Dear Notre Dame Band Family,
I write to you with exciting updates and news and to let you know that Band 180 is in full swing! As we enter the heart of the fall semester and football season, let’s take a look at some of the incredible things going on with the Band of the Fighting Irish. Click this LINK to see the Fall 2025 ND Band News, with photos and more.
While students were away for the summer, Ricci Band building received some updates, with new carpeting and lighting in all three rehearsal rooms. The week of August 18th, students returned to campus, transitioning from their summer internships, research, service, travel and more to reunite with friends and kick off Band Camp. We had Coreientation on Monday and Tuesday where our
CORE band members worked hard to brush up on marching and develop teaching strategies for camp. On Wednesday, students moved into their dorms and on Thursday, we had the first marchout of Band 180! Over the next 4 days, our Section Leaders, CORE band members and returning members had the privilege of welcoming new band members and preparing them for auditions on Sunday. I cannot express how proud I am of our returning band members’ efforts and, as a result, the success of our new members. They learned an incredible amount in a short amount of time and, per the Directors, this was one of the best groups of new members we have had in a long time.
During Band Camp, Dr. Dye also shared some exciting news with the band; at the end of this academic year, he will be retiring as Director of Bands. We all know how impactful Dr. Dye has been during his tenure with the Notre Dame Band so I, on behalf of Band 180 and of the entire Notre Dame Band Family, would like to extend a congratulations to him and a heartfelt thank you for everything he has done for our program. The University, in coordination with a third party firm, is currently conducting a national search to fill the position for the next academic year, 2026.
Before our first home game, the Band had its annual backpack rehearsal. Coach Freeman and the Captains visited to hand out backpacks and Peter Schivarelli, whose generosity we have to thank for the backpacks and so much more, spoke to the band. The football Captains even got to conduct Celtic Chant!
On September 12th, the Band had its first Friday marchout of the year, performed at the Rockne Rally on South Quad and had our first Midnight Drummer’s Circle that evening. The following day, after our plaiding ceremony and Concert on the Steps of Bond Hall, the Band marched out from the Dome to the stadium before performing our pregame routine. During halftime, the band paid tribute to iconic artists who have recently passed away, performing Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys' “I Get Around,” Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” and Jimmy Buffet’s “Margaritaville.” Though the game did not go the way we would have liked, the Band always wins and I am proud of every Band member and particularly of our new members. Having your first game be a night game is not easy; they handled it with grace and were spectacular.
The following week, we did it again! Friday marchout and Midnight Drummer’s Circle both went well. The next day, we had a great performance at Bond Hall before another marchout to the stadium and pregame performance. After some inclement weather forced us to trek to the band building and back (and 56 touchdown pushups later), the Irish came out on top. I am proud of the Band’s flexibility during the rain delay and the energy they brought when we returned.
As you can see, it has already been an exciting first month and there are many more great things to come as we prepare for home games against Boise State, NC State, USC, Navy and Syracuse and a possible playoff game or bowl game. It has been a blast so far (once again, see the Fall 2025 ND Band News) and we are working hard to make the rest of the season the best that it can be. Wishing you and yours all the best and as always, Go Irish!
Yours in Notre Dame,
Sean Guibord, Head Drum Major
University of Notre Dame Band of the Fighting Irish