The University of South Florida Herd of Thunder Marching Band does everything they can do to support their team and university. Here is a run through of some of the things we do on college game day!

Game Day Practice

To stay on top of things, the Herd has a short practice every day before leaving for the stadium. This practice allows band members to keep drill and music fresh in their minds. Additional practice helps give the best performances for our fans.

Tailgating

The H.O.T. wraps-up the fans tailgating and remind the fans it’s time to move into the stadium by performing a “concert on the road” with the cheerleaders and Sundolls (south main gate).

Pre-Game Traditions

Let’s get it started. With the time honored tradition of the “Call of the Bulls,” the Herd’s heralding trumpeters and Drum Line welcome a field rushing Marching Band, Cheerleaders, Sundolls, and “Rocky the Bull.” The performance starts off with a traditional USF song, El Toro Caliente (The HOT Bull). Then come the university songs including the fight song, March Victorious, the USF Alma Mater, and of course the National Anthem. We top it all off with “The Bull,” getting the crowed really pumped up right before the team runs on to the field.

Stands Tunes

We pride ourselves on being the “backbone” of the 12 th man on the field. Fans don’t have to watch Raymond James’ two huge screens to know what down the Bulls are at. The Herd has four downs cheers, with crowd participation in each. We also keep an extensive repertoire in flip folders, along with memorized tunes to perform when the ball is not in play. Of course, you will always know when we score when we play the fight song (not to mention the crowd cheering). We perform in the stands before and after halftime. Check out out school songs, CLICK HERE!

Halftime

The Herd of Thunder’s halftime shows are carefully prepared and these performances are always a crowd favorite. Halftime is a time for us to showcase our marching techniques and musical flexibility. The H.O.T. performs a wide variety of musical selections from several musical genres.

After the Game

We wrap it up Herd style. At the end of the game, win or lose, we perform our fight song and alma mater. Please stay and sing along. After the university songs, we perform “The Mission.” “The Misson” was part of one of our first halftime shows, and is a H.O.T. tradition that began our first season in 1999. After “The Mission” the band packs up, but the Drum Line leaves and performs again for a large crowd outside the stadium.