The 草莓视频鈥檚 Herd of Thunder (HOT) marching band brought the green and gold to Sunday鈥檚 Tampa Bay Buccaneers halftime show. Their presence on the field fueled the crowd鈥檚 excitement as the Bucs celebrated another victory!
For many band members, this was the second year in a row to play during a Bucs game. It鈥檚 one of the university鈥檚 many ties to the NFL team, which hosts a number of fellowship and mentoring opportunities for USF students.
鈥淚t was special to have USF鈥檚 Herd of Thunder marching band perform at halftime of yesterday鈥檚 game against the San Francisco 49ers,鈥� said Brian Ford, chief operating officer for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 鈥淲hile we are celebrating 50 seasons of Buccaneers football this year, we also are focused on showcasing and celebrating the community that has embraced us from the beginning. The Herd鈥檚 high-energy performance added to what ended up being a very memorable gameday experience for all in attendance.鈥�
The performance featured 348 student musicians and field formations at Raymond James Stadium as they performed an energetic Motown-inspired musical arrangement that celebrated rhythm, unity and school pride.
Whether at USF football games, university ceremonies or community and national events, the Herd of Thunder is known for delivering high-energy entertainment that connect people through music.
Band captain and social media coordinator Emily Towner still remembers what first drew her to the ensemble.
鈥淚 was inspired to join after attending HOT Day as a high school student,鈥� she said. 鈥淧erforming on the field with so many talented musicians created a true passion for performance within me.鈥�
Since then, that passion has shaped both her college experience and career goals.
鈥淏eing in the marching band completely altered my college experience, giving me 300 immediate friends as a freshman,鈥� Towner said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 also how I discovered my passion for media and my future career path.鈥�
Beyond the music, the Herd of Thunder has become a source of connection, leadership and pride for its members. The group鈥檚 influence extends far beyond the field, building confidence and friendships that last long after graduation.
For Emily Morris, a senior marketing major and fellow band captain, game day brings an unmistakable surge of energy that unites everyone in the stands.
鈥淲hen we step out onto the field, you feel the immediate impact of the green and gold everywhere,鈥� she said.
That excitement fuels every performance.
鈥淲e鈥檙e the heartbeat for the university and the fans,鈥� Morris added. 鈥淒uring pregame, when the whole crowd is on its feet and cheering to our music, that connection is electric, it makes all the hard work worth it.鈥�
The Herd of Thunder serves as one of USF鈥檚 most visible and enthusiastic ambassadors. Members balance their rigorous rehearsal schedule with academic commitments, showcasing dedication and discipline in every performance.
For David Washington, a second-year member who plays tuba and serves as a new member advisor, the band quickly became his home on campus.
鈥淢arching band has shaped my college experience by providing key relationships that I鈥檒l carry with me after I graduate,鈥� he said.
That sense of connection extends across every section of the band, strengthened by shared customs and time-honored rituals.
鈥淚t鈥檚 important that we keep these traditions alive,鈥� Washington said. 鈥淭hey help entertain fans and keep our history moving forward.鈥�
With each performance, the Herd of Thunder delivers more than music, they bring the heartbeat of USF to every event. And when they stepped onto the field at Raymond James Stadium, the sound of Bull pride once again took center stage.