University of South Florida Herd of Thunder
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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.[1]
History
The Herd of Thunder (H.O.T.) Marching Band at the University of South Florida first took the field in September of 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 USF School of Music, the Herd of Thunder was born.
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Herd of Thunder Logo 1999-2002
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Herd of Thunder Logo 2002-present
Traditions
School 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. Then...let the GAME BEGIN!!! GO BULLS!!! [2]
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 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 Dr. Michael C. Robinson(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.
GO BULLS!!!
Staff Members
Dr. Michael C. Robinson Former Director of Athletics Bands
John Schnettler Director of Athletic Bands
Mary Dooley Office Administrator & Field Guard/Winterguard Program Director
Michael James Field Guard/Winterguard Choreographer
Rich Viano Percussion Director/Arranger
Gerard Madrinan Marching Instructor
Donald Sinkiewicz Color Guard Instructor
John Bishai Percussion Instructor
Stephen Alia Drill Writer
Beau Edwardson Announcer, The Voice of the Herd of Thunder
Keith Sanz Graduate Assistant & Music Arranger
Tim Bottoms 2007-2008 Graduate Assistant
Doug Moser 2007-2008 Graduate Assistant