The Carolina Band Feature Twirlers have a long-standing tradition of excellence that
continues to flourish today. Feature Twirlers at UofSC represent some of the most
decorated twirlers in the country. Each twirler receives a scholarship pending acceptance
into a degree program at UofSC and is eligible for a significant out-of-state tuition
reduction. The Carolina Band fields between one and three Feature Twirlers each season.
2020 Auditions
The Carolina Band will have Feature Twirler openings for the 2020 season. Please see
below for the application and audition process.
Applications
In order to be considered for the position, you must send a 4- to 6-minute video showcasing
your talent. The video and application are due (postmarked) by December 15, 2019, for consideration for the 2020 season. Finalists are selected by mid-January and
notified by the director of athletic bands. Finalists will be invited for on-campus
auditions in late March. The Carolina Band maintains exceptionally high standards
for feature twirlers. The finalist round of on-campus auditions will only be held
when it is determined students have demonstrated those standards in the application/video
process.
Some of the essential skills required by applicants for Feature Twirler include the
ability to do a double illusion, three or more spins, a variety of rolls, a variety
of bodywork, well-developed multiple baton skills, and flexibility. Gymnastic skills
are considered but are not required.
What to Submit
• A cover letter stating your intent and reasons for applying
• A current resume listing academic and twirling accomplishments, etc. Be sure
to include contact information including a phone number and email address for the
applicant.
• A color full-length photo of the applicant in full competition/performance costume
• A 4- to 6-minute video highlighting your abilities including competition and
marching band footage if available
The video should include these examples:
• Competition performances (in costume)
• On the field performances (if available)
• Pep rally performances (if available)
• 1, 2 and 3 baton skills
• Gymnastic skills (optional)
Note: A YouTube link or other online media is acceptable for the video.
Any other optional materials you wish to send that highlight your qualifications such
as letter(s) of recommendation are considered.
Electronic materials and questions may be sent to Jay Jacobs, director of athletic bands.
Hard copies can be mailed to UofSC Bands, 813 Assembly Street, Room 117, Columbia,
SC 29208.
Live Auditions
Finalists are invited to attend a live audition on the University of South Carolina
campus. The auditions will not conflict with any major competitions. Finalists should
prepare a 4- to 5-minute routine that includes 1, 2 and 3 baton tricks to any music
of your choice. Marching band music is highly suggested. The live audition is followed
by an interview with the judging panel. More information about the live audition will
be sent to the finalists.
Only applicants who meet the academic admission requirements of the University of
South Carolina will be invited for live auditions. Please review the UofSC application
process and requirements here.
2019 Carolina Band Feature Twirlers
Sabrina Smith
Sabrina Smith, A Maryland native who later moved to North Carolina, Sabrina grew up
in baton twirling. As the daughter, sister and niece of baton twirlers, performing
and competing have been second nature. After many years of hard work and training,
Sabrina began competition and won many awards locally, statewide, regionally and nationally.
In February 2015, Sabrina placed Top 10 in her first Collegiate Twirling Competition
in Disney World. In August 2015, Sabrina represented the USA at the International
Cup Competition in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada. She brought home a Silver
Medal and two Bronze Medals. Sabrina was also a member of Team USA Junior Twirl Team,
winning a Gold Medal at the 2012 World Twirling Championship in Neuchatel, Switzerland. As
a senior in Holly Springs, Sabrina along with 14 of the United States top baton twirlers
were honored to be a good-will ambassadors for the Lion’s club international and traveled
for two weeks to Peru. During their visit to Peru the twirling ambassadors participated
in many performances, did charitable work, and were featured in the spring festival
parade. Sabrina is a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta Honor Society and The National
Society of Collegiate Scholars. She plans to earn a bachelor's degree in Exercise
Science. “In the fall of 2015 I realized my lifelong dream and became a twirler for
the University of South Carolina Gamecocks!”
Miranda Proctor
Miranda Proctor is from Western New York and is ready to be a Gamecock! Throughout
her many years of competitive baton twirling she has won numerous state, regional
and national titles. She and her duet partner were part of TEAM USA and traveled to
Lillehammer, Norway, where they became World Junior Duet Gold Medalists. In addition
to being a member of Team USA, she placed Top 10 in every event at AYOP in 2018, including
winning World Open Two Baton and Team Member of the Year for Team Crescendo, and placed
8th place in the Teenage Miss Majorette of America Pageant. In August of 2018 she
was chosen as a USA Twirling Ambassador to Peru, where she had the opportunity to
perform at orphanages, boys homes, senior living homes, and for dignitaries/diplomats
at galas and events throughout the country, including the Spring Festival Parade in
Trujillo, Peru. Miranda was honored to be chosen as a USA Twirling Ambassador and
had an incredible experience where she was able to share her passion of baton twirling
with so many across the world. She is a member of Team USA again and will be traveling
to traveling to Limoges, France in August 2019 to represent the USA and compete in
duet and with her Team, Crescendo. Miranda is looking forward to attending the University
of South Carolina and performing with the Mighty Sound of the Southeast, while pursing
a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science from the Arnold School of Public Heath.
Amanda Trujillo
Amanda Trujillo is a Florida native born into the sport of baton twirling, traveling
to her first national championship with the family at just eight weeks old. As the
daughter of a twirler, coach and mentor, Amanda grasped at the chance to share her
family’s love of the sport with the world. She is a state, regional and national champion
who has excelled in both the NBTA and USTA organizations; holding titles Junior Miss
Majorette of Florida, Junior Miss Majorette of the Southeast, National Dance Twirl
and Solo Pairs Champion, Juvenile Strut Grand Champion, and numerous age championships
in Strut, Solo, Dance Twirl, 2 baton, 3 baton and team events. On the international
stage, Amanda has been honored to represent the United States as a member of Team
USA in Holland, Croatia, and Canada. She has won numerous medals internationally including
being a Gold Medalist in Open Junior 2 Baton, Silver Medalist in Open Junior Solo
and a Bronze Medalist in Open Junior 3 Baton at the 2017 Pan Pacific Cup. Amanda is
a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes/Artists and volunteers as a coach/mentor
for history, science, twirling, and dance students. She graduated from Douglas Anderson
School of the Arts as a dance major and served as the National Dance Honor Society’s
2018 Vice President – Douglas Anderson chapter. She plans to earn a bachelor’s degree
in Exercise Science and pursue graduate studies in Physical Therapy. Amanda has been
a fan of the “Mighty Sound of the Southeast” and is honored to have been selected
to continue the tradition of excellence as a University of South Carolina Feature
Twirler.
Catherine Ramirez, advisor
Catherine Ramirez is the adviser for the University of South Carolina Feature Twirlers.
She began working with the Twirlers in fall 2014 after holding the position of Feature
Twirler at Carolina from 2010–2014. Ramirez graduated from USC where she received
a Bachelor of Arts in broadcast journalism. She is currently a Public Relations/Social
Media Specialist at Chernoff Newman. Ramirez is a state, regional and national champion.
She was the 2012 USTA National Champion in Solo, 2-baton, 3-baton, Dance Twirl and
Strut. During her career she earned 23 Northeast Regional Grand Championship titles.
As part of Team USA, Ramirez represented the United States at the World Baton Twirling
Championships in 2008, 2010 and 2012 where she earned a silver and bronze team medal.
Ramirez also twirled at Disney’s EPCOT and was a top five finalist in the Collegiate
Classic during each of her years at South Carolina. She also instructs competitive
soloists in South Carolina and has taught at twirling camps in Colorado and New Jersey.
Questions about the Feature Twirlers? Call the UofSC Band Office, 803-777-4278.
