The Marching Thunder Majorettes and Featured Twirlers perform at all events with the band. With beautiful costumes and death defying tricks, the ladies and gentlemen entertain audiences every time. Membership is open to all students at Marshall and auditions are held in the spring each year.
The Marshall University Majorettes and Feature Twirlers are lead by coordinator and coach Adam Chapman. The Marching Thunder Majorettes perform on a variety of equipment. Membership in the majorette section of the Marching Thunder is open to all students of Marshall University and local community colleges with experience and by audition. We welcome and invite your participation. We want you here! If you have any questions regarding involvement in The Marching Thunder as a majorette or feature twirler, you are more than welcome to reach out to any of our student leaders, in addition to our staff. If you have specific questions for the Director of Athletic Bands, please contact Dr. Christopher Schletter.
Audition Location, Date, and Times:
Auditions will be held at the Chris Cline indoor facility on April 19th from 12pm – 4pm.
Suggested Skills for Majorettes include:
You are required to thumb toss your baton. The applicant will be scored in the categories of variety and content, difficulty, speed and control, performance technique, showmanship, and presentation. Applicants will be taught a short one- and two-baton routine the day of auditions.
3 spin or higher
Toss Illusion
Toss Reverse Illusion
Horizontal 2 spin
Toss Layback
Toss Cartwheel or Walkover
High Kicks right and left leg
Split- right and left leg
Attire
Black Leotard
Nude or Tan Tights
Cougars or Twirling/Dance Shoes (No Tennis Shoes permitted)
Hair and Makeup appropriately fixed for Game Day Performances!
Additional Audition Considerations:
The audition process is designed to take into considerations several aspects of the candidate. Most obviously, the technical abilities of the individual are a primary consideration. However, there are several other qualities the staff and director consider during the audition and rehearsal process which are equally important. Some of these would include character, integrity, and attitude. Additionally, the candidate should demonstrate the ability to take and apply criticism for further personal growth and development, as well as the ability to work as part of a team in collaboration toward a common goal.
The Marching Thunder is a highly visible entity of Marshall University and we hold our members to a high musical and social standard.
Questions concerning auditions please contact Adam Chapman – 606-465-1356.
Applicants will prepare a solo routine (3-5 minutes). No Novelty items are to be used. The applicant will be scored in the categories of variety and content, difficulty, speed and control, performance and technique, showmanship, and presentation. Applicants must have mastered the requirements listed under Majorette requirements.
Required items for auditions are 1, 2 and 3 batons. 4-baton is optional.
Requirements Feature Twirler:
You are required to thumb toss your baton.
4 spin or higher
Toss Illusion
Toss Reverse Illusion
Toss one spin Reverse Illusion
Horizontal spins
Toss Layback
Toss Cartwheel or Walkover
Rolls
Double Illusion or Double Walkover/Cartwheel
Variation of catches- under leg, blind, behind back, backhand, etc.
Split- right and left leg.
Additional Audition Considerations:
The audition process is designed to take into considerations several aspects of the candidate. Most obviously, the technical abilities of the individual are a primary consideration. However, there are several other qualities the staff and director consider during the audition and rehearsal process which are equally important. Some of these would include character, integrity, and attitude. Additionally, the candidate should demonstrate the ability to take and apply criticism for further personal growth and development, as well as the ability to work as part of a team in collaboration toward a common goal.
The Marching Thunder is a highly visible entity of Marshall University and we hold our member to a high musical and social standard.
Attire
Black Leotard
Nude or Tan Tights
Cougars or Twirling/Dance Shoes (No Tennis Shoes permitted)
Hair and Makeup appropriately fixed for Game Day Performances
All Candidates for Majorette or Feature Twirler must be in good academic standing with the University. All candidates must be in good financial standing with the University Bands and Marshall University, including taking care of all uniform fees, equipment fees, class fees or other charges incurred with membership.
Majorettes are required to attend all summer and fall practices. Summer practices run on Saturday or Sunday. A schedule will be made on the day of auditions for summer practices. Fall practices occur during class (MUS 466) on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the fall semester from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Majorette practice on Friday during the fall semester tend to run late; in preparation for Saturday performances. Candidates are required to attend all performances scheduled with the Marshall University Marching Thunder.
All incoming Marshall University Majorettes and Feature Twirlers must be registered for MUS 466.
If you have any questions, please contact Adam Chapman – 606-465-1356
2024-25 Majorette Captain
Aaliyah Walls
Marshall University football vs. James Madison University at Joan C. Edwards Stadium on the campus of Marshall University in Huntington, WV. October 19, 2023. (J. Alex Wilson)
