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. These specifics can be found in the “2023 Clinics and Auditions” section below.
Toward the end of the spring semester, HerdBeats meets once a week to go over fundamentals and technique to prepare individuals for the audition and to keep the hands moving during the off-season. This is open to ALL Marshall students as well as any high school student wishing to better themselves! Date and time of rehearsals are below. All rehearsals will be from 9am – 4:30 with a one hour lunch break and students should arrive no later than 8:45 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 Thursday evening clinics are free to whoever would like to attend and will occur on the following dates from 9am – 4:30 at the Henderson Center Marching Thunder facilities:
April 8th
April 15th
May 13th
If you are still interested in joining the percussion section next fall, please check out the audition dates below. We are still proceeding with these. We look forward to having you all there!
Auditions
Auditions for the battery percussion is open to all Marshall University students. All new 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 9am to 4:30pm at the Henderson Center Marching Thunder facilities:
May 21st
June 10th
June 20th
More detailed information can be found in the “Fall 2023 Audition Information” section below.
End of Summer Clinic Days
Our Herdbeats end-of-summer clinics are similar to our spring clinics. However, these are extended clinic days that take place on Saturdays and feature the 2023 Herdbeats battery section. Open to all high school students, we welcome those who are interested in learning more about the fundamentals and rudiments of battery percussion performance and there is a $20 clinic fee which covers instruction and lunch for each day. These end-of-summer clinic days are all-day events from 9:00am to 4:30pm with a provided lunch at 12:00. End-of-summer clinics will take place on the following dates:
August 6th
August 27th
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. Students will be allowed to miss two rehearsals before being removed from the audition process for their instrument of choice. If a student is going to miss a rehearsal for any reason, they should 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 2023 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.
Tabby Casey – Snare/Battery Section leaders
Dice Johnson – Tenor Drum Section Leader
Alijah Price – Bass Section Leader
