TAKE THE NEXT STEP TOWARDS A LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE: THE MARCHING MOUNTAINEERS!

The Appalachian State University Marching Mountaineers feature a total membership of over 285, including brass, woodwind, drumline, front ensemble, color guard, feature twirler, drum majors, and NMB’s. Our students represent every college on campus and over 70 degree programs!

Steps for Current or Committed Students

Updated Feb. 21, 2025.

1. Fill out this intent form.
2. Register for MUS 1100-101.
3. Attend Band Camp.

If you have any questions, please email Dr. Jason Gardner, Director of the Marching Mountaineers, at gardnerjp@appstate.edu. 

Prospective students are invited to fill out the Marching Mountaineers Interest Form to learn more. 

There are no audition requirements for brass and woodwind instruments.

The Marching Mountaineers is seeking outstanding students with excellent baton twirling skills who seek to be a part of “North Carolina’s Band of Distinction.” This student performs at all Appalachian State home football games with the Marching Mountaineers and serves as a significant ambassador for the University. The Marching Mountaineers Featured Twirler auditions comprise two rounds.  The first audition is a videotape submission and the second audition is a live audition on campus by invitation.  We are looking for candidates that are versatile and exciting!  Auditions take place on an annual basis and returning members must audition each year. If you are interested in auditioning for the feature twirler position, please follow the guidelines listed below.

ROUND ONE TWIRLER AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

• Apply to Appalachian State University
• The first round audition is a video submission with a deadline of February 1
• Include routines and performances that best represent your talents and demonstrate your potential to twirl at the collegiate level in a large stadium atmosphere – should include 2 Live performances that highlight the twirler’s abilities
• Include advanced skills [multiple illusions, 3+spins, walkovers, cartwheels, etc]
• Include a complete resume of performance history & accomplishments along with your contact information
• Include reference letters form applicant’s twirling coach or coaches, Band Director if applicable, and an academic teacher
• reference letters should address applicant’s personal integrity, work ethic, ability to work as a group while performing as a soloist, performance level
• Videos should be shared electronically through Box, Dropbox, or a youtube link via email to Dr. Jason Gardner
• Videos will be evaluated and from these results, candidates will be selected and invited to a second audition on campus per the audition schedule
• Finalists will be notified by March 1 and invited to campus for an in-person audition and interview in April

ROUND TWO TWIRLER AUDITION REQUIREMENTS BY INVITATION ONLY

• Prepare a 2-4 minute routine utilizing more than one piece of equipment choreographed to your choice of music. Use multiple batons, hoops, etc. Fire batons cannot be used.
• This audition will either take place outside on the Marching Mountaineers practice field or in the indoor practice facility.
• Showmanship, speed, difficulty, poise and balance, variety, and performance will be evaluated.
• A sound system will be provided for you.
• You should be able to choreograph a short routine on the spot to a piece of music chosen by the panel of judges.
• Finally an interview will take place with our panel of judges which include Marching Mountaineers Directors and Staff and an outside expert. As a significant ambassador for our program, personality, charisma, effective communication, and school spirit are musts!
• Overall adjudication criteria includes creativity, technique, poise, execution, showmanship