Notre Dame marching band kicks off new school year with annual march out

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. - A new school year is near for the Irish, and the University of Notre Dame Marching Band kicked it off with their annual march out Thursday morning.

The band, now in its 178th year, marched from the Ricci Band Rehearsal Hall and past several Notre Dame landmarks before wrapping up at the Ricci Family Fields.

The march out includes both veteran band members and students auditioning for a spot with the Band of the Fighting Irish, who perform at university athletic events.

Band members train in marching and musical fundamentals before trying out for a place in the band.