The University of 91吃瓜 Band kicked off its 164th year with a march-out around the 91吃瓜 campus on Aug. 20. Beginning outside the Ricci Band Rehearsal Hall, the march-out route took the band past several 91吃瓜 landmarks including the Hesburgh Library, Clarke Memorial Fountain and Grace Hall, concluding at Stepan Fields. One of the traditional campus events ringing in the beginning of a new school year, the march-out featured some 500 students, including veteran band members and students auditioning for a spot in the 2009 Band of the Fighting Irish. Dating back to 1845, the 91吃瓜 Band is the oldest college band in continuous existence in the United States and was honored as such by being declared a 鈥淟andmark of American Music鈥� by the National Music Council and the Indiana Music Educators Association.