University of South Florida Herd of Thunder

CollegeMarchingBandInfoBox | logo=
bandname=Herd of Thunder | school=University of South Florida | location=Tampa, Florida | conference=Big East | founded=1999 | director=Dr. Michael C. Robinson | members=300+ | uniform=black pants, green top with University "USF" athletics logo over the heart, gold sash and sleeve accents, University "Iconic U" logo on the back, and black baseball hats with the "Iconic U" on it.slogan=Get your head in the game!|

The Herd of Thunder (often called H.O.T. or the Pride of the Bay) is the name for the athletic bands of the University of South Florida, which includes the show band, pep band, and marching band ensembles, although it is often used to refer simply to the Marching Band.

The Herd of Thunder was founded in 1999, two years after USF fielded its first football team. [ [http://band.arts.usf.edu/history.htm From the beginning...THE HISTORY OF THE HERD OF THUNDER ATHLETIC BANDS] ]

History

The Herd of Thunder (H.O.T.) Marching Band at the University of South Florida first took the field in September 1999. With the addition of a football team in 1997, the marching band was a needed faction of USF and was implemented by then University President, Betty Castor. With the help of the Athletic Department, the Alumni Association, and the [http://music.arts.usf.edu USF School of Music] , the Herd of Thunder was born.

Traditions

chool Songs

The Herd of Thunder performs several school spirit songs, including the Golden Brahman March (fight song), Alma Mater, "The Bull"(#8), and March Victorious.

Golden Brahman March (Fight Song)

:"USF Bulls are we,":"We hold our standard upright and free.":"For Green and Gold we stand united.":"Our beacon lighted and noble to see.":"USF Bulls are we,":"For USF will always be.":"With all our might we fight the battle":"here and now, and we will win the victory!":"(shout!) S-O-U-T-H F-L-O-R-I-D-A":"South Florida, South Florida":"Go Bulls!"

Alma Mater

:"Hail to Thee, our Alma Mater":"May thy name be told,":"Where above thy gleaming splendor,":"Waves the green and gold.":"Thou our guide in quest for knowledge.":"Where we all are free":"University of South Florida,":"Alma Mater, Hail to thee!"

:"Be our guide in truth and wisdom":"As we onward go,":"May thy glory, fame and honor":"Never cease to grow;":"May our thoughts and prayers":"be with thee through eternity,":"University of South Florida,":"Alma Mater, Hail to thee!"

Pregame

The University of South Florida Pre-game Festivities begin with The Herd of Thunder louring tailgater's to the Stadium with their Parking Lot Concert, where they play The Golden Brahman March, March Victorious, The"Bull"(#8), and other tunes to pump up the last of the tailgater's. 15 minutes before game-time, the HOT Scream Team(aka Trumpet Section) has their top lead trumpets do the "Call of the Bulls", which begins the USF on-field Pre-game tradition. When the trumpets hold their last note, the drumline begins the cadence to signal the entire band, cheerleaders, and Rocky the Bull to come "stampeding" onto the field. The Herd of Thunder then performs their famous version of El Toro Caliente, the Golden Brahman March(USF Fight Song), March Victorious and the Alma Mater, before leading the stadium in the National Anthem. HOT retires from the field to "The Bull"(#8)which they play to each side of the stadium to begin the football teams stampede. After forming a tunnel in front of the entrance to the field, HOT again performs "The Bull"(#8), until the team comes running out, they then cut directly into the Fight Song. [ [http://band.arts.usf.edu/gameday.htm Bulls Football Game Day – Herd Style] ]

tands

HOT plays downs cheers on each offensive down to energize the crowd, in addition to stands tunes during timeouts and other opportune times. A notable tune which has been used as both a stands tune and a down cheer is Rage Against the Machine's Bulls on Parade. Wooly Bully also continues the Bulls theme, which concludes with a "Go BULLS!"

Halftime

The Herd of Thunder performs three different halftime shows each year, and performs during each home game at Raymond James Stadium, select away games, bowl games, and other exhibitions.

Postgame

The Herd of Thunder concludes each game with a playing of the USF Alma Mater and the Marching Band's own personal alma mater, "The Mission". This portion of the game is always conducted by John Schnettler (Director of Athletic Bands). After home games, the HOT Drum Line parades out of the stadium, with fans following and ending with a final parking lot concert.

taff Members

Dr. Michael C. RobinsonFormer Director of Athletics Bands

John SchnettlerDirector of Athletic Bands

Mary DooleyOffice Administrator & Field Guard/Winterguard Program Director

Michael JamesField Guard/Winterguard Choreographer

Rich VianoPercussion Director/Arranger

Gerard MadrinanMarching Instructor

Donald SinkiewiczColor Guard Instructor

John BishaiPercussion Instructor

Stephen AliaDrill Writer

Beau EdwardsonAnnouncer, The Voice of the Herd of Thunder

Keith SanzGraduate Assistant & Music Arranger

Tim Bottoms2007-2008 Graduate Assistant

Doug Moser2007-2008 Graduate Assistant

Footnotes

External links

* [http://band.arts.usf.edu/ Herd of Thunder]
* [http://usfweb2.usf.edu/History/1band.html/ USF's first marching band]