Near South Bend in St. Joseph County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
University of Notre Dame Band
University of Notre Dame Band
Oldest University Band in continuous existence in the United States (1846)
Presented by the National Music Council, Indiana Music Educators Association and Exxon
Erected 1976 by National Music Council, Indiana Music Educators Association and Exxon.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music.
Location. 41° 42.08′ N, 86° 13.851′ W. Marker is near South Bend, Indiana, in St. Joseph County. It can be reached from Leahy Drive. This marker is inside the Ricci Band Building on the campus of the University of Notre Dame. Before the Ricci Band Building was built in 1990, it was outside Washington Hall, the former band room. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Notre Dame IN 46556, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Northern Indiana. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Endowed Professorships (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Endowed Professorships (approx. 0.2 miles away); Dan Devine (approx. 0.2 miles away); Knute Rockne (approx. 0.2 miles away); Vetville (approx. Ό mile away); Ara Parseghian (approx. 0.3 miles away); Muffet McGraw (approx. 0.3 miles away); Clarke Peace Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in South Bend.
More about this marker. Normally, markers mounted indoors are not normally included in the Historical Marker database. However, this marker was originally mounted outside at the east entrance to Washington Hall (approximated coordinates 41.702681, -86.238097). As it was once outside, it qualifies.
Regarding University of Notre Dame Band. The Notre Dame Victory March was written in 1908 by Notre Dame graduates Father Michael Shea and his brother John. It was later arranged by band director Joseph Cassasanta to the version known today.
Also see . . . University of Notre Dame Band. Organization website. (Submitted on October 13, 2008, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia.)

Photographed by Kathy Walker, October 3, 2008
5. Cassasanta Plaque in Ricci Hall
Joseph J. Cassasanta
January 23, 1901 - December 1, 1968
Composer of Notre Dame Songs
"Notre Dame, Our Mother" (Alma Mater)
"Down the Line"
"Hike, Notre Dame"
"When the Irish Backs Go Marching By"
Member, Department of Music 1923-42;Chairman, 1927-37
Director, Notre Dame Bands, 1923-42
Director, Notre Dame Glee Club, 1923-38

Photographed by Kathy Walker, October 4, 2008
6. O'Brien Plaque in Ricci Band Building
Robert F. O'Brien
June 24, 1921 - July 1, 2003
Director of Bands 1952-1986
Composer "Damsha Bua" Victory Clog
Founder National Catholic Band Association
"When a person gets so wrapped up in Notre Dame, it is hard to even consider another school." O'B

Photographed by Kathy Walker, October 3, 2008
7. Notre Dame Plaid
Display in the Notre Dame Bookstore. The plaid is the piece of official Notre Dame tartan that hangs off the left shoulder of today's marching band uniforms. The idea for the plaid originated with former band director Robert F. O'Brien and was designed with the help of Frank Amussen. On March 11, 1970 it was submitted for approval to the Court of Lord Lyon in Edinburgh, Scotland, and was later adopted and trademarked by the University.

Photographed by Kathy Walker, June 5, 2010
13. University of Notre Dame Band Marker - Original Location
The Notre Dame Band Marker was originally located here, on a northeast corner of Washington Hall where the band used to rehearse. Notice the slightly discolored bricks where the marker used to be. The entrance to the band building was at the door next to the light.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 11, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 8, 2008, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 3,522 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 8, 2008, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on October 10, 2008, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. 10, 11, 12. submitted on October 11, 2008, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. 13. submitted on October 16, 2010, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.








