<p>I am currently a highschool student and Notre Dame is my top top choice for schools i want to attend. I play in my highschool's marching band, and i am considering whether or not to continue this in college. Could anyone provide any insight about Notre Dame's marching band... if you do it, or know anyone who has... Is it worth all of that extra time and commitment? Is it hard to audition for? Is it anything like highschool marching band (...whatever exactly that may mean... we all have our own personal experiences)? etc.</p>
<p>I cant really think of any other specific questions right now, but any and all input would be immensely appreciated!</p>
<p>Try outs consist of a four day band camp held in August. You receive a lot of instruction, support, and encouragement. My daughter is in the band and absolutely loved it! Since she is away on her study abroad, here are some thoughts from her blog. Best wishes to you on your college search! </p>
<p>"Over the summer, I decided to try out for the Marching Band because I really missed band after being in it for four years in high school. I thought I'd at least try, because if I didn't I knew I'd always look back with regret. I ended up making it, and have had one of the best experiences of my life! Marching Band has opened up countless doors for me, and most importantly, it's introduced me to some of the most incredible, talented, friendly, and fun people I know. The band is like one massive family in itself, and each of the sections is like a more tight-knit family with it's own traditions and rivalries. It's a huge time commitment, but it's worth everything just to run out of that tunnel on game day. I'm proud to be part of such an amazing tradition!"</p>
<p>My Freshman son says Band is one of the very best parts of Notre Dame (and there are a lot of good parts!).</p>
<p>He's made some wonderful friends through band and loves the spirit and dedication of the members and staff. He travelled with the Marching Band to New Orleans to play at the Sugar Bowl, to New York with the Varsity Band for the Big East tournament, and is headed to California with the Concert Band in early May. For a kid from a tiny Ohio town, that ain't bad!</p>
<p>As posted by SMCmom and Radionicist the Band is one of the greatest things about the whole enviorment that is ND. It takes alot of hard work and commitment as the kids really put in alot of time during the fall. Daughter has been fortunate enough to go to the Fiesta and Sugar Bowls as well as visiting the other schools that where on the Band schedule. It can be tough balancing your class work and Band but if you plan your time accordingly you will be fine. It is amazing when you see the kids getting ready for March out and realize that there are 20-30,000 people lined up to see and hear them. Then when they charge out the tunnel the roar for the Band ranks right up there with the FB team. Mim go for it you will not regret your decision.</p>
<p>It depends on what instrument you play and what class you are. Freshman clarinet= hard, while other instruments are easier, but not easy. I'm not in the marching band, so I can't say too much.</p>