The Notre Dame Pep Band is looking forward to new leaders this year, as well as some changes to the program overall.

The band elected seniors Adam DuVall as the drum major and Cullen Blindauer as his assistant.

DuVall is looking forward to the year. “I love leading the band. We’re so good this year,” said the drum major.

The Notre Dame Pep Band is composed of students in all grades that are either in band class or have taken band before.  Many teachers also play in the pep band, including math teacher Mr. Kelly Galarneau, science teacher Mr. Steve Kircher and Associate Principal Mr. Greg Masarik.

Along with new leaders, the band will be incorporating some new activities as well.  The band will be travelling to Camp Randall Stadium in Madison for Band Day to perform during halftime at the Badgers vs. Austin Peay football game on Saturday, September 25.

The marching band will also be performing in two parades instead of doing field shows: the Green Bay Holiday Parade (November 20) and the Green Bay St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 17).

Blindauer said they are adding eleven new songs, including “Poker Face,” “I Gotta a Feeling,” “Back in Black,” “Brown-Eyed Girl,” and “Thanks For The Memories.”

The band also met the weekend before school started for band camp.  Blindauer said camp helps members get better at marching and the various commands in a fun environment. One of the days they practiced for 13 hours.

The Pep Band has been a major stepping stone in the past for many NDA graduates. Students that have gone on to play in college bands include Connor Sprague, Sara Zipp, Jamie Tilleman, Marc Wendt, Bet Saphner (all at Madison), Kyle Sladek (Notre Dame), and Vicky Wilda,  Lauren Kurkowski, Anna Loritz, and Jessica Davis (Eau Claire).

The band this year is looking forward to the year overall.

“I hope everyone comes out to see the Pep Band,” Blindauer said.