The Athletic Bands program is a group of talented performers who support the athletic programs of the University of South Florida. The Athletic Bands program consists of the Marching Band, Show Band, Pep Band, Indoor Percussion, and Winterguard. Our programs keep busy performance schedules by participating at football games, basketball games, university and local events, and exhibitions. Our Winterguard participates in state and national competitions and have many accolades to their name.

The University of South Florida is a Research I state university with an enrollment of over 42,000 students. The Herd of Thunder Marching Band was created in 1999 to help support the football program that started in 1997 here at the USF. The program reached a record number of 230 students in 2006, and will continue to grow. With the BULLS’ entry into the BIG EAST conference and national spotlights, this program hopes to be the backbone of the 12 th man on the field. In addition to stands tunes and our traditional pre-game show, the marching band performs a vast array of musical selections with upbeat and lively sets during our halftime shows.

A summary of our many programs

The Marching Band performs at all home football games held in Raymond James Stadium home of the Big East USF Bulls , Super Bowl XXXVand the Tampa Bay Bucs . The Marching Band has also performed in exhibition at some of the area marching band contests, BOA Regional's, a Tampa Bay Buc game, and traveled and performed University of Miami, University of Central Florida, Mienike Car Care Bowl, and the PapaJohns.com Bowl. The Bulls are the 2006 PapaJohns.com Bowl Champions!  

Our Pep Band performs at all home Basketball games, conference championships, and N.C.A.A. championships.  Members sign up towards the end of the fall term and the Pep Band activities continue through most of the spring term.  In Spring of 2005, the Pep Band traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina for the Women's C-USA Championship and then to Memphis, Tennessee for the Men's C-USA Championship where we fought our way to the semi-finals against the University of Memphis.  Information about signing up for Pep Band will be offered about half way through the fall term. 

The Show Band is an elite 27 member band that performs at special events.  This band performs at a vast array of University and area functions.  Auditions are required and are held at the end of band camp. Membership in Marching Band and Pep band are prerequisites for Show Band.

The Field Guard and Winter Guard are both award winning programs here at USF.  The HOT Field Guard performs as a section of the Marching Band at all events. The Winterguard is a separate unit which performs in the FFCC Circuit. In addition, the USF Winterguard competes in the WGI Championships every year. Auditions are required.

The Drum Line is an extremely important part of our program.  The Drum Line performs as a section of the Marching Band. 

• Marching Band

  • Field Guard
  • Drum Line

• Pep Band
• Show Band
• Winterguard
• Indoor Percussion

Drum Line Auditions
Join us for our series of summer mini camps and find your place in the line. There is room for everyone who auditions. You can choose the instrument to audition on, and after an evaluation of your performance, your place in the line will be determined. We encourage EVERYONE to stay and participate in the line regardless of whether or not you are chosen for your first-choice instrument. There is a place for you in the H.O.T. drum line. Please visit our Drum Line page for more information.

Field Guard Auditions
Previous flag experience is required for membership in the Field Guard. This includes the following advanced skills: drop spins, double fast, carves, tosses with various preps, and basic movement under the equipment. You will learn an “On the Spot” routine during pre-season auditions, which will include all the fundamentals on flag. Please visit our Field Guard page for more information.

Band Proper Auditions (woodwinds & brass)
The band proper does not have auditions! Anyone with instrumental experience is encouraged to join. For more information, please visit our Marching Band page.

There is no obligation to join after signing up on our web site, unless you have signed up for the class. You may decide not to join at any time. Signing up on our web site does not add you to a band class; you must register for the class on your own.