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.
2018 Carolina Band Feature Twirler
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, 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.
2019 Auditions
The Carolina Band will have Feature Twirler openings for the 2019 season. We are holding
on-campus auditions in spring 2019.
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, 2018, for consideration for the 2019 season. Finalists are selected by mid-January and
notified by Cormac Cannon. Finalists are invited for on-campus auditions in late 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
• 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 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.
Only applicants who meet the academic admission requirements of the University of
South Carolina will be invited for live auditions. Please review the application process
and requirements here.
Questions about the Feature Twirlers? Call the USC Band Office, 803-777-4278.
