Paul Popiel has been hired by the University to take over the Notre Dame band program after the 2025-2026 academic year concludes.
“Popiel will direct the entirety of the band program, which includes the Band of the Fighting Irish, athletic bands, concert bands and jazz bands, and features more than 500 students from every academic discipline. The all-volunteer organization provides music for a variety of University events throughout the academic year, including liturgies, sporting events and the annual Commencement Ceremony,” the press release announcing Popiel’s selection stated.
Popiel received a master’s degree in trumpet performance from Notre Dame in 1995, following his bachelor’s degree at Truman State University in instrumental music education and trumpet performance. He later earned a doctorate from Michigan State University in musical arts in wind conducting. Additionally, he holds an arts diploma in 20th-century music from the University of Bristol.
The press release highlighted that Popiel brings three years of experience as the dean of the School of Music at the University of Kansas.
“Since 2023, Popiel has served as the dean of the School of Music at the University of Kansas (KU), where he led efforts to better align academic goals with university initiatives and actively pursued the integration of emerging technology into course curricula,” the press release stated.
Popiel previously served for 13 years as a professor of music and director of bands for KU. He also served as a professor and assistant director of bands at Indiana University and Oklahoma State University.
In the press release, provost John McGreevy praised Popiel.
“Paul Popiel will bring a distinguished record of pedagogical excellence, dedicated mentorship and a spirit of artistic collaboration to the growing performance program of the Notre Dame Department of Music,” he said.
Popiel expressed gratitude for the opportunity.
“Returning to Notre Dame is a profound homecoming to a place that shaped my vocation and values. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve an institution with such a rich musical and educational tradition, and I look forward to leading a band program whose legacy continues to inspire through artistic excellence, thoughtful engagement with the world and the formation of students as musicians, leaders and servants of the common good.”
Popiel will replace music professor Kenneth Dye, who is retiring at the end of the academic year. Dye, who is also a professional composer and arranger of music for bands and orchestras, began his tenure at Notre Dame in 1998. His musical works include the entire repertoire of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Band and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Band.
