Dear Notre Dame Band Family,
I am writing to update you on all the exciting things we’ve been up to during this Spring semester! We may not have been marching at any football games this semester, but we’ve certainly been busy! Click on the Band Newsletter to see photos and more info.
This February, Notre Dame hosted its 68th Collegiate Jazz Festival, welcoming many collegiate bands and clinicians from across the country. Eleven-time Grammy winner Christian McBride was among the clinicians, giving students the incredible opportunity to experience jazz at the highest level right here at home. This festival is the oldest and most prestigious collegiate jazz festival in the country, and it would not have been possible without the help of the many wonderful student volunteers from the Band of the Fighting Irish and the alumni contributors who help fund CJF. The festival concluded with an amazing concert at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, and we are so thankful for our performers, volunteers, and donors for making it such a huge success!
Band juniors welcomed their parents for Junior Parents Weekend with performances by the Symphonic Winds, Symphonic Band, and Jazz Bands. These JPW concerts were great opportunities for parents to see their band students perform outside of marching band, highlighting junior soloists and even featuring a rubber chicken symphony (yes, really!). As a junior, I can confirm that getting to see the band was my parents’ favorite part of the weekend!
The Notre Dame Basketball Bands and Hockey Band have truly been putting in the work and having tons of fun this semester, performing at each home game and even traveling across the country with the basketball teams! Recently the Basketball Band traveled to Georgia for the Women’s ACC tournament, and even Columbus, Ohio to cheer on our women’s team as they played for March Madness! The Varsity Bands brought the energy to each and every game this season, and no matter what the outcome, played with full intensity the entire time!
This March, the Notre Dame family mourned the loss of legendary football coach Lou Holtz. Coach Holtz led the Fighting Irish to their 1988 National Championship, and has truly left a lasting legacy on the Notre Dame community. On March 16th, Coach Holtz was laid to rest after a funeral mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. The Trumpet section of the Band of the Fighting Irish stood at the Main Circle and honored Coach Holtz with one last Alma Mater as the procession made its way to Cedar Grove Cemetery. Amidst a gray, snowy day, this emotional tribute embodied the respect the Notre Dame community holds for Coach Holtz and celebrated all he has done for the University. “Those who know Notre Dame, no explanation’s necessary. Those who don’t, no explanation will suffice.” - Lou Holtz.
We clearly have had a remarkably full first-half of the semester, and we are looking forward to what the rest of the semester will bring! Between Admitted Student Day, The Shirt unveiling, The Blue and Gold Game, our Spring Concerts, and more, we have many great things on the horizon! I’m extremely excited for this next football season, and I know it will be a delight to get to lead such a hardworking group of people. We thank you so much for your continued support. Again, please click here for the Band Newsletter to see what the ND Band has been doing. As always, GO IRISH!
Yours in Notre Dame,
Emma Ellis, Band 181 Head Drum Major
University of Notre Dame Band of the Fighting Irish