Frequently Asked Questions 2006

1. Who can be a member of the USF Herd of Thunder Marching Band?
2. How do I become a member of the marching band?
3. What costs will be associated with the band?
4. Are instruments provided?
5. When will the Marching Band perform?
6. Will the music have to be memorized?
7. Will you have any Drum Line, Pit, and Field Guard units?
8. Is it too late to join?
9. When do we start?
10. How serious is everyone?
11. When does the Marching Band rehearse?
12.  Can I have a full course load and be in Marching Band?
13.  Why does the Herd of Thunder have a Pre-Season Camp?
14.  What should I bring to band practice and Pre-Season Camp? 
15. Is the Marching Band open to everyone?

Information is subject to change season by season. Please check back on a regular basis.

Membership in the marching band is open to all students currently enrolled or dual-enrolled at the University of South Florida. You may dual-enroll if you are a student at any local University or Community College. This includes HCC, SPC, PHCC, FMU, UT, or any other bay area college!

BACK TO TOP

A few things:

1. Your Intention: Let us know your intention to join by CLICKING HERE!  All incoming members must "reserve" a spot!
2. Class Information: All marching band members must register for the marching band class. Listed in the course book as MUN 1110, the Marching Band meets for rehearsal as a class on Monday, Wednesday, and (on performance weeks) Friday. There will also be a limited rehearsal prior to departure on game days (Saturday). Permits are not required for registration. You may register for 1, 2, or 3 credit hours with this class.  
3. How to sign up for the class:
   1. Log onto OASIS (Online Access Student Information System)
   2. Click on Advising and Registration
   3. Register/Add/Drop my classes
   4. Under the CRNs area insert the reference number.
4. Dual-Enrolled Students (Non-Degree Seeking Students)

For non USF students who are interested in being a part of a college marching band!

It is possible to dual enroll at USF from the other local institutions.
There are two ways to apply to be a Dual-Enrolled student:

1. Fill out the form by clicking here >>> Non-Degree Seeking Student Application (.pdf file)
   Instructions are included in the document. Mail to the address on the form, not the H.O.T. office.
2. Go to the USF registrar (SVC building, Tampa Campus) and pick up a form for "non-degree seeking students."

NOTE: You can not turn in the form until a date in August. Check with the Office of the Registrar for details.

Dual-Enrollment Information: You may enroll in up to 8 hours per term as a dual enrolled student. After you have been accepted to take classes as a Non-Degree seeking student, follow the steps for "how to sign up for the class" listed under number 3 above.

BACK TO TOP

To find out exactly what you will need (mandatory items, etc) click the link below.

CLICK HERE FOR THE MOST UP TO DATE LIST OF COSTS.

It really should cost NOTHING to be a part of the program! Every member gets a talent grant!

TALENT GRANTS:

The breakdown for Marching Band:

• Marching Band - First Year: $200.00

• Marching Band - Veteran: $500.00

• Marching Band - Officer: $600.00  

The above is for the Fall term only. Pep Band (spring term) is $300.00 for all members.  

The breakdown when you add Show Band:

• Show Band: $750.00   plus

  • Marching Band - First Year: $200.00   or
• Marching Band - Veteran: $500.00   or
• Marching Band - Officer: $600.00  equals  
• TOTAL:   up to $1,350 for fall term

Check the Show Band and Pep Band pages for additional information on Talent Grants offered!

Up to $2,400.00 a year!

BACK TO TOP

Instruments that are available through the H.O.T. include all brass, all percussion, and piccolos. You may use your own brass instrument if it is silver.

BACK TO TOP

The Marching Band will perform at exhibitions, all home and some away football games beginning in September, and a possible bowl game.
The schedule is posted on the calendar page.

BACK TO TOP

Flip folders and lyres are a required part of our daily rehearsals, and even though you will likely have much of the music memorized by the first performance, memorization is not required. Being able to play your part extremely well with the music is required!

BACK TO TOP

We have a full Drum Line and a single multi-faceted auxiliary unit. We no longer have a pit.
Please visit the Field Guard and Drum Line pages for further details.

BACK TO TOP

We want you to be involved!  We are always looking for new members. Please CLICK HERE to join!

You MUST sign up and try out for the Percussion and Field Guard BEFORE the PRE-CAMPS start.

BACK TO TOP

Percussionists and Field Guard Pre-Camps
Percussion and Field Guard members begin prior to Pre-Season Camp at USF August 16th, 17th, and 18th.
Auditions for Field Guard and Drum Line are REQUIRED before these dates.  Please contact the appropriate instructor.

Everyone
Everyone reports on Sunday, August 21st and Pre-Season Camp continues through to August 25th.

BACK TO TOP

The H.O.T. is a group of adults that will demonstrate the highest standards of performance and behavior. Discipline and team work bring excellence.  Bring a positive attitude, patience, sense of humor, and be prepared to have fun!

BACK TO TOP

The normal rehearsal schedule is as follows:
    

*Friday rehearsals are only held on game/exhibition weeks
(That means around 6 or 7 Fridays off during the season!)

Percussion and Guard may meet early or stay late during the week.

Saturday Rehearsal (days we have night games) will usually be from 1:00-2:30 with departure for the game at 4:00pm.

This rehearsal schedule will last through Festival of Winds and is subject to change.

For the complete seasons schedule, please CLICK HERE!

BACK TO TOP

Marching rehearsals are scheduled later in the day when few other classes meet. With proper planning, you should have time to participate in the Herd of Thunder. As with any activity you partake in outside of your regular course work, you will be responsible for keeping track of your time and keeping up with all of your school work.

If you have any problems, such as schedule conflicts, please contact the H.O.T. office.

Simple: Plan ahead, you can do it and have fun!

BACK TO TOP

The Herd of Thunder is noted for excellence in performance. To achieve the excellence that we all want, members must be able to execute marching fundamentals and musical performance. Pre-Season Camp provides all H.O.T. members - both Rookies and Veterans - the opportunity to get into the groove of a normal marching season so that we can work together to produce exciting performances. The emphasis in Pre-Season Camp is on mainly fundamentals, but we will also be learning show music, stands music, and drill maneuvers for the season ahead.  Pre-Season Camp has a lot to do with the success of our entire season.

BACK TO TOP

Outside Rehearsal:

You should bring:

Instrument/equipment, any music issued, instrument necessaries (mouthpiece, valve oil, slide oil, cork grease, etc.), excitement, and anything else the staff requires.

Remember to bring PLENTY OF WATER AND SUNSCREEN!

Extra items may include...
Sport drinks, wet towels for your neck, water fans, handheld fans.

You should wear:

Shorts (shorts are a must in the heat), sneakers (no flip flops, sandals, or dress shoes), hat (the bigger the better), thin light colored t-shirt (no dark shirts), sunglasses, rain gear (jacket, etc - if the weather looks bad), anything that will keep you cool and comfortable.

Remember, you may be out in the sun hours each day!  Stay COOL while in the H.O.T.!

Inside Rehearsals:

You should bring:

Instrument/equipment, any music issued, instrument necessaries (mouthpiece, valve oil, slide oil, cork grease, etc.), excitement, bottled water (with cap), jacket, and anything else the staff requires.

BACK TO TOP

YES. USF is an EO/EA/AA institution. Every section is open to everyone!

BACK TO TOP