The University of Iowa Feature Twirler is an outstanding twirler, leader, and ambassador on the national stage. The position may use the title: Golden Girl, Golden Guy, or Golden Hawk. Open to all nationally recognized twirlers, the Hawkeye Marching Band announces auditions for the next twirler to hold the position, beginning Fall 2025!
Founded in 1881, the 285-member Hawkeye Marching Band is the sound of Kinnick Stadium and the heartbeat of our university. We present pregame and halftime shows at all Iowa home football games, and at one or two away games each season. As the most visible ensemble in the School of Music and the largest student organization on campus, we bring all Hawkeyes together to Fight for Iowa. Comprised of students from nearly every major within the University, this time-honored organization combines quality musicianship, Hawkeye spirit, pride and dedication to create their nationally renowned gridiron excitement. In addition to our 285 musicians, performances by the HMB include our drum major, feature twirler, and the award-winning Iowa Dance Team. The HMB performs for over 70,000 fans during each home game.
The Hawkeye Marching Band does not use a line or corps of twirlers for its shows. Our tradition is to utilize a solo, “feature twirler” in all performances. This position requires outstanding twirling ability. Most twirlers who audition for this position are consistent contest winners, possess a high national ranking and hold regional and state titles. The Iowa feature twirler performs with the HMB during football pregame and halftime shows, pregame concerts, parades, the annual Band Extravaganza concert, and at selected basketball games. Desired performance qualities include high twirling velocity, a variety of tosses and tricks, multiple baton work, coordinated movement/footwork, dance ability, and showmanship. Twirling in front of 70,000 fans in Kinnick Stadium demands large, fast, accurate and extremely visual movements.
The Iowa feature twirler receives a full tuition scholarship. Demonstrated academic excellence, maintained over the course of the feature twirler's tenure is required. The scholarship is renewed each year for four years (provided the student remains in good standing with the university). Subsequent renewals (beyond four years) are at the discretion of the HMB director.
The Hawkeye Marching Band rehearses Tuesday through Friday from 3:40PM until 5:30PM and Tuesday evenings from 7-9PM. We also rehearse on Saturday mornings on football game days.
Interested candidates should complete this form, including submission of a photo, resume, statement of interest and link to a highlight video on YouTube, and submit by December 9, 2024 for full consideration.
The resumes and videos will be reviewed by the selection committee. Two or three “finalists” will be selected to advance to the next phase of the audition process on February 7, 2025. The audition process will take place on campus. Finalists must be accepted to the University of Iowa prior to the February audition.
Questions should be directed to HMB Director Dr. Eric Bush (eric-bush@uiowa.edu) or HMB Operations Manager Kathy Ford (kathleen-ford@uiowa.edu).