I graduated class of 2001, so my 7th grade year was 96-97 year. If I remember correctly about 75% of the cheerleaders were in the band like lindsey hunnicutt at alto sax was my section leader.

As an example of how much a marching band can mean to a fan base
YouTube - Country Roads

This song just about brings grown men to tears. And even though I'm not a Notre Dame fan, hearing that fight song makes me dream about representing the orange and black once again whether in the band, tennis team, or anything else.