Marching Band

The Notre Dame Marching Band is like no other. Each year the Band of the Fighting Irish performs for hundreds of thousands of college football fans and is seen by millions more on national television. And, even at Notre Dame, it wouldn't be a football game without the Band. The Band was there for the very first football game against Michigan in 1887 and has been on hand for every home game (571 games through the 2008 season) and numerous away games, pep rallies and bowl games ever since.

The 380+ members of the Marching Band come from all across America and overseas and represent every academic major on campus. Made up of Notre Dame's finest, Band members are recognized each year as distinguished graduates in their respective fields of study.

Football Weekends under the Golden Dome are truly spectacular - and busy - events. The weekend begins Friday afternoon when the band marches from the Main Building (Golden Dome) at 4:30 to the rehearsal field for a final run-through in front of hundreds of excited fans. Following rehearsal, the band stages an exciting march from the band building around Fieldhouse Mall to the Joyce Athletic and Convocation Center to perform for the standing-room only crowd of energized students, alumni, parents, and fans attending the Pep Rally.

On Saturday morning, the Band assembles at the Band Building for breakfast followed by a march around campus as a ceremonial "wake-up" for the students. The march out ends at the Loftus Sports Center (Notre Dame's indoor football facility) for a rehearsal of the afternoon's performance. After a brief meeting and prayer band members have a break to grab brunch and change into their uniforms. Thousands of fans, both with and without game tickets, follow the Band to the steps of Bond Hall for the tradition-filled "Concert on the Steps." With kickoff nearing, Irish pride is stirred as the band plays all the Notre Dame football songs plus the day's half time music. Fans who stay at Bond Hall after the concert are treated to the thundering sound of the Notre Dame Drummer's Circle, hundreds of others enjoy the Victory March and Notre Dame Our Mother (the alma mater) by the "Trumpets in the Dome", and still others around campus are able to witness each section's unique pre-game rituals and traditions. The crowds gather around the Golden Dome for the Band inspection and line the sidewalks as the band marches to the stadium.

In recent years the Band has traveled to Michigan, Michigan State, Pittsburgh, Penn State, West Virginia, Tennessee and Florida State. Bowl appearances have included the Fiesta Bowl, Gator Bowl, Cotton Bowl, Orange Bowl, and most recently the Sugar Bowl.

The Marching Band rehearses Mondays from 5:15-6:30 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Fridays before home games include a marchout at 4:30 p.m from the Main Building,a rehearsal at 4:45 p.m., and the pep rally at 6:30 p.m.