The Oldest College Band in Existence

A green field stretches as far as the eye can see. The dignified Irish Guard marches past, fully adorned in plaid kilts and carrying bagpipes. Each six foot, two inch member performs an impressive salute and...a leprechaun and a marching band take the field?! You're not in Ireland anymore. It's none other than the Notre Dame Fighting Irish band (minus the bagpipes which were discontinued in 1954). Hailing from Indiana, this band takes special pride in their Irish heritage. The Irish Guard wears a specialized "Notre Dame plaid" according to the band's website. In 1966, the director of bands decided to incorporate meaning into the mainly blue color scheme. Green was to represent the fighting Irish, while the Church corresponded with red. Of course, blue and gold were incorporated as they are the colors of the university. Below is a video of the guard leading the marching band.



Interestingly enough, while researching the history of the band, I discovered a few of the sections' personal websites. First, the saxophones: One thing this section doesn't lack is pride. They have perhaps reached the ego level of the average trumpet player. Click here to listen to a wonderful rendition of The Victory March featuring saxes proclaiming their love for themselves.
After amusing myself with mp3's from the saxophone site, I came across this slogan on the tuba site. "We are known for our enthusiastic apathy, cold-heartedness, large appetites, and our famous renditions of the Victory March and America the Beautiful." No matter what band you may be a part of, this slogan would be declared by any self-respecting tuba player. As I have stated previously, what can you expect from tubas?