The Carolina Band Feature Twirlers have a long-standing tradition of excellence that
continues to flourish today. Feature Twirlers at USC represent some of the most decorated
twirlers in the country. Each twirler receives a scholarship pending acceptance into
a degree program at USC and is eligible for a significant out-of-state tuition reduction.
The Carolina Band fields between one and three Feature Twirlers each season.
2017 Carolina Band Feature Twirlers
Emily Doyle
Emily Doyle is a junior majoring in history with a minor in the classics at the University
of South Carolina. She is the current College Miss Majorette of South Carolina and
a nationally recognized twirler in the NBTA organization. She is the secretary for
the university’s chapter of Young Americans for Liberty. She has aspirations to attend
law school in Philadelphia after graduating.
“My favorite part about being a Feature Twirler for the Mighty Sound of the Southeast
is having a bond with 300+ students that goes beyond just a passion for the Gamecocks!”
Domenica Iocco
Domenica Iocco is currently a sophomore at USC double majoring in chemistry and math.
In the future, she hopes to perform lab research focused on the improvement of pharmaceutical
treatments. She has been twirling since the age of five and has won numerous state,
regional and national titles. Domenica has also been a member of Team USA four times,
traveling to destinations including France and Holland, and was also a member of the
world team with USC alumna twirler Catherine Ramirez.
“Being a feature twirler here has provided me with some amazing opportunities. Performing
for President and First Lady Pastides and over 80,000 incredible fans every gameday
is such an unforgettable experience, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I'm proud
to be a Gamecock!”
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!”
Catherine Ramirez
Catherine Ramirez is the adviser for the USC Feature Twirlers. She started working
with the Twirlers in fall 2014 after holding the position of Feature Twirler at Carolina
from 2010–2014. Ramirez graduated from the USC where she received a bachelor of arts
in broadcast journalism and currently works at WLTX News19 in Columbia. Ramirez is
a state, regional and national champion baton twirler. 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.
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 teams and soloists for Illumination
Twirlers and has taught at twirling camps in Colorado and New Jersey.
2018 Auditions
The Carolina Band will have Feature Twirler openings for the 2018 season. We will
be holding on-campus auditions in the Spring of 2018.
Applications
In order to be considered for the position, you must send a 4- to 6-minute video that
showcases your talent. The video and application are due (postmarked) by December 1 for consideration for the 2018 season. Finalists are selected by mid-January and
notified by Cormac Canon. Finalists are invited for on-campus auditions in March.
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
• 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 Cormac Cannon, director of athletic
bands cormac@mozart.sc.edu.
Hard copies can be mailed to USC 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.
Questions about the Feature Twirlers? Call the USC Band Office, 803-777-4278.
