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STATEMENT
The USF Herd of Thunder (HOT) Marching Band has enjoyed considerable success over the past several years, resulting in exceptional growth in the number of participants and excellent retention of returning members. As a result of numerous considerations, this year's HOT Marching Band will not exceed 320 registered members. This represents an increase of 30 members (10%) over last year's total. This decision is the result of thorough discussions and careful consideration, and is fully supported by the USF Athletic Band Director, Director of Bands, Director of the School of Music, Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts, Athletic Director, and Provost of the University. Deciding factors include: Marching Band operating budget, allotted travel budget, school owned instruments, storage, facilities, and infrastructure.
The ultimate goal of the USF Marching Band program is to grow to a size comparable to "ideal" college marching band programs. However, membership will remain at 320 members for the foreseeable future, until such a time that the factors listed above allow for additional growth.
MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES
Color Guard, Percussion, Drum Majors, and Majorettes: Must participate in the Spring/Summer audition process. This process will be completed and members selected by July 15th. The instructors of these groups will post audition information on the HOT website by March.
Returning Winds ("Vets") - Same instrument: Any member returning to the band on the same instrument will be automatically granted membership. (The Director reserves the right to notify any returning member they are not "automatically granted" a position at Band Camp Registration for any reason.)
Returning Winds ("Vets") - Changing Instruments: Any member returning to the band who wishes to perform on an instrument which they have never performed on in a USF ensemble must: A) Notify the Director by July 1st & B) Privately audition for the Director on the new instrument by August 1st. If the member does not pass the audition, they are invited to return to their original instrument, and automatically granted membership, or to go through Band Camp as a "Rookie" on their new instrument. If the member passes the pre-audition, they will be automatically granted membership on the new instrument.
New Winds ("Rookies"): If the total number of students who register at Band Camp Registration exceeds 320, the "Rookies" will enter into the "Membership Selection Process".
Definition of "Returning Member" ("Vet"): Any USF (or properly registered USF NDS) student who completed a full season of USF Marching Band with a final grade of "B" or higher, and received a stipend.
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