The University of Notre Dame Band has been selected to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show.
According to ESPN, the University of Notre Dame Band, also known as the “Showband of the North” in South Bend, Indiana, has been chosen to perform during the 2019 Super Bowl halftime show. This distinguished award elevates the storied marching band to one of sports’ grandest stages, allowing a national audience to see the rich legacy and musical quality of one of college football’s most celebrated units.
The Notre Dame Band, founded in 1845, is one of the nation’s oldest collegiate marching bands, with a rich history of precision, power, and majesty. The band has performed at numerous significant events, including presidential inaugurations, but its appearance at the Super Bowl halftime show will be a historic first.
The band’s director, Dr. Kenneth Dye, expressed great satisfaction and delight over the selection. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students and a great honor for the University of Notre Dame,” Dye said the audience. “Our band has a tradition of excellence, and we are thrilled to showcase that on one of the world’s biggest stages.”
The announcement has sparked jubilation among Notre Dame students, alumni, and Fighting Irish supporters around the country. The Notre Dame Band, known for its classic battle hymn, “Victory March,” and ability to combine conventional marching band formations with new theatrical components, is slated to put on a memorable performance. While details of the halftime show are unknown, it is expected that the band will perform a combination of classical, modern, and Notre Dame-themed musical selections.
Notre Dame University President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., described the nomination as “a proud moment for the entire Notre Dame family.” He stated, “Our band has traditionally represented passion, dedication, and school spirit. It is an incredible honor to have them represent Notre Dame on such a large stage.”
The Super Bowl halftime show is usually fronted by worldwide music superstars, so the inclusion of the Notre Dame Band is a huge recognition of the talent and pageantry that university marching bands provide to the entertainment industry.
As the Super Bowl approaches, Fighting Irish fans throughout the country are looking forward to seeing their favorite band play on the sport’s biggest night. With millions of fans expected to tune in, the University of Notre Dame Band is poised to make history with a performance that will be remembered for years.