With the exception of the Band I classes all of the band classes fulfill the Visual and Performing Arts entrance requirements for the UC and CSU systems. All band classes fulfill the NDHS Fine Arts graduation requirement.
Band 1 Winds and Band I Percussion are offered for ninth and tenth grade students.
Band I Winds is for students who wish to learn a woodwind or brass instrument. This class takes students from the beginning level to an intermediate level that prepares them to move on to Band II. Notre Dame provides instruments for students who need them for this class.
Band I Percussion takes beginning and moderately advanced drummers and prepares them for membership in the drum line and concert and contest Percussion ensembles. Students are placed in percussion classes based on an audition. While learning and developing instrumental skills Band I students learn marching basics and perform with the Irish Knight Marching Band as part of our pageantry presentation by carrying the school’s identification banner and flags.
Band II - Concert Band is for 9th and 10th grade students who play a wind instrument above the beginning level. In addition to studying music fundamentals and concert literature, students in Band II join with Band III (Wind Ensemble) to form the wind section of the nationally famous Irish Knight Band.
Band III – Wind Ensemble is for 11th and 12th grade students who play a wind instrument. Concert literature for this band will be at an advanced level. Students join with Band II to form the Irish Knight Marching Band.
Jazz Band is offered as an enrichment class for members of the band. Freshman may audition in the fall of each school year for possible membership in the Jazz band.
Drum Line/Percussion
Our second percussion class is Band IV Percussion Ensemble. This class is for advanced percussionists and placement in the class is by audition. Band IV forms the Drum Line for football season and for the marching band in parades and competitions. Percussion Ensemble students work on advanced skills and perform throughout the school year.
Dance/Flag Team is our girls auxiliary unit. As part of the Irish Knight Band, the Dance/Flag Team girls are trained in dance, flag techniques and precision choreography. The team performs in football halftime shows, band review competitions and concerts with the band. They also compete in dance team competitions during the spring semester.
Band Classes - During the school day the various band classes meet to practice and hone their skills. A night rehearsal each week brings all of the band classes together for one unified rehearsal. Regular daytime class rehearsals and the night rehearsals prepare the band for performances at football games, band competitions, festivals and concerts.
Saturday Band is a beginning band program Notre Dame offers to 4th through 8th grade students from surrounding grammar schools. Classes are held at Notre Dame on Saturday mornings and students learn to play wind and percussion instruments. More information is available from the Notre Dame Band Office at 818-933-3672.