Twirlers Audition Information
The 2026 audition process is open, and thank you for your interest in a twirling position with the Kansas State University Marching Band!
Personality, the ability to work with one's peers, as well as twirling talent and the ability to entertain 55,000+ people will be the major factors in our selection. The individual(s) chosen must have the ability to work with the band and understand their role in the overall performance. The following is the necessary information of which each candidate must be aware regarding the audition process and marching band season.
Suggested Skills for both Preliminary and In Person Auditions:
- 3-4 spins
- High Toss Illusion - both directions
- Toss Cartwheel and / or Toss Walkover
- Toss double combination elements, i.e double illusion, kick illusion, split leap walkover, etc.
- Other Gymnastic / Tumbling Skills
- 2 baton skills (high/low combinations, dual pattern, double releases, low contact combinations)
- 3 baton skills (vertical and horizontal boxes, variety of juggles/showers, vertical/horizontal combinations)
- 4 baton skills (preferred but not required)
- Variety of catches and contact material
- Variety of Rolls
- Strong Bodywork (leaps, kicks, leg holds)
- Twirling speed and cleanliness
- Marching Skills
- Ability to twirl alone and with other people
- Showmanship (display a great smile and presence on the field)
Please film videos in landscape (sideways). Do not film in a loud space. Make sure we can hear your voice.Speak loud and clear.
Audition Process
Pre-Audition Clinics
Typically held in early spring
Optional but highly recommended — a great chance to learn directly from current and former Twirlers, get familiar with the audition material, and develop the technique and style expected of a K-State Twirler.
Preliminary Auditions
Before January 15th, 2026
The following items are due by or before January 15th, 2026:
- Audition Application
- Twirling Resume
- Outlines competitive twirling and performance experiences, relevant awards, and current and former twirling coaches.
- General Resume
- Should include activities and involvement outside of twirling, personal honors and awards, volunteering and work experience, etc.
- Current Photograph(s) - Must include at least 1 recent full length photograph in twirling uniform
- Upload Photographs here:
- Label File: Last Name, First Name - Photograph.
- Example: Heptig, Sara - Photograph
- Evaluation / Recommendation (Incoming Freshmen and Current Kansas State University Students who are not a 2025-2026 Twirler)
- Each Candidate needs at least 2 submissions. One must be from your baton twirling coach / instructor. It is suggested another is submitted from your band director.
- Video (Incoming Freshmen and Current Kansas State University Students who are not a current Twirler)
- Video should include:
- Introduction with name, hometown, name of current school, year in school as of Fall 2026, and why you should be considered for a position as a 2026-27 Twirler
- Footage that demonstrates the individual's ability to perform, emphasizing entertainment and technical value.
- Suggested format should include field performance(s) with current marching band, basketball / volleyball performances, baton twirling competition routines, and other performance venues and/or exhibitions.
Video Submissions:
- Videos do NOT need to be professionally edited. You can use multiple locations while videoing. Be creative, do your best, and do not stress!
- Upload video here.
- Video Name: “Last Name, First Name - Audition Video”
- Example: Heptig, Sara - Audition Video
- Video Name: “Last Name, First Name - Audition Video”
Audition Invitations Sent
by January 30th, 2026
Note: Applicants must complete the above process to be considered for In Person Auditions.
In Person Auditions
Saturday, February 28th, 2026
On Campus Audition Location:
Chester E. Peters Recreation Complex
https://www.k-state.edu/maps/
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:
Saturday:
9:00 am - Rec Center Opens
9:30 am - Check In
9:45 am - Meeting
10:00 am - Auditions Begin
TBD - Auditions Conclude
*Results will be announced at another date and time
AUDITION ATTIRE:
Saturday:
- Twirling Uniform
- Proper Twirling Shoes
- Full Performance Hair
- Full Performance Make-up
- Interview Round: Any jacket for cover up
Additional Notes:
- Full Performance Hair and Full Performance Make-up are not required
- It can be chilly in the Rec Center, so feel free to bring a jacket for cover up.
AUDITION INFORMATION:
- Twirler positions will be determined based on all aspects of preliminary / in person auditions.
- The number of twirlers selected will be determined after all twirlers have auditioned.
- All previous twirlers are required to audition each year, meaning all positions are open.
- Judging panel may consist of former twirlers or other twirling experience, Director of Bands, and may include other Band Staff members.
- Auditions are closed to ALL spectators, but auditions will be recorded for judging purposes.
- All twirlers will complete each phase of the audition together. (example, all twirlers will march one at a time, then all will perform the down the field routines, etc...)
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- Marching: to exhibit form, technique, ability to respond to commands, and ability to maintain tempo and beat.
- Basic Strut format as well as 8-to-5 marching. Attention, low & high mark time and other forward march commands will be given.
- Down the Field Routine: to exhibit the ability to move approximately 25 yards (directionally moving from judges' left to right) while twirling, as well as demonstrate the ability to twirl in unison with other twirlers.
- Perform to "Wildcat Victory" played twice through by the KSU Marching Band recording.
- 1st time through melody, set choreography learned via video sent on February 1st
- 2nd time through melody, is at your own discretion
- Music can be found here.
- Perform to "Wildcat Victory" played twice through by the KSU Marching Band recording.
- Group Routine: to exhibit ability to pick up choreography and perform alongside other twirlers.
- Short routine will be learned via video sent on February 1st and performed alongside all candidates
- Show Routine: Music selection is the twirler's choice with suggested time length 2-3 minutes.
- Looking for routines that please 55,000+ fans from several rows away, and not one or two twirling experts. They will be looking at at variety, difficulty, appearance, equipment handling and control, music interpretation, visual effect, and showmanship/crowd appeal
- Improv: Music will be given at auditions and the twirler will create choreography on the spot for 45 seconds to 1 minute.
- Athletic Endurance / Stamina: to be able to perform with athletic stamina / endurance similar to the Kansas State University Pre-Game, halftime shoes, Pep Rallies, etc.
- Marching: to exhibit form, technique, ability to respond to commands, and ability to maintain tempo and beat.
If you have any questions about the audition process or the Kansas State University Twirlers, please contact Sara Heptig!
