University of South Florida Herd of Thunder
Encyclopedia
The Herd of Thunder 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.
The First Year
During the first year, the H.O.T. Marching Band was very eager to start traditions and try new things. Even though there had already been a USF Pep-band for decades(in basketball), an undertaking of this magnitude was much different. Three hundred uniforms were ordered and many new instruments were purchased. At the first day of Marching Band Camp, 140 students were in attendance, under the direction of Dr. Sid Haton. With their shiny new instruments, these students were prepared to learn the first drill sets of the USF Pre-game show. A Field Guard of 24 members rounded out the band. New members continued to join the H.O.T. every day, during this important growth period for the band. That first year began the tradition of the "Call" and “Running of the Bulls”, where the band ran from the tunnels of the stadium, "stampeding" onto the football field. By their first game, the H.O.T. had grown to over 200 members! Starting another tradition, their first show featured a Latin theme, including "La Copa de La Vida". Ironically, the sky thundered during the debut of the Herd of Thunder and the marching band was unable to march. However the rain couldn’t stop them, as they still performed from the stands.
"The Bull"
In 1999, HOT band member Keith Sanz was studying at the USF School of Music. He composed a short piece that the Marching Band uses to inspire spirit. This notable tune is "The Bull" chant. The band plays this on offensive 3rd downs or whenever the defense needs to make a stop. "The Bull" became a favorite of USF Bulls fans. USF Fans wave their Bulls hands in the air whenever this song is played.
The Herd of Thunder performs several school spirit songs, including the Golden Brahman March (USF fight song), Alma Mater, "The Bull", and March Victorious.
Golden Brahman March (USF Fight Song)
USF Alma Mater
March Victorious
The University of South Florida pregame festivities begin with the Herd of Thunder luring tailgaters to the stadium with their parking lot concert ("Road Show"), where they play the Golden Brahman March, March Victorious, The Bull, and other tunes to pump up the last of the tailgaters. 15 minutes before game-time, the HOT trumpets perform the "Call of the Bulls", which begins the USF on-field pregame 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. This format, inspired and taken directly from the University of Central Florida's pregame show, gives the illusion of a small and modest performance before filling the field with USF pride and "blowing away" the audience each time. The Herd of Thunder then performs their 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" which they play to each side of the stadium to begin the football team's stampede. After forming a tunnel in front of the entrance to the field, HOT again performs "The Bull", until the team comes running out, they then cut directly into the Fight Song.
's Bulls on Parade
. Wooly Bully
also continues the Bulls theme, which concludes with a "Go BULLS!"
1st Down: 1st Down "Go Bulls"(March V fanfare)
2nd Down: Random song
3rd Down: The Bull
Opposing teams 4th Down: Bulls on Parade(Rage Against the Machine)
Herd of Thunder performing in the Stands During the 2007 Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas
"Rocky" usually gives HOT a visit in the 3rd quarter, Home AND Away.
HOT Band has many away game appearances. These pics are at NC State and Auburn.
, select away games, bowl games, and other exhibitions. After halftime at RayJay, the band has a chance to get the crowd pumped up for the 2nd half, when returning to their section.
Molly Keane, Christy Hobby
Drum Majors -
Ryan Salazar, Trevor Butts, Aaron Campbell
Corbyn Galloway – Head, Heather Hilton – Assistant
Clarinet Section Leaders
Morgan Wood – Head, Jon Guiot – Assistant
Alto Saxophone Section Leaders
Bradley Shoemaker – Head, Melissa Adams - Assistant
Tenor Saxophone Section Leader
Argenis Burgos
Trumpet Section Leaders
Chris Simmons – Head, James Coyne – Assistant
Mellophone Section Leaders
Kathleen Baumback – Head, Toni Panagiotauros – Assistant
Trombone Section Leaders
Ray Matson – Head, Danielle Batcheller – Assistant
Baritone Section Leader
Chase Lindsey
Tuba Section Leaders
Chris Wingeier – Head, Katie Blaker – Assistant
Percussion Captain
Guard Captain
Ashley Sanchez, Caitlyn Lutz, Alexandrea McGlynn
Marketing/Publicity -
Neli Nava, Sean Carr
Historian -
Jeremiah Dick, Katie Ammons
IT/Webmaster
Michael Trimm
University of South Florida
The University of South Florida, also known as USF, is a member institution of the State University System of Florida, one of the state's three flagship universities for public research, and is located in Tampa, Florida, USA...
, which includes the show band, pep band
Pep band
A pep band is an ensemble of instrumentalists who play at functions or events with the purpose of entertaining and "pepping" up a crowd. Often members of a pep band are a subset of people from a larger ensemble such as a marching band or a concert band. Pep bands are generally associated with...
, and marching band
Marching band
Marching band is a physical activity in which a group of instrumental musicians generally perform outdoors and incorporate some type of marching with their musical performance. Instrumentation typically includes brass, woodwinds, and percussion instruments...
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.
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 USF Alumni Association, and the USF School of Music, the Herd of Thunder was born.The First Year
During the first year, the H.O.T. Marching Band was very eager to start traditions and try new things. Even though there had already been a USF Pep-band for decades(in basketball), an undertaking of this magnitude was much different. Three hundred uniforms were ordered and many new instruments were purchased. At the first day of Marching Band Camp, 140 students were in attendance, under the direction of Dr. Sid Haton. With their shiny new instruments, these students were prepared to learn the first drill sets of the USF Pre-game show. A Field Guard of 24 members rounded out the band. New members continued to join the H.O.T. every day, during this important growth period for the band. That first year began the tradition of the "Call" and “Running of the Bulls”, where the band ran from the tunnels of the stadium, "stampeding" onto the football field. By their first game, the H.O.T. had grown to over 200 members! Starting another tradition, their first show featured a Latin theme, including "La Copa de La Vida". Ironically, the sky thundered during the debut of the Herd of Thunder and the marching band was unable to march. However the rain couldn’t stop them, as they still performed from the stands.
Directors of The Herd of Thunder
- 1999-2002 Dr. Donald Sidney "Sid" Haton(1963-2008)
- 2002-2008 Dr. Michael C. "D-Rob" Robinson
- 2008-2009 Mr. John "Schnetty" Schnettler (Interim)
- 2009-Present Dr. Matthew McCutchen
Traditions
The Herd of Thunder has established many traditions over the years while being a major contributor to the University community and the Tampa Bay Area. The "Call of the Bulls" is a storied one among the trumpet section("Scream Team") and band members, since most of them never forget running onto the field for the first time with the loud roars of the home crowd cheering them on. The Street Concert and Post-game parade have also been staples in H.O.T.'s traditions."The Bull"
In 1999, HOT band member Keith Sanz was studying at the USF School of Music. He composed a short piece that the Marching Band uses to inspire spirit. This notable tune is "The Bull" chant. The band plays this on offensive 3rd downs or whenever the defense needs to make a stop. "The Bull" became a favorite of USF Bulls fans. USF Fans wave their Bulls hands in the air whenever this song is played.
South Florida School Songs
Golden Brahman March (USF Fight Song)
- U-S-F Bulls are we,
- We hold our standard upright and free.
- For Green and Gold we stand united.
- Our beacon lighted and noble to see.
- U-S-F 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!!!
USF 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!
March Victorious
- (fanfare#1) GO BULLS!!!
- (fanfare#2) GO BULLS!!!
- (fanfare#3) GO BULLS!!!
Pregame
When the trumpets hold their last note, the drumline begins the cadence to signal the entire band, cheerleaders, and Rocky the Bull
Rocky the Bull
Rocky the Bull is the mascot of University of South Florida's USF Bulls athletics...
to come "stampeding" onto the field. This format, inspired and taken directly from the University of Central Florida's pregame show, gives the illusion of a small and modest performance before filling the field with USF pride and "blowing away" the audience each time. The Herd of Thunder then performs their 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" which they play to each side of the stadium to begin the football team's stampede. After forming a tunnel in front of the entrance to the field, HOT again performs "The Bull", until the team comes running out, they then cut directly into the Fight Song.
Stands
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 MachineRage Against the Machine
Rage Against the Machine is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1991, the group's line-up consists of vocalist Zack de la Rocha, bassist and backing vocalist Tim Commerford, guitarist Tom Morello and drummer Brad Wilk...
's Bulls on Parade
Bulls on Parade
"Bulls on Parade" is a song released by Rage Against the Machine in 1996, and can be found on their second album Evil Empire.-Context:"Bulls on Parade" addresses the American military-industrial complex, a situation in which industry urges government to take military action, with the intent of...
. Wooly Bully
Wooly Bully
"Wooly Bully" is a popular song originally recorded by novelty rock 'n' roll band Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs in 1965. Based on a standard 12-bar blues progression, it was written by the band's leader, Domingo "Sam" Samudio. It was released as a single on the Memphis-based Pen label and...
also continues the Bulls theme, which concludes with a "Go BULLS!"
1st Down: 1st Down "Go Bulls"(March V fanfare)
2nd Down: Random song
3rd Down: The Bull
Opposing teams 4th Down: Bulls on Parade(Rage Against the Machine)
Halftime
The Herd of Thunder performs several different halftime shows each year, and performs during each home game at Raymond James StadiumRaymond James Stadium
Raymond James Stadium, also known as the "Ray Jay", is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Tampa, Florida. It is home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well as the NCAA's South Florida Bulls football team. The stadium seats 65,857 , and it is expandable to 75,000 for special events...
, select away games, bowl games, and other exhibitions. After halftime at RayJay, the band has a chance to get the crowd pumped up for the 2nd half, when returning to their section.
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 the Director of Athletic Bands. When leaving the stadium, the HOT Drum Line parades out RAY JAY, with fans following and ending with a final parking lot concert.Staff members
- Dr. John C. Carmichael - USF Director of Bands
- Dr. Matthew McCutchen - Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands
- Mary Dooley - Color Guard Director
- Jade Bouza - Guard Instructor
- Michael James - Choreographer
- Doug Moser - Percussion
- Steve Alia - Visual Designer
2011 Leadership Executive Board
Band Captains -Molly Keane, Christy Hobby
Drum Majors -
Ryan Salazar, Trevor Butts, Aaron Campbell
2011 section leaders
Flute Section LeadersCorbyn Galloway – Head, Heather Hilton – Assistant
Clarinet Section Leaders
Morgan Wood – Head, Jon Guiot – Assistant
Alto Saxophone Section Leaders
Bradley Shoemaker – Head, Melissa Adams - Assistant
Tenor Saxophone Section Leader
Argenis Burgos
Trumpet Section Leaders
Chris Simmons – Head, James Coyne – Assistant
Mellophone Section Leaders
Kathleen Baumback – Head, Toni Panagiotauros – Assistant
Trombone Section Leaders
Ray Matson – Head, Danielle Batcheller – Assistant
Baritone Section Leader
Chase Lindsey
Tuba Section Leaders
Chris Wingeier – Head, Katie Blaker – Assistant
Percussion Captain
Guard Captain
2011 administrative leadership
Librarian -Ashley Sanchez, Caitlyn Lutz, Alexandrea McGlynn
Marketing/Publicity -
Neli Nava, Sean Carr
Historian -
Jeremiah Dick, Katie Ammons
IT/Webmaster
Michael Trimm