Spirit of Gold Twirlers

The Spirit of Gold Twirlers

Performances by the Vanderbilt Spirit of Gold Twirlers are some of the most exciting moments of gameday at Vanderbilt. These performers twirl up to four batons and are expected to complete combinations of advanced skills with a high degree of showmanship. The Twirlers participate in all home games, parades, post-season games, events on and off campus, and occasionally at basketball halftimes. Membership is open to all students attending Vanderbilt University as well as other Nashville area universities (including Belmont University, Lipscomb University, Nashville State Community College, and Trevecca Nazarene University among others).

Rehearsals

Rehearsals are held three times a week:

  • Tuesday 4:30pm-6:30pm
  • Thursday 4:30pm-6:30pm
  • Friday 5:30pm-7:30pm

An additional rehearsal is held on Saturday mornings the day of home football games (exact timing varies depending on kickoff time). Check out our entire Game Day schedule here!

Practices are held at either McGugin Athletic Fields, the indoor field house in the Student Recreation Center, or on Dudley Field at FirstBank Stadium.  

Band Camp

Band Camp is held a week before classes begin and includes extensive training in marching and playing at the college level. In addition to regular rehearsals, numerous social activities throughout the week give students a chance to relax and meet new friends! The band's early arrival on campus provides each individual an opportunity to get settled in the residence halls, rent books, make tons of new friends, and adjust to a new environment and a new independence before classes begin. Attendance at camp is mandatory.   

Auditions

The Twirlers participates in all home games, parades, post-season games, events on and off campus, and occasionally at basketball halftime. Two to four spots are available per season. These performers twirl up to four batons and are expected to complete combinations of advanced skills with a high degree of showmanship.

Each season, the Spirit of Gold typically accepts up to three twirlers. Anyone not selected as a twirler may still join the Spirit of Gold as a member of the color guard, drumline, woodwind, or brass sections.

The Spirit of Gold Twirler auditions are in two parts.

  1. Twirler Application
    • Twirling Resume
      • Outline your twirling background and experience.
      • Highlight any relevant performances, competitions, awards, etc.
    • Video Performance
      • A video recording of you performing in a live setting recorded within the past year.
        • Could be a competition, public performance, performance with a band, performance to recorded track, etc.
        • Duration: approx. 5 minutes in length
          • We would prefer longer clips of routines rather than a compilation of short clips of individual techniques/skills/tricks.
    • Deadline: January 31st, 2025.
      • Materials should be emailed to the director of Athletic Bands, Dr. Morin. 
  2. Live Audition
    • The second phase of the twirler audition is a live audition.
      • This can take place in-person or over Zoom.
    • The live audition will include:
      • Performance of a routine to our fight song, "Dynamite" (audio recording will be provided).
      • Performance of a routine to a pop/rock song of your choice (approx. 2 minutes in length).
    • Timeline: March or April, 2025.

Travel

Twirlers typically travel with the Spirit of Gold Marching Band to at least one away game each season (if the game is held in Knoxville, we will travel to the Tennessee game).  

The Spirit of Gold will also travel to any post-season bowl games.  

Travel and food are provided at no cost to the students.  

Cost

Members get paid to be a part of the Vanderbilt Athletic Bands! While there is an initial nominal fee to join the Spirit of Gold Marching Band ( which covers t-shirt, band banquet, and some social events ) students receive a Service Award at the end of the season. Featured Twirlers receive a supplemental Service Award in addition to the standard Service Award due to the nature of their role. The Vanderbilt Athletic Bands will purchase one Twirler uniform per year for each year the Twirler is a member of the Spirit of Gold. Purchase of additional equipment (including shoes, batons, etc.) will be the responsibility of the individual. All athletic bands travel costs ( hotels, meals, etc. ) are provided free to all members. 

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