Frequently Asked Questions
Marching Band Audition FAQs
Other Ensemble Audition FAQs
General FAQs
How
much of a time commitment is Marching Band?
Marching Band rehearsals are held daily, Monday through Thursday, during
the Fall semester. Rehearsals are held in the late afternoon/early evening
following classes, and last approximately 90 minutes. Game
weekends are very busy but rewarding, with a rehearsal and pep rally
perfromance on Friday to morning rehearsal and the Concert On The Steps
prior to game on Saturday. Most students find that the time commitment
causes them or organize their time more efficiently. And, students from
every area of study on campus are able to find time to participate.
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How
do I audition for the Marching Band?
If you are an incoming freshman at Notre Dame, Saint Mary's or Holy Cross,
you should be receiving band sign up information through the mail. Simply
return the enclosed information card to be added to the Band Camp audition
roster. You will receive more information by mail and email throughout
the summer. Marching Band auditions will be held Wednesday, August 20th,
through Sunday, August 24th.
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When
do I need to show up for Marching Band auditions?
Band Camp registration begins at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, August 20th.
The first rehearsal for returning and auditioning band students is at
9:15 a.m. on Thursday, August 21st. Band camp extends through Sunday,
August 24th.
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When can
I move into my dorm?
Students will be allowed to move into their regularly-assigned dorm rooms
after 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 20th.
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What about meals?
Meals are provided for all Band Camp participants (including Holy Cross
and Saint Mary’s students) in the Notre Dame dining halls.
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What
is the Marching Band audition process?
In addition to participating in Band Camp, all students trying out for
the Marching Band will play in a music audition and do a marching audition.
Attitude and willingness to learn are also evaluated by the directors,
graduate assistants and CORE Band members throughout Band Camp.
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What
is involved in the Marching Band music audition?
When you register for band camp, you will need to sign up for a music
audition on either Thursday, August 21st or Friday, August
. The
audition will consist of any prepared material you might have plus three
or four short sight-reading excerpts. Your prepared material should
be one or two short selections or excerpts that you feel best demonstrate
your abilities as a musician (tone quality, technical ability, musicality,
etc.). Percussionists may audition on any instrument(s) of their choosing,
however we encourage you to audition on as many instruments as possible.
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Do
I have to bring prepared material to the music audition?
No. Most students choose to bring prepared material, but many do not.
If you choose not to bring any prepared music to the audition, your music
evaluation will be based on your sight-reading performance.
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What
is involved in the marching audition?
The marching audition will take place on Sunday, August 24. Much of
your time in band camp will be spent with CORE Band members (returning
upperclass leaders) learning the marching audition routine which is
performed simultaneously with 15 other students from your section. You
will be evaluated on your posture, step-size, coordination, hike-step,
accurate execution of the marching routine, etc.
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Doesn’t Freshman Orientation conflict with Band Camp?
No. Band camp schedule allows freshmen to participate in orientation activities.
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I
have a Placement Exam scheduled during Band Camp. What do I do?
If you have a placement exam that conflicts with Band Camp rehearsal time,
please inform a Core Band member from your section. You will be excused
from Band Camp to take the exam.
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Can
I still audition for Marching Band if I am participating in ROTC?
We have had many Band students who have also been a part of the ROTC program
on campus. Please make sure you inform both the Band Office and the ROTC
Office of your status and arrangements will be made to accommodate your
participation.
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I don't own an instrument, will one be provided?
Instruments will be provided at Band Camp check-in free of charge for
those students who do not own their own instrument, who do not wish
to use their professional-quality horn on the marching field, or who
play a large brass instrument, such as bass, baritone or mellophone.
Piccolo players may play flute during Band Camp – piccolos will
be checked out when the final roster is posted. Instruments for use
in concert ensembles are also available on a limited basis.
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I’m
interested in Marching Band, but I’ve never marched before. Is that
a problem?
Not at all. During Band Camp, you will have an opportunity to learn Notre
Dame’s unique marching style which is different from nearly every other
marching style. Each year several students without prior marching experience
make the band. If you bring a great attitude and a willingness to learn,
you’ll be off to a great start.
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How
much of a time commitment is Marching Band?
Marching Band rehearsals are held daily, Monday through Thursday, during
the Fall semester. Rehearsals are held in the late afternoon/early evening
following classes, and last approximately 90 minutes. Game Day Saturdays
are very busy but rewarding days, with a morning rehearsal and the Concert
On The Steps prior to game time. Most students find that the time commitment
causes them or organize their time more efficiently. And, students from
every area of study on campus are able to find time to participate.
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I got pretty burned out on Marching Band in high school. Should I even
bother with Marching Band at Notre Dame?
Every person in the Band will tell you that marching with the Fighting
Irish is completely different from what they did in high school. Most
students who felt burned out in high school find the Notre Dame Band a
welcome and refreshing change. First of all, our Band is non-competitive.
We spend our time focused on creating that special atmosphere unique to
Notre Dame football rather than worrying about how we will score at a
contest. All of our music and drill is specially designed for the Band
by the directors and show committee. Since we perform a different show
for each home game, rehearsals are efficient and the performances are
never stale. The Band has an unmatched following and is well-appreciated
throughout campus and in the local community. Most importantly, the people
in the Band of the Fighting Irish make it a truly great organization.
Relationships forged among the members of the Band are among the strongest
on campus. Before deciding against Marching Band, you are encouraged to
contact the Band Office and speak with a current Band member to get a
student's perspective.
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Everybody
makes it into the Marching Band, right?
Unfortunately, no, everybody does not make it into the Marching Band.
Each year 420 to 450 students vie for approximately 380 available Marching
Band positions. Although there are minimum playing and marching standards
that every student must meet, having a good attitude will go a long way
toward making the final roster. Every effort will be made to place a student
into the Marching Band if he or she seems to be a good fit. If for some
reason a student does not make the Marching Band on first attempt, he
or she is strongly encouraged to participate in the other ensembles and
try again the next fall. The vast majority of re-auditioning students
will make it into the Marching Band on subsequent tries.
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I didn't make it into the Marching Band last year, but I'd like to try
again. What do I need to do?
To ensure inclusion in Marching Band correspondence, those planning to
re-audition should contact the Band Office with a current address and
phone number. Be sure to indicate that you are re-auditioning.
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Does
the Marching Band have a color guard or twirlers?
No. The Marching Band doesn't use a color guard or twirlers. Instead,
we march with the famed Irish Guard. These colorful, kilted marchers must
be at least 6'2" tall, must have completed at least one year of study
at Notre Dame, and must currently be a student in good standing.
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What
if I don't play an instrument? Can I still be involved with the Marching
Band?
Yes! We are looking for a few
well-organized and versatile individuals who want to help with the Band's
operations at games and rehearsals. To apply either contact the Band Office,
or return the postcard you should receive as an incoming freshman and
write "manager" where it asks for your instrument. We will then
contact you with further information.
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How
do I audition for the Fall Concert Bands?
If you are trying out for the Marching Band, your music audition will
also count as your Fall Concert Band audition. If you are not trying
out for Marching Band, you will need to call or come by the band building
to sign up for a Concert Band audition time on Monday, August 25th.
This audition will consist of any prepared material that you feel best
demonstrates your abilities as a musician (tone quality, technical ability,
musicality, etc.). Students should also be prepared to sight-read. A
separate audition near the end of November will be held for the Spring
Semester concert bands. (See below for University Band Information)
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How
do I participate in the University Band?
The University Band is open to all Notre Dame, Saint Mary's and Holy Cross
students, faculty, staff and alumni. This non-auditioned ensemble provides
a relaxed, traditional concert band experience for brass, woodwind and
percussion players in the Notre Dame community.
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When are
Jazz Band Auditions?
Jazz Band auditions will be held on Sunday, August 31st. Please stop
by the Band Building when you arrive on campus to pick up music and sign
up for an audition time. Contact Larry
Dwyer for more information.
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How
can I participate in Varsity (pep) Band?
Varsity Band sign-ups take place in mid to late September. Rosters for
the bands are assembled prior to Varsity Band season primarily from Marching
Band members and Band Camp participants.
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How
can I be a part of the Brass Ensemble?
All brass players are invited to participate in Brass Ensemble. No audition
is required. Rehearsals are held Wednesdays at 12:50 p.m. in the Band
Building. Contact Emmett
O'Leary for more information.
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Who
comprises the membership of the Band of the Fighting Irish?
Membership in a University Band is open to any student, graduate or undergraduate,
officially registered and attending class at the University of Notre Dame,
Saint Mary's College or Holy Cross College. All academic majors are represented
in the Band.
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How
much time is involved with the Band?
This is one of the major concerns of incoming students. We highly recommend
that you do not delay auditioning for any of the ensembles because you
think it may take too much time. Each year students from every area of
study participate in one or more bands, and most students find that the
time commitment causes them or organize their time more effectively.
Marching Band rehearsals are held daily, Monday through Thursday, during
the Fall semester in addition to one sectional per week. As with nearly
every ensemble, rehearsals are held in the late afternoon/early evening
following classes, and last approximately 1-1/2 hours. Fridays before
home football games include a marchout from the Golden Dome and final
run-through, and Pep Rally peformance. Game Day Saturdays are very busy
but rewarding days, with a morning rehearsal, march-out and the "Concert
On The Steps" prior to game time.
The Symphonic Band and Symphonic Winds rehearse twice a week during the
Spring Semester. The Fall Concert Band and Jazz Bands Brass Ensemble and
Winter Drum Program each meet once per week. Varsity Band rehearsals are
held as needed throughout the basketball and hockey seasons.
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Do
I have to be a music major to participate in any of the ensembles?
No. There are around 400 students involved in the Notre Dame Band program.
Of these, less than 3 percent are music majors.
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Can
I get credit for being in band?
Yes! Students in every ensemble receive a grade and University credit
for their participation.
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Are any
scholarships available?
The University does not offer scholarships for students in the Band. However,
several small awards and employment opportunities are available. These
are generally awarded to upperclassmen who have a strong history of Band
participation.
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What
instruments, equipment, and fees do I need to supply?
We ask that those students who do own instruments to please bring them.
Instruments will be provided at Band Camp check-in free of charge for
those students who do not own their own instrument, who do not wish to
use their professional-quality horn on the marching field, or who play
a large brass instrument, such as bass, baritone or mellophone. Piccolo
players may play flute during Band Camp – piccolos will be checked out
when the final roster is posted. Instruments for use in concert ensembles
are also available on a limited basis.
Most people are glad to hear that there is no student mandated fund-raising
with the Notre Dame Band. All travel costs, with the possible exception
of a portion of overseas travel costs, are assumed by the University.
The Band Officers do ask each Marching Band member to pay a small social
fee. The amount is set through consensus of the Band Members and by advice
of the Social Chairperson. These monies are applied to a number of social
functions offered throughout the year. Please note that social fees are
not a pre-requisite for Band membership. However, Band members may not
be eligible to attend Band social activities if their social fee is not
paid.
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Is
there a place for me to store my horn?
Space is available for each Band member's instrument. Lockers or shelf
space for those actively participating in the Band program may be obtained
in the Band Office.
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What is CORE Band?
The Core Band consists of a specially selected group of Band Members who
assist the Directors and the Drum Majors in general marching instruction
and technique. They provide vital instruction and welcome information
during Band Camp. When possible, this group assumes the right and left
guide positions in parade or march-out formation. At the conclusion of
Band Camp the members of the Core Band become Squad Leaders.
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When
should I expect to receive information about the Band?
General information about the Band is mailed out to all incoming freshmen
around the end of May or beginning of June. However, if you were admitted
to later in the year, or if your home address has changed recently, it
is possible that we may have missed you. If you haven't heard from us
but would like to, please contact the Band Office with your current address,
phone number and email address. In the mean time, many of your questions
may be answered on the Band Web Site.
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