Marshall University Marching Thunder Percussion “Herdbeats”
HerdBeats is the The Marching Thunder Percussion section, which consists of the battery, auxiliary ensemble, electronic section. Membership is open to any student regardless of major and auditions for the battery sections membership (snare, tenors, bass drum, & cymbals) are held in the spring each year.
We are excited about this year’s clinics and auditions. The Herdbeats line will be bigger and better in 2025! Our clinics are open to ALL Marshall students, as well as any high school student wishing to better themselves! The clinics will be from 1pm – 4pm and students should arrive no later than 12:45 to help with set up of equipment.
Spring Clinics Days
Our MT Herdbeats percussion clinics for battery percussion are available to any high school student who is interesting in learning more about the fundamentals and rudiments of battery percussion performance. These clinics are free to whoever would like to attend and will take place at the Henderson Center Marching Thunder facilities:
April 26th – 1pm – 4 pm
May 17th – 1pm – 4pm
If you are still interested in joining the percussion section next fall, please check out the audition information below. We look forward to having you all there!
Auditions
Auditions for the battery percussion (snare drum, tenor drum, bass drum, and cymbals) is open to all Marshall University students. There are no audition for the front ensemble, but we recommend coming to the May clinic (date TBD) to start developing techniques and learning music. All new and returning students are more than welcome to audition for snare, tenors, bass drum, or cymbals. The line will be decided after the second audition date. The auditions will take place on the following dates from 9:00am to 3:00pm at the Henderson Center Marching Thunder facilities:
May 31st
June 7th
June 28th
July 12th
More detailed information can be found in the “Fall 2025 Audition Information” section below.
Students wishing to audition for the percussion section should come to all auditions prepared with necessary materials. We recommend that prospective members come with a binder with sheet-protectors that has the audition music and technique packet, an instrument and/or drum pad, appropriate sticks and mallets, pencil, water- bottle, sunscreen, and appropriate mask. If a student has any questions, they can contact Dr. Schletter or the percussion staff.
Percussion staff information can be found here.
How to audition for the Marching Thunder drum line:
- Register for the fall 2025 Band Camp here!
- The password to the audition material is provided in the camp registration submission message.
- Go to the audition material site here.
- Practice.
- Attend spring and summer clinics/auditions.
Additional Audition Considerations:
Several aspects of the candidate are considered during the audition process. Most obviously, the technical abilities of the individual are a primary consideration. However, there are several other qualities the staff and director consider during the audition and rehearsal process which are equally important. Some of these would include character, integrity, and attitude. Additionally, the candidate should demonstrate the ability to take and apply criticism for further personal growth and development, as well as the ability to work as part of a team in collaboration toward a common goal.
The Marching Thunder is a highly visible entity of Marshall University and we hold our member to a high musical and social standard.
