The Concert Bands

In addition to having one of the finest collegiate marching bands, Notre Dame has a long and rich tradition of concert performance. Annually, 200+ students participate in the three fall and three spring semester ensembles. These groups perform several concerts during the academic year and at the annual commencement excercises.

The concert bands had traditionally performed their concerts on campus in Washington Hall, but have also performed at the Morris Performing Arts Center in downtown South Bend. Currently, the concert bands enjoy performing in the recently completed Marie P. DeBartolo Center for the Performing Arts. This state of the art facility features the Judd and Mary Lou Leighton Concert Hall which is already being recognized as one of the finest in the country.

Each spring the Symphonic Band and Symphonic Winds tour to various parts of the country with recent appearances in California, New England, Chicago, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Ottawa and Montreal. This year, we are pleased to be touring through Southern California. Concert ensembles have also recently toured overseas to England, Ireland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark, Australia, New Zealand, Austria, the Czech Republic, and an upcoming tour in 2008 to China and Japan..

• Fall Concert Band - This concert band rehearses on Thursdays at 4:45 p.m. during the fall semester. The Fall Concert Band performs a variety of concert band standards and new compositions, and provides students an opportunity to play in a concert setting during the fall semester.
• Fall Concert Winds - This wind ensemble-sized band is the premier wind ensemble during the fall semester. Rehearsals are on Thursdays at 4:45 p.m. during the fall. The Concert Winds perform high-quality contemporary wind music, as well as time-tested standards from the band repertoire. Participation in Fall Concert Winds allows students an opportunity to play in a concert setting during the fall semester.
• Symphonic Band - The Symphonic Band rehearses Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. during the spring semester. The ensemble performs two concerts during the semester. This band performs the latest in concert band repertoire along with a variety of band classics. Symphonic Band members demonstrating significant service to the band are eligible to be selected for overseas travel.
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  Symphonic Winds - The Symphonic Winds rehearse Mondays and Wednesdays during the Spring Semester at 4:45 p.m. and is the premier wind and percussion ensemble at Notre Dame. Along with the Symphonic Band, it performs two concerts during the semester. The Symphonic Winds plays the finest selections in concert band literature. Members of the Symphonic Winds, demonstrating significant service to the band, are eligible to be selected for overseas travel.
  

University Band

The University Band is a full concert band for all Notre Dame, Saint Mary's and Holy Cross students, faculty, staff and alumni. This ensemble provides a relaxing, traditional concert band experience for brass, woodwind and percussion players in the greater Notre Dame community. Under the direction of Emmett O'Leary and the Notre Dame Band staff, the University Band prepares and performs a wide variety of music including marches, overtures, contemporary concert band pieces, pop medleys and traditional Notre Dame favorites.

Rehearsals are held on Monday nights from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. in the Notre Dame Band Building.

Those who are able may register for "MUS 408, University Band" for 1 credit. Registration is encouraged, but not required for participation. If you are interested in joining, but still have questions, please take a look at our University Band FAQ's.

Application for membership can be made by e-mailing Emmett O'Leary, or contacting the Band Office.