with Rockingham County. Not only do we appreciate the opportunity to get out there and have a run of our show before our first game, but joining with other county bands is always such a fantastic experience for all involved.”

The Rockingham County High School Band Directors are: Ben Frenchak (Broadway), Laura Cole (East Rockingham), Greg Oaks (Spotswood), and Rob Nash (Turner Ashby).

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Information by Kelly Troxell; Pictures by TAHS Photojournalism Students - Caitlin Hart (senior), Brittany May (senior), and Addison Knicely (freshman).