Top stories

Join the Marching Thunder 2019!

It’s easy as 1…2…3

Step 1: Register in our database
Click here to be taken to our database. Use your 901# and fill out the rest of the form. This get’s you set up in our system to start receiving information about the upcoming year.

Step 2: Register for the Marching Thunder Course
Tell your advisor to place MUS 266 on your schedule. 

Step 3: Watch out for email updates throughout the summer
We’ll send you all the information you need to get ready for band camp.

Calendar

Please note that this is subject to change. The final schedule will be distributed at band camp.

August
9-16 Band Camp
16 Pullman Plaza Pep Rally
17 Freshman March (Drum Line Only)
30 Paint the Capital Green (Tuition Waiver Recipients Only)

September
1 Away Game- Miami of Ohio
8 Home Game- EKU
22 Home Game- NC State
25 Kanawha Band and Majorette Festival

October
6 Home Game- MTSU
13 Tri-State Marching Festival
18 Homecoming Parade
20 Home Game- FAU (Homecoming)

November
10 Home Game- Charlotte
17 Home Game- UTSA

December
1 Potential C-USA Championship
TBD Post-season blow game

 

Frequently Asked Questions

When is band camp?

Band camp will start the afternoon of August 9th and run through August 16th. Students living in on-campus housing will be able to move-in to their dorms on the 9th. 

How much does it cost to be in the Marching Thunder?

We cover the cost of all your travel and meals with the Marching Thunder including trips to bowl games and championship games. We only ask for a small $60 band camp fee at the beginning of the season to help cover the cost of your member shirt, dinner during band camp, and water at football games.

Do I have to audition or be a music major?

You do not have to be a music major to participate in the Marching Thunder. In fact, most of our members are non-music majors. There is no audition to participate for woodwind or brass players. If you are interested in being in the color guard, drumline, or majorette line, please contact us for more information. 

When are does the Marching Thunder rehearse?

The Marching Thunder rehearses Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 3:30-5:30 as well as the day of each home game.

Will I have time for my school work or a job?

Many of our members are on the dean’s list each semester or find time to have a job outside of school. You will find the time commitment for college marching band is typically less than high school marching band and students are able to work, do homework, and socialize outside of marching band responsibilities.

Can you provide me with an instrument?

The Marching Thunder only provides mellophones, baritones, sousaphones, and percussion instruments. Students are expected to provide their own flute/piccolo, clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, trumpet, or trombone. 

I don’t play an instrument, is there something I can do to still be involved?

We have a place for everyone and have Band Manager positions available to help with logistics and setting up for rehearsals and games. Contact us if you are interested in one of these positions. 

Marching Thunder to Perform in London

Marshall University’s marching band, the Marching Thunder, will be traveling to London, England, during December 2019 and will perform in the 2020 New Year’s Day Parade.

The School of Music is planning a special ceremony and celebration from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28, in the Henderson Center, during which it will receive the official invitation from the executive director of the parade as well as the Lord High Mayor of London.

The Marching Thunder was selected after a global search of marching bands and following the band’s successful international debut in Rome in 2016. In addition to the parade performance, the members of the Marching Thunder will enjoy several days of educational tours and sightseeing in England.

The London New Year’s Day Parade is one of the largest of its kind. It is broadcast throughout England and the United States. It includes marching bands from around the world as well as floats, balloons, and other entries. Similar to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the event includes a parade route through Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and Waterloo Place, and culminates in a grandstand performance that is broadcast live.

“One of the favorite parts of my job is being able to offer new and different opportunities to students,” said Dr. Adam Dalton, director of bands in Marshall’s School of Music. “Events like this one are once in a lifetime. I have been fortunate to travel the world thanks to music and I love that I get give that to our students at Marshall. It is an incredible honor to receive our second invitation to an international parade and I can’t wait to experience this with the Marching Thunder.”

In an e-mail invitation to join the event, Powell Johann, senior director of International Participation for London’s New Year’s Day Parade, said the invitation was due to “the prowess you showed in the sister event in Rome several years ago and by continuing accolades from USA-based music educators and adjudicators.”

“In addition to that, I do want to add that we involved with Youth Music were so very impressed with the deportment, manners and good humor of your band members,” Johann said. “Their friendliness and cooperation were remarked on with some passion by the authorities in Frascati, Rome, and the Vatican itself. … They were marvelous ambassadors for the nation, and we expect much the same next year in London where they will receive a great welcome.”

More information will be available in the coming weeks. Incoming freshmen are encouraged to contact Dr. Dalton (daltona@marshall.edu) to find out how they can start registering.