University of South Florida Herd of Thunder
| Herd of Thunder | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Nickname | "HOT" Band |
| School | University of South Florida |
| Location | Tampa, Florida |
| Conference | The American |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Director | Matthew McCutchen |
| Assistant director | Bryan Braue |
| Members | 372 |
| Fight song | "Golden Brahman March" |
| Website | herdofthunder |
The Herd of Thunder (often called H.O.T.) 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 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.
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 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 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 (formerly known as the "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 Road Show and Post-game parade have also been staples in H.O.T.'s traditions.
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, who wave their Bulls hands in the air whenever this song is played.
...
Wikipedia