Video submissions for the 2024 FMB Feature Twirlers will be accepted through Saturday, April 27.
Video content guidelines
Your audition video should contain the following:
- A short introduction of yourself (full name, high school, community college, or college)
- A 3-5 minute routine that demonstrates advanced baton technique and showmanship skills, set to music of your choice
- Appropriate small props such as ribbons, hoops, knives, etc. are encouraged, but not required
- The following tricks are examples of what we would expect to see in an audition video routine. While not all tricks are required, the more that can be incorporated into the routine, the better:
- One baton:
- Toss step right illusion (also known as an inside or crossover illusion) Note: this trick is mandatory for audition submissions
- Toss 3 spin vertical with an intricate catch (catch on back, backhand, blind, etc.)
- Toss 4 spin (or higher) with a plain catch (left or right)
- Horizontal toss 3 spin with a plain catch (left or right)
- Toss one spin illusion catch plain (left or right)
- Toss illusion catch backhand illusion
- Horizontal toss illusion catch plain (left or right)
- Toss cartwheel or toss walkover catch plain or intricate
- Double tricks, including but not limited to: toss double leap, toss double illusion, toss kick illusion, toss leap walkover, toss leap cartwheel. (all with either plain or intricate catches)
- Toss sissonne catch plain
- Rolls: back of necks, fujimis, continuous elbow rolls, elbow pops, long arm roll/angel roll
- Two batons:
- Toss high-low one turn
- Side to side (left toss, right toss, catch right to back then flash catch left to front)
- Horizontal/vertical combination
- Three batons:
- Vertical box (with no stopping in-between tosses)
- Horizontal box (with no stopping in-between tosses)
- Juggles/pendulums into toss backhand flash through catch back into juggles/pendulums
- One baton:
Technical Considerations
- Candidate may wear a performance costume of his or her choice. Costume should be tasteful and complimentary.
- Hair and make-up should flatter the individual.
- The entire video must be done in one, continuous, unedited take. In other words, do not turn off the camera between the different parts of your routine.
- The camera should be stable and facing the student at a distance that allows the routine and facial expressions to be viewed clearly.
- Note: At the time of the audition, each candidate should be currently enrolled at Mississippi State University or admitted to the university for the Fall 2024 semester. For more information, contact www.admissions.msstate.edu
Submission
- Upload your video to YouTube as an “unlisted” video or to another file sharing service like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Box.
- Secure a download link for the file that you can share with us. Please check to make sure that the permissions will allow anyone to view the video.
- A recommendation letter from your current band director is required. Please contact the band office if you have questions about this requirement.
- Fill out the online application and provide all the information requested.
- Submissions are being accepted now and will be accepted until Saturday, April 27 at 5:00 pm CDT. You will be notified of your status within 2-3 weeks of that date.
- Your video must be one that was recorded after February 1, 2024. No older videos are allowed.