Feature Twirlers

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.

2023 Auditions

We will be accepting video applications for the 2023 season. Please see below for requirements and expectations

Prospective Feature Twirlers can find what is required to apply below:

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 1, 2022.

Finalists are selected by mid-January and notified by the Director of Athletic Bands.

If applicable, the on-campus finalist auditions are possible in late March 2023. The Carolina Band maintains exceptionally high standards for feature twirlers. The finalist round of 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 encouraged but are not required.

• 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 USC Bands, 813 Assembly Street, Room 117, Columbia, SC 29208.

If live auditions are held, finalists are invited to attend the 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 USC application process and requirements here.

2022 Carolina Band Feature Twirlers

Ally Grooms

Ally Grooms is a South Carolina resident from Lake Wylie, South Carolina. Throughout her many years as a competitive baton twirler, she has won many state, regional, national, and world titles. Ally received a silver medal as a member of Team USA in Level A Two-Baton at the World Baton Twirling Federation competition in Limoges, France. She has also won Majorette of South Carolina and been named the South Carolina State Advanced Two-Baton and Three Baton Champion in addition to being a two-time world open finalist in X-Strut and Two Baton. Ally was also the Twirl Mania Two-Baton MouseCar Winner. Ally will be a sophomore at the University of South Carolina. She is thrilled to be a Gamecock and have the honor of twirling at USC.

Miranda Proctor

Miranda Proctor is from Western New York and loves being 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 she competed in at AYOP in 2019, including winning World Open Two Baton, Team Member of the Year for Team Crescendo and placing 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. Miranda is going to be a junior at the University of South Carolina and loves performing with the Mighty Sound of the Southeast, while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the Arnold School of Public Health.

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 jumped at the chance to share her family’s love of the sport with the world. She is a state, regional, national, and international champion who has excelled in both the NBTA and USTA organizations; holding titles such as Junior Miss Majorette of Florida, Junior Miss Majorette of the Southeast, National Dance Twirl and Solo Pairs Champion and numerous other age championships. Amanda has been honored to represent the United States as a member of Team USA in Holland, Croatia, Canada, and France. She has won numerous medals internationally including a gold medal in Open Junior 2 Baton and a silver medal in Open Junior Solo at the 2017 Pan Pacific Cup and a gold medal in Senior A 2 Baton at the 2019 International Cup. She earned a Top Ten placement in the 2020 TwirlMania Collegiate Classic while representing the gamecocks. She is a member of Sigma Alpha Omega and Alpha Epsilon Delta and volunteers as a coach/mentor for baton twirling and dance students. She plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science with a minor in dance and pursue graduate studies in Physical Therapy. Amanda is honored to continue the tradition of excellence as a University of South Carolina Feature Twirler.

Catherine Ramirez, advisor

Catherine Ramirez is the advisor for the University of South Carolina Feature Twirlers. She was a Feature Twirler at Carolina from 2010-2014 and has been working as the advisor since 2014. 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 and earned 23 Northeast Regional Grand Championship titles during her career. 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 enjoys teaching baton across the county and instructing competitive soloists. A 2014 graduate of the University of South Carolina, Ramirez is currently a Public Relations/Social Media Specialist at Chernoff Newman. She is a member of the Junior League of Columbia and My Carolina Alumni Association and enjoys volunteering with the United Way of the Midlands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about the Feature Twirlers? Call the USC Band Office, 803-777-4278.

School of Music