Band of the Fighting Irish

The Band of the Fighting Irish is the marching band of the University of Notre Dame. Nicknamed America's First, America's Best, the band has been in continuous existence since 1845. The band has since grown to include over 300 members, representing nearly every field of study and over 40 states. The Band of the Fighting Irish is composed of students from the University of Notre Dame, Saint Mary's College, and Holy Cross College. The band, along with the famed Irish Guard, are considered integral parts of the pageantry and legend of Notre Dame Football. Led by the eight members of the guard, the Band of the Fighting Irish has performed at every home game since the football program's founding in 1887.