The start of Notre Dame football is still a few weeks away, but the musical sounds of a game day echoed throughout campus Wednesday as the band held its annual march-out.

It was the beginning of a five-day audition process for those who want to join the Fighting Irish Marching Band.

Over 500 students are trying out this year.

“Everyone’s kind of just getting ready and figuring out how to march and stuff like that. We're just getting everything organized right now,” said marching band member Carlene Koken.

"This means Notre Dame is starting up for the school year," says Band Director Dr. Kenneth Dye. "It’s the spirit, the fabric of the university coming alive."

The Band of the Fighting Irish has been around for 163 years, making it the oldest college band in the United States.

Meantime, the Irish kick off their 2008 football season at home, on September 6, against San Diego State.