Tiger Band History

Father Basil Moreau, founder of the congregation of Holy Cross, included music in all of the Holy Cross educational programs throughout the world. Like New Orleans itself, the tradition of music plays strong in the hearts of Holy Cross Men. The Band Program is in its second century of music making. Since its earliest days, originating in 1894, the band has been a mainstay at Holy Cross. The high school band or the Convent Band, as it was first named, has grown into a full band program with many performing ensembles and course offerings. The Bengal Band Program, middle school grades 5-7, was established in 1974 by alumnus Michael Orkus class of '67.

The Tiger Band Program has received numerous superior ratings at the local, state, and national levels. In 1979 the marching band won first place in the Mid-City Greatest Bands in Dixie contest, making it the only local band to ever receive this award. In 1981 the band participated in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. For past two years the marching band performed at the district marching band competition and came home with straight superiors. The Symphonic ensembles have earned the Sweepstakes trophy at state festival in 1983, 1994, 1995, 1997, and 1999 and the district level from 1965-2004.

The Holy Cross Band Program is steep in tradition and continues to "Shake Down the Thunder" on Paris Avenue.

If you want a promising future, begin with a distinguished past, the Holy Cross Band Program.