Are you ready to march to the sound of the HerdBeats while proudly representing Marshall University? Look no further than the Marching Thunder, where passion, talent, and camaraderie collide to create unforgettable musical experiences!
The Marshall University Marching Thunder is the largest and most visible student organization on campus. The marching band provides entertainment and school spirit at football games, basketball games, and other community functions. It provides a family for its members and fosters teamwork and dedication for a common goal. We welcome and invite your participation. We want you here! If you have any question regarding involvement in The Marching Thunder specific to any of the section in the program, you are more than welcome to reach out to any of our student leaders. If you have specific questions, please contact Dr. Christopher Schletter.
Marching Thunder Mission:
It is our mission to: Provide a quality educational experience, an atmosphere of acceptance, be a source of pride for all, and provide a sense of purpose for our members.
- Education – The Marching Thunder is first and foremost a collegiate entity which utilizes fundamental student-centered learning and development to perpetuate enduring motivation toward higher levels of excellence in all objectives.
- Acceptance – We strive for a connection among our diverse members that is based in an open-minded and welcoming environment for students to have a safe and family-oriented experience.
- Pride – The continued achievement of excellence and development of ownership among its members instills pride in the Marching Thunder program, and in turn strengthening the sense of pride within the university.
- Purpose – The unique role that we serve within the Marshall University student-centered experience, rooted in the artistic endeavors within the School of Music, provides our members with a clear understanding that they are part of something much bigger than themselves.
- Unparalleled Spirit: Be the heartbeat of Marshall University’s game days and special events, igniting school pride with every note and step.
- Top-Notch Instruction: Learn from some of the finest educators and musicians in the region, honing your skills to reach new heights of musical excellence.
- Thrilling Performances: Take center stage as you dazzle audiences with dynamic halftime shows, electrifying pep tunes, and precision marching formations.
- Lifetime Memories: Forge lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories as you bond with fellow bandmates through rehearsals, performances, and unforgettable adventures.
- Diverse Opportunities: Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a newcomer to the marching arts, there’s a place for you in our inclusive and supportive community.
Join the Legacy!
Become part of a proud tradition of musical excellence and school spirit as a member of the Marshall University Marching Thunder. Together, we’ll make music, memories, and magic that will last a lifetime!
- Pre-Register for Band Camp – Find the link above that will take you to the band camp pre-registration form. Be sure to do this so that you can receive all necessary information regarding band camp, early move-in, and more.
- Register for Class – Registration for classes will take place around your new student orientation toward the end of the summer. Marching band is a one-credit course (MUSE 425) that meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 3:30-5:30. The band performs at every home game, select away games, and local marching band exhibitions. Membership is open to all Marshall University and local community college students, regardless of major, and scholarship opportunities are available to those students wishing to audition.
- Audition – The percussion, color guard, and majorette/twirler sections hold auditions in spring semester. If you missed auditions, you didn’t miss your chance. Please contact Dr. Schletter to find out how to join.
- Show Up and Have Fun! – Once you taken care of the first two steps, you’re in!
All information pertaining to the Marching Thunder as and organization and class can be found here in the 2024 Marching Thunder Handbook/Syllabus.
Additional information regarding the following will be provided at a later date:
- Band Camp Meals
- Necessary Apparel
- Band Camp Fees
- Early move in for those living on campus
- Medical Forms
- iOS and Android apps used for rehearsal and communication
- Marching Thunder band handbook/syllabus
Once you pre-register for band camp, you will receive information throughout the summer regarding the above and other important topics. Pre-registration is NOT a commitment to participate, however, we certainly want all of you with you.
The 2025 Marching Thunder band camp runs from Aug. 7th – 15th. We have all day rehearsals until Week of Welcome begins and then we have partial days. The basic camp schedule is below. You can find a detailed camp schedule here.
Wind players are not required to audition for membership, however, there will be a simple placement audition at band camp to assist with the part assignment process. The Drum line and percussion, Color Guard, and Majorettes and Featured Twirlers hold auditions in the Spring and/or Summer. More information can be found by following links to their specific section pages.
All members of The Marching Thunder can also apply and audition for a tuition waiver. More information is provided in the next section called “Tuition Waivers” below.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the band office. We have also provided a FAQ page to give you more information as well.
Come be a part of the incredible tradition of Marshall University and the Marching Thunder!
Tuition Waiver Application here.
An athletic band tuition waiver is a financial award provided to those who qualify based on a video audition submission. This is different from a scholarship, but it is still available to anyone choosing to be involved with the Marching Thunder and/or 6th Man Band. Once you apply, you will receive a link to submit your audition requirements.
If you are joining The Marching Thunder and wish to apply for a tuition waiver, you can apply for a Tuition Waiver using the link above. Once you have applied for the tuition waiver, you must be sure that you are pre-registered for band camp here. This application is not a guarantee of total awarded funds, nor a guarantee you will receive a tuition waiver. It is an application for the waiver.
Application and video submission Deadline is July 17th.
Once the audition process is completed, you will be contacted regarding the amount of your tuition waiver if you are awarded one. Please note: This is not a scholarship and therefore the funds are not guaranteed. If you have other scholarships being applied to your financials, it is possible that you may only receive a partial waiver or no waiver due to the amount of your other financial aid.
Audition Material
- Woodwinds and Brass – Play the E-flat and G concert scales (as many octaves as you like) and one prepared etude or solo.
- Front Ensemble – Play the E-flat and G concert scales, and one etude or solo on a mallet instrument.
- Drum Line – Paradiddles (slow to fast), Flam accents (slow to fast), Gallop @ 2 tempos (100 & 150)
- Color Guard – 30ct drop spins, 16ct pull hits, 3 one & a half tosses, 2 forty-five tosses
- Majorettes – You tuition waiver is based off of your majorette audition (no video is necessary).
- Leadership – You do not need to audition, you already did.
Please know, the athletic band tuition waivers are becoming increasingly selective and difficult to receive and not everyone will receive a tuition waiver.