Majorette Auditions
The UT Majorettes are a featured performance group within the Pride of the Southland Marching Band, showcasing precision baton work and choreography during Tennessee football game days.
Majorettes perform throughout the fall semester in Neyland Stadium and represent the University of Tennessee at special events.
2026 Majorette auditions have concluded.
Details about the auditions for Fall 2027 will be posted in early 2027. In the meantime, prospective applicants are encouraged to review the information on this page and check back for updates.
How to Audition
Students interested in joining the UT Majorette Line must complete the following steps:
- Apply to the University of Tennessee and eventually be accepted as a student.
- Submit the UT Majorette Line audition application.
- Attend the live audition on campus.
Auditions are scheduled after the UT Bands team receives your completed application.
Audition Requirements
Majorette auditions are held live on the University of Tennessee campus and evaluated by UT Band Directors and experienced twirling adjudicators.
While specific details may vary slightly each year, candidates can expect the following components.
Skills Evaluated
Solo Routine
Applicants must perform a solo routine lasting 2:00–2:30 minutes using one baton (additional batons may be used during stationary tricks).
Judging criteria include:
- Originality and showmanship
- Variety and difficulty
- Coordination
- Technique
- Posture and grace
Group Routine
Candidates will learn a short group routine during auditions that includes marching and field movements. Judges will evaluate the ability to quickly learn and perform new material.
Marching Technique
Candidates will demonstrate:
Basic Strut (Example 1)
Demonstration of traditional majorette strut technique (with or without bird arms).
8-to-5 Marching (With “the Bird” – Example 2)
Candidates will perform 8-to-5 marching with and without bird arms (which will be taught during auditions).
Judges will evaluate:
- Step size
- Posture
- Tempo and timing
- Overall marching technique
Stationary Tricks
Candidates will perform a series of stationary tricks using single and multiple batons. Tricks will be demonstrated by the head majorette.
Judges will evaluate control, execution, and consistency while remaining stationary.
Music & Equipment
- Music: Applicants must provide their own music for the solo routine. Music should be 2:00–2:30 minutes in length and played from a phone or MP3 device. A backup file is recommended.
- Equipment: Candidates should bring their own batons and any additional equipment needed for their routines.
Attire & Physical Fitness
- Physical Fitness: UT Majorettes perform throughout the football season in front of crowds exceeding 100,000 fans. Candidates should be in strong physical condition and prepared for the demands of the performance schedule.
- Attire: Candidates should wear a twirling costume of their choice with flesh-colored tights. Hair and makeup should reflect a performance-ready appearance.
Additional Information
- The number of majorettes selected each year varies depending on the caliber of applicants. In previous years, the squad has ranged from 7–15 members.
- Majorettes chosen for the line will receive a scholarship award of $800 per year.
- All majorettes must re-audition each year.
- If a selected majorette withdraws or leaves the squad, an alternate may be moved into the line at the discretion of the Director of Bands.
- Auditions are closed to the public. Only candidates and judges are permitted in the audition room. Family and friends may wait in the building lobby.
- Feature Twirler tryouts will be held immediately after the line is selected. All candidates must be selected from the previous year’s line in order to tryout for Feature Twirler. Candidates should be prepared to perform an additional solo performance. Routine should not exceed 2 minutes and 30 seconds and can include multiple batons if desired.