If you’re going to work hard, sometimes you need to play hard too. Harvard College has a student-run music organization called THUD – and let’s just say it’s anything but typical.
Members of THUD (The Harvard Undergraduate Drummers) all play instruments together as an ensemble. While most colleges have musical groups like this, it’s the percussion instruments they use that makes theirs a little more unique.
If you watch a THUD performance, you’re going to see some slightly “unusual” items. That’s because the members create their music with plastic party cups, buckets, Boomwhackers, chalkboards, and more.
The group was founded in 1999 and welcomes percussionists of all levels to audition. According to THUD’s website, they “play everything with percussive potential,” meeting Monday evenings to “hit things.” Now that’s got to be a good way to relieve some of that college stress!
If you still need a better idea of what THUD’s all about, perhaps knowing their influences are STOMP and the Blue Man Group might help. They’re a creative bunch indeed.
The musical ensemble only has two major concerts a year, however, they also do mini-shows on their Cambridge campus, perform at local gigs, and teach rhythm to school children in the area (as community service). Needless to say, THUD members have many opportunities throughout the year to let their artistic talent flow.
Unfortunately, not all of us are able to attend THUD shows to see them rock their not-so-typical instruments. But thanks to the internet, we’re able to enjoy some of their fun performances.
The group’s YouTube channel is filled with a little something for everyone (done THUD style, of course). It’s somewhere you can turn for entertaining drumming on buckets, cup routines, and Boomwhackers galore.
Using a variety of Boomwhackers, THUD members have covered popular songs like “Africa,” “Billie Jean,” and “Old Town Road.” They also knocked out a cool rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody” while dressed as cowboys!
One amazing performance that’s captured the internet’s attention involves a medley of tunes you’re sure to know. The video has even gathered over 141K “likes” on YouTube!
Eight members of THUD are sitting in a semi-circle of chairs, each with colorful Boomwhackers in their hands. But before they even begin “whacking” the instruments – they start with some finger-snapping.
Within the first beats, even the audience seems to realize it’s a cover of the classic Pink Panther theme.
They work together and incredibly the song comes to life by hitting the tubes on their legs.
A short time in, the members change it all up by jumping into another tune many people grew up loving.
“Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!”
The Boomwhackers are a variety of colors and sizes, and when the group blends their beats together the 1984 blockbuster theme emerges. They’re percussion instruments used by both adults and kids – although, they are often seen in elementary school classrooms.
One person commented on YouTube:
“And I was proud when we played twinkle twinkle little star with my friends using those…”
In the video, there’s yet another song that THUD plays… Get ready to tap along to K’naan’s “Wavin’ Flag!”
It’s a team effort where all the percussionists blend their talents together to produce the hit. Really, how often do you see such a fun medley – created by musicians that stand out with such uniqueness?
Ready to be amazed by the THUD ensemble? Be sure to press play below!
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