“Practice Makes Perfect”

Since the band’s inception in 1972, the Marching Royal Dukes have been performing in halftime shows, competing with success, and traveling internationally. As the band has grown, so too has its image.

53rd Presidential Inaugural: An American Journey

The Marching Royal Dukes were selected to perform in President William J. Clinton’s inaugural parade in 1997 and were the largest band present. The parade featured collegiate and high school bands, choirs, and floats.

Band Camp

Band camp is a formative time for all Marching Royal Dukes. Summers are spent practicing music, learning drill formations, and making fast friends. The Marching Royal Dukes have grown and expanded over the years, but band camp remains an integral bonding experience. 

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

“Virginia’s Finest” has been invited to perform at several Macy’s Day celebrations including the 75th annual parade in 2001, and again in 2008, 2013, and 2018. Barry Manilow’s ‘Copacabana’ and ‘We Need a Little Christmas’ from the Broadway musical, Mame, were performed at the 75th. 

International Travel

No strangers to international travel, the Marching Royal Dukes completed a European tour of Cannes, France; Germany; Genoa, Italy; and Monte Carlo, Monaco for the Grimaldi 700th anniversary in 1997. The band also undertook a Heidelberg, Germany and Dublin City, Ireland Trip in 2004.

The Sudler Trophy: The “Heisman” of College Bands

The Marching Royal Dukes were awarded the Sudler Trophy in 1994. The trophy is the John Philip Sousa Foundation’s prestigious biannual recognition for performance and musical quality. 

Media

The Marching Royal Dukes have released recordings in formats from vinyl LPs to cassettes and CDs to digital streaming. Their music has been featured on and off the field by Warner Brothers, Columbia Pictures, and Walt Disney Productions. 

Washington-Dallas National Championship Football Game

In 1995, the Marching Royal Dukes were invited to RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. The band was well-received with Washington’s director of entertainment writing that he considered the MRDs “One of the best half-time shows here at RFK.”