Color Guard and Majorettes

Thank you for your interest in twirling/spinning with the University of Mount Union Colorguard and Majorettes! Our current selection process involves a completed application and an audition. In-person auditions for the colorguard will be held on April 13, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Cope Music Hall, and May 4 from 1-3 p.m. in the Peterson Field House/Auxilary Gym for majorettes. If you need access to equipment, please contact Angela Battershell at band@mountunion.edu. We look forward to hearing from you!

Those interested can fill out the form to apply and find all audition information in the respective tabs below. If you have any issues with the below form, you can also submit your application here.

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Color Guard

Candidates should know and be proficient in the performance of the following fundamentals that are scored on the basis of correct technique, execution, and completion of each skill. These skills are a huge part of our Pregame performances as well as the basis of the choreographed routines performed at halftime:

Flag Basics: Drop spins, flutters, carvins, around the world, pop toss, 45 toss
Dance Basics: Jazz walks/runs, chasse, passe

Flag Routine Round

A flag routine will be taught at auditions and performed for the judges, who will look for knowledge of the routine, performance quality, and overall execution.

What to Wear

You need to wear a white top suitable spinning with appropriately colored undergarments (sports bra, bra, etc.), black shorts or black Capri pants that are dance attire fashion, and jazz or guard shoes. Hair needs to be secured tightly out of your face preferably in a bun. A flag routine will be taught at auditions and performed for the judges, who will look for knowledge of the routine, performance quality, and overall execution.

Selection Process

Scores will be totaled and ranked in order from highest to lowest. The number of candidates selected will be determined where the first big break in scoring occurs. There is no set number from year to year. We are looking for the best and closest in ability. You will be judged, graded, and selected solely on your ability, skill, poise, and personality. Candidates will be emailed within a week of auditions with the results.

Mandatory Equipment

You will need to purchase a warm up, shorts, tshirt, earrings, and embroidered duffel bag that I will order. Rookie members will need to send $100 (estimate) along with their signed Acceptance Contract to me so that I can order the items mentioned above. Returning members will need to let me know at this time if they need anything new ordered.

Majorettes

Team Expectations

The Mount Union Majorette Line plays a vital role in adding color, excitement, and visual flair to the University of Mount Union’s marching band performances. As a member of this team, your primary responsibilities include promoting positive school spirit, displaying sportsmanship, building self-confidence, and working as a unified part of the band.

Our success depends not only on individual talent, but on the attitude each member brings. Respect, friendliness, fairness, and a strong work ethic are essential. This experience will ask a lot from you — but in return, you’ll gain unforgettable memories and skills that will last a lifetime.

Commitment and Attendance

Class Enrollment: All majorettes must be enrolled in Fall Marching Band, a graded course at UMU.
Rehearsals: You may miss up to 3 excused rehearsals. All absences — including late arrivals or early departures — must be cleared in advance through Mr. Neitzke.
Performances: Attendance at all performances is mandatory.
Punctuality: Be on time and ready to give your best at every rehearsal and event.
Work Ethic: Bring a positive attitude, work hard during practice, and help make performances enjoyable for the entire team.

Audition Process

All prospective and returning members must participate in our judged audition process, assessed by 2–3 impartial judges. Your performance will be evaluated based on skill, showmanship, and preparedness. The audition has three key components:

1. Individual Round:

Perform an original routine between 2 and 3 minutes in length, showcasing your strengths and creativity. You may incorporate:

1, 2, 3 or more batons
Specialty items (e.g. knives, ribbons, flag or hoop batons)
Props that can be easily manipulated

Judging Criteria: Routines will be scored using National Baton Twirling Association (NBTA) score sheets.
Music: Bring a CD or a Bluetooth-compatible device with your music.

2. Trick and Rudiment Round:

You will be tested on the following required tricks. Each must be completed correctly 3 times out of 5 attempts:

2-spin catch (right hand, left hand, and back hand)
Vertical & horizontal finger twirls
Horizontal 2-spin catch (right hand)
Fishtails with wrist carry + repeat
3 continuous elbows
High toss with regular or forward illusion
Left or right leg split
Grand jeté
8-count 2-baton “showers”
8-count 3-baton pendulums/tick-tocks with thumb toss, 1 spin, catch (right hand)

Scoring:

10 points for completing a trick 3 times in the first 3 attempts
5 points for completing it 3 times within 5 attempts
0 points if not completed 3 times

3. Group Routine

You will learn and perform a short routine as part of a group. Evaluation will focus on:

Body movement and coordination
Ability to catch tosses accurately
Showmanship and performance energy

What to wear:

A white top appropriate for twirling (with suitable undergarments)
Black dance shorts or black capris
Flesh-colored tights
Twirling or jazz shoes
Hair should be secured tightly in a bun or similar style

Selection process:

Audition scores will be totaled and ranked from highest to lowest. The number of candidates selected will depend on where the first significant break in scores occurs — there is no set number of twirlers each year.

Selections are based solely on:

Skill and technique
Poise and performance quality
Overall personality and fit with the team

Audition results will be emailed within one week.

Mandatory equipment for UMU Majorettes:

(3) 28” or 29” ABC or Sharp batons (7/16” regular shaft)
Tan Cougar or Instep twirling shoes
(2 pairs) Capezio #1815 Light Suntan tights or
(2 pairs) Capezio #1816 Light Suntan transition tights

Required Team Gear (Post-Tryout)

Once selected, you will be required to purchase:

Team warm-up
Team shorts and t-shirt
Team duffel bag
Approved earrings

*A deposit for the team gear will be required to accept your spot on the team*

Raiderette

Team Expectations

The Mount Union Raiderette plays a vital role in adding color, excitement, and visual flair to the University of Mount Union’s marching band performances. As a member of this team, your primary responsibilities include promoting positive school spirit, displaying sportsmanship, building self-confidence, and working as a unified part of the band.

Commitment & Attendance

Class Enrollment: All majorettes must be enrolled in Fall Marching Band, a graded course at UMU.
Rehearsals: You may miss up to 3 excused rehearsals. All absences — including late arrivals or early departures — must be cleared in advance through Mr. Neitzke.
Performances: Attendance at all performances is mandatory.
Punctuality: Be on time and ready to give your best at every rehearsal and event.
Work Ethic: Bring a positive attitude, work hard during practice, and help make performances enjoyable for the entire team.

Audition Process

1. Individual Round:

Perform an original routine between 2 and 3 minutes in length, showcasing your strengths and creativity. You may incorporate:

1, 2, 3 or more batons
Specialty items (e.g. knives, ribbons, flag or hoop batons)
Props that can be easily manipulated

Judging Criteria: Routines will be scored using National Baton Twirling Association (NBTA) score sheets.
Music: Bring a CD or a Bluetooth-compatible device with your music.

2. Trick and Rudiment Round:

You will be tested on the following required tricks. Each must be completed correctly 3 times out of 5 attempts:

5 spin
5 spin catch in left
4 spin catch back hand
4 spin catch on back
4 spin catch blind
Horizontal 4 spin
One spin-Double outside/reverse illusion
Double right/regular illusion
10 continuous elbows
10 continuous front neck rolls OR 10 continuous back neck rolls
High toss walkover
Fishtails w/double turn and ½ into reverse fishtails
Any high toss leap combination of your choice
8 counts of 2-baton “showers” in succession
High toss/low 1 spin – Release w/a thumb toss and either do a pass or a reverse toss into the 1 spin
16 counts of 3-baton pendulums/tick-tocks finishing with a thumb toss, 2 spin, catch in right hand
1 complete box of 3-baton horizontal tosses beginning with the first toss in the front and finishing with a 1-spin on the 5th toss in the front
1 complete box of 3-baton vertical thumb tosses beginning with the first toss in the front and finishing with a 1-spin on the 5th toss in the front
3 baton stacks – You must release all 3 from your right-hand w/thumb tosses.

Scoring:

10 points for completing a trick 3 times in the first 3 attempts
5 points for completing it 3 times within 5 attempts
0 points if not completed 3 times

3. Group Routine

You will learn and perform a short routine as part of a group. Evaluation will focus on:

Body movement and coordination
Ability to catch tosses accurately
Showmanship and performance energy

What to wear:

Please wear:

A white top appropriate for twirling (with suitable undergarments)
Black dance shorts or black capris
Flesh-colored tights
Twirling or jazz shoes
Hair should be secured tightly in a bun or similar style

Selection process:

Selections are based solely on:

Skill and technique
Poise and performance quality
Overall personality and fit with the team

Audition results will be emailed within one week.

Mandatory Equipment for UMU Majorettes

(3) 28” or 29” ABC or Sharp batons (7/16” regular shaft)
Tan Cougar or Instep twirling shoes
(2 pairs) Capezio #1815 Light Suntan tights or
(2 pairs) Capezio #1816 Light Suntan transition tights

Required Team Gear (Post-Tryout)

Once selected, you will be required to purchase:

Team warm-up
Team shorts and t-shirt
Team duffel bag
Approved earrings

*A deposit for the team gear will be required to accept your spot on the team