Indy Standard

When Mercy Makanjuola steps onto the field as part of the University of Notre Dame Band at the College Football National Championship, she will carry with her memories from Arsenal Technical High School. Makanjuola, a 2024 graduate of Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), reflects on her beginnings in music and leadership during her time there.

"My time at Arsenal Tech and within Indianapolis Public Schools provided me with a solid foundation in music and leadership," Makanjuola said. "I was first introduced to the band when I joined Arsenal Tech, where I learned to read music, march, and play the saxophone. Mentoring middle school band students on reading music was a valuable experience that helped me grow as a musician and a leader."

Notre Dame is set to compete against Ohio State in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Currently majoring in finance with an additional focus on Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics at Notre Dame, Makanjuola has already performed at significant events such as the Orange Bowl.

She describes her experience playing at the Orange Bowl as both exhilarating and surreal. "It was a proud moment to represent Notre Dame on a national stage, knowing so many people were watching," she stated. "The energy in the stadium was electric, and being part of such a large-scale event reminded me why I love music and performing."

For Makanjuola, participating in the National Championship represents years of dedication. "Personally, it feels like I'm part of something much bigger than myself, representing not just Notre Dame but also my journey from IPS," she noted.

Josh Goodman, who leads the IPS All-City Marching Band, highlighted Makanjuola's contributions as a founding member of both the All-City Marching Band and the Freddie Hubbard Memorial Jazz Band. He mentioned that despite starting clarinet later than some peers during her sophomore year, she excelled enough to join Notre Dame's Marching Band.

"Through Rebuilding Stronger, students like Mercy will have the opportunity to start their instruments even earlier," Goodman said. He praised her growth as a musician during her time at Tech.

Goodman described Makanjuola as conscientious and dedicated both musically and academically. "Mercy was also extremely dedicated to academics... She was a huge asset to the All-City Marching Band... I am so proud of how hard Mercy has worked," he added.

Makanjuola acknowledges that performing with Notre Dame's band has opened doors for experiences beyond what she imagined. Her advice for current IPS students is clear: "Stay focused... if you're passionate about music... surround yourself with people who inspire you... Every small step forward counts."