“Hey Bulls fans…are you feelin’ HOT?!”

Once this phrase is exclaimed over the Raymond James Stadium loudspeaker, the excitement begins. The drumline taps off after AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” and the USF Herd of Thunder (HOT) Marching Band starts sprinting to their spots.

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Being a part of HOT for two years has been one of the biggest blessings in my life so far. 

It certainly doesn’t come without any time commitments – we practice three times a week for two and a half hours each rehearsal. But with every performance, our hard work and attention to detail pays off.

Like a powder keg on the brim of an explosion, the anticipation releases and the band locks in to deliver the best performance they can give their stadium full of fans.

HOT is under the direction of Trevor Butts, a 2014 alum. He said he was drawn to teach at his alma mater when the opportunity presented itself. 

“Each year the band has gotten bigger in size and the community and family aspect of the band has gotten better and I can’t wait to see how much more it can grow during my time,” said Butts, the USF Director of Athletic Bands.  

Something that has been growing in recent seasons is the amount of praise the band receives from USF athletes. 

“This past football game against BCU, one of the players ran over to the band section at the end and screamed that he ‘Loved the band’ which is something that not a lot of collegiate band programs can say,” Butts said.

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The band was also just invited to play at this Sunday’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers game at the stadium.

But HOT isn’t just about a performance – it’s also about family.

Everyone has a place in band regardless of their background, religion or political affiliation. It is a sanctuary for many people who have never felt welcome or accepted anywhere else.

“I have grown so much as a person and a leader through being in HOT and these people, both members and staff, have supported me through some of the roughest times in my life and I couldn’t be more thankful,” said Riley-Claire Grimsley, a senior studying behavioral health.

I can definitely say the same. It is rare to be able to make music with your closest friends – and even some people you have yet to meet.

It even provides a breath of fresh air from the everyday stresses

“Having a place to get away from the hardships and headaches of college to go have fun with such a large and loving community is more than I could ask for,” said Ethan Wasserman, a sophomore biomedical engineering major.

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Not many people have the opportunity to be a part of something as special and rewarding as a marching band, and especially not to continue at the university level. 

I’ll never have anything like marching band after I graduate college. This is it, and I savor every moment. 

Catch us performing at the next home football game on Sept. 21 at Raymond James Stadium.