Joining the Notre Dame Band

Notre Dame takes great pride in the many musical opportunities that are available through the Band program. Whether you are interested in Marching Band, Concert Band, Chamber Music, Jazz, or Basketball/Hockey Band there is definitely a place for you in the Notre Dame Bands. Current students at Notre Dame, Saint Mary's College, and Holy Cross College are eligible to participate in the band program. Please look below at the audition information for each of our ensembles. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Band either by e-mail or phone us at (574)631-7136. We look forward to seeing you in one of our ensembles soon!

If you are an incoming student to Notre Dame, Saint Mary's, or Holy Cross College you can apply online to audition for the Band in the fall.

Frequently Asked Questions About Joining and Being a Part of The Notre Dame Band

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Below is the audition information for the various Notre Dame Band ensembles:

Marching Band

If you are an incoming freshman at Notre Dame, Saint Mary's or Holy Cross, you should receive band sign up information through the mail by mid to late June. Simply complete the online form to register to audition. You will receive more information by mail and email throughout the summer. If you do not receive band information in the mail, or are not an incoming freshman, please contact the Band Office for information.

Fall Concert Bands

Auditions for brass and woodwinds are held during the Marching Band audition period.

For those who are not auditioning for marching band, a sign-up list will be posted in the Band Office the week before classes for audition times during the weekend prior to the start of classes. For more information on auditioning for Fall Concert Band, please contact the Band Office.

University Band (ND, SMC and HCC Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni)

No audition required. Rehearsals begin on the first Monday of each academic term. Please contact Emmett O'Leary if you have any questions.

Jazz Bands

Students who can play any instrument found in a Jazz Big Band are invited to audition. We also invite vocal solists to audition. Improvisational skills are desired but not required. Audition music and a play-along CD are available in the Band Building one week prior to the audition. Auditions are held the Sunday after the start of classes in the Fall Semester. Sign up lists for audition times will be posted in the Band Office during the week prior to auditions. For more information, please contact Mr. Larry Dwyer.

Brass Ensemble

Students and others wishing to participate in the Brass Ensemble should attend the first rehearsal on Wednesday of the first week of classes in each semester. Rehearsals are held at 12:50 PM in the Main Rehearsal Hall of the Band Building.

Varsity Bands

Varsity Band sign-ups take place in mid to late September on the Notre Dame Bands web-site. Rosters for the bands are assembled prior to the Varsity Band season primarily from Marching Band members and other students when possible. Band placement is based on seniority, instrumentation, and service to the band program.

Symphonic Winds

Auditions are typically held after the conclusion of the Marching Band Season, either in late November or early December. Music for this audition will be available in the Band Office for pickup approximately 2 weeks before the audition.

Symphonic Band

Auditions are typically held after the conclusion of the Marching Band Season, either in late November or early December. Music for this audition will be available in the Band Office for pickup approximately 2 weeks before the audition.

Chamber Ensembles

No auditions are required. Please consult with the director of the ensemble you are interested in for more information.