Second Time Arounders Auxiliary Groups

 Minimum Performance Requirements

Our band has nine different auxiliary groups and all are very important to the visual impact of our program.  They are divided into two sub groups:

1. The twirling groups (as we affectionately call them) learn routines and members need to have the scheduling flexibility to attend a few extra voluntary practices outside the official schedule, usually at a local park or rec center.  There are no formal auditions for these groups, but a friendly, low-stress 'soft' audition will take place at the first practice to make sure you're comfortable with the minimum requirements.   

2. The pageantry groups add to the visual excitement of our band by carrying flags, banners and the like.  These groups do not memorize routines and are a good option for anyone who can't come to extra practices or are less experienced such as spouses or friends of other band members.

Please read the descriptions below and then based on your experience level, decide which group is right for you.   If you are unsure, just come to the first practice and we'll help you find the best fit.   There's a group for everyone! 

TWIRLING GROUPS:

Majorettes

This group focuses on dance twirl-type movements and tosses.  Previous twirling experience is required. Lighted batons are used for night parades. Members supply their own baton(s).

Majorettes must display the ability to perform:

• Vertical spins with baton
• Horizontal spins with baton
• Vertical tosses
• Horizontal tosses (with boxcar)
• two-hand spins
• thumb tosses / can opener  (off back of hand)
• aerials, both stationary and travel

Majorettes must also be able to:

• Perform routine while marching forward and stepping in time to beat of the music
• memorize routine
• march at least 3 miles while maintaining good posture and exhibiting excellent showmanship
• perform twirling routines to dance twirl foot movements
• twirl both a regular baton and a glow baton
• conform to group style (twirling and marching)

"Rounderettes" Dance and Drill Team

Previous drill team, cheerleading, dance, or pom-pon squad experience is suggested.  This group is high energy and focuses on crisp precision movements and waist-high, pointed-toe kicks.  Members must possess excellent coordination skills and showmanship, as well as be a quick learner, able to memorize and execute routines. Formal dance training is not required.

Rounderettes must display the ability to perform:

• kicks at the required height (waist) while maintaining good upper body posture
• a variety of turns without losing balance
• while maintaining pointed toes (especially on kicks)

Rounderettes must also be able to:

• Memorize and retain routines (routines will be practiced in a way that you will not always have someone to watch)
• Show consistent coordination skills - forward march and/or mark time in step to music, while accurately performing routines
• March at least 3 miles while maintaining good posture and exhibiting excellent showmanship
• pull hair back and away from the eyes, if long enough. 

Rifle Line

Members must have previous color guard experience and supply their own equipment.

Members of the Rifle Line must display the ability to perform:

• Continuous, smooth right-hand spins at varying tempos (some left-hand spins may be necessary) 
• Cleanly executed single, double and triple tosses. 
• Tracks and flourishes
• Memorize and retain routines, conforming to style of the group
• Show consistent coordination skills, forward march or mark time in step to music while accurately performing routine. 
• march at least 3 miles while maintaining good posture and exhibiting excellent showmanship

Flag Line

This group uses mostly intermediate level moves to create exciting routines that are high impact but not overly difficult to execute. Previous color guard experience (in a flag line that performed routines) is strongly recommended. Both practice and show flags are provided for a small user's fee.

Flag Line members must display the ability to:

• Display solid technique on flag movements such as slams, drop spins, angles and extensions
• Display proper hand placements (for both free hand and placement on pole)
• Memorize and retain routines
• Show consistent coordination skills; forward march or mark time in step to music, while accurately performing flag routine
• march at least 3 miles while maintaining good posture and exhibiting excellent showmanship

Tall Flags

Has it been quite a while since you marched, or do you have limited previous flag experience? This group focuses on fundamental routines that are made up of basic moves but still have pizazz.  This group does not spin the flag. Both practice and show flags are provide for a small user's fee.

Tall Flags must display the ability to:

• Quickly learn flag movements such as slams, angles and extensions
• Display proper hand placements (for both free hand and placement on pole)
• Memorize and retain routines
• Show consistent coordination skills � forward march or mark time in step to music, while accurately performing flag routine
• march at least 3 miles while maintaining good posture and exhibiting excellent showmanship

PAGEANTRY GROUPS:

National Flag Pageant

The National Flag Pageant (NFP) is the name given to a collection of flags that includes every flag that has ever flown over the United States, dating all the way back to the 13 Original Colonies. Collectively, this group creates an emotional and patriotic spectacle.  

No previous marching experience is necessary, and equipment is provided. Requirements include:

• ability to march 3 miles while staying in step to the beat of the music.
• sufficient strength and endurance to hold upright a six pound pole with flag for long periods both standing still and on the march.
• ability to use peripheral vision and maintain awareness of fellow marchers to keep straight marching ranks

Note: members should not have neck, back or leg ailments (neck straps are worn by group - bottom tip of flag is carried in pouch near belly button)

Letter Carriers

This group provides a beautiful backdrop for the band. Each team member carries a different letter of our band name to spell out SECOND TIME AROUNDERS. No previous marching experience is required, and equipment is provided.. Requirements include:

• peripheral vision and awareness of fellow letter carriers to maintain spacing and straight marching ranks
• must be in-sync with fellow letter carriers - able to march in step to the music, in a straight line, and do both while turning corners.
• awareness of how surroundings will effect the letter carrier line (wind, trees, cars, people) and act accordingly based on conditions
• sufficient strength and endurance to hold the pole in an upright position with letters facing correct direction for long periods  both standing still and on the march
• ability to march 3 miles

Note: members should not have neck, back or leg ailments (neck straps are worn by group - bottom tip of letter is carried in pouch near belly button).

Banner Carriers

The banner carriers march at the front of our parade block with a large banner that introduces our unit to parade viewers.

No previous marching experience is necessary, and equipment is provided.  Requirements include:

• peripheral vision and awareness of fellow banner carriers
• able to march in step to the music, in a straight line, and do both while turning corners.
• awareness of how surroundings will effect the banners (wind, trees, cars, people) and act accordingly based on conditions
• sufficient strength and endurance to hold the banners for long periods both standing still and on the march
• ability to march 3 miles

Note: members should not have neck, back or leg ailments

Honor Guard

This group carries our American Flag, State and local flags at the front of our parade block. This group can only accommodate a set number and has limited openings. New sign-ups may be referred to other groups such as the National Flag Pageant.

Previous marching experience is preferred, and equipment is provided. Requirements include:

• ability to march 3 miles
• sufficient strength and endurance to hold upright a six pound pole with flag for long periods both standing still and on the march.
• Ability to use peripheral vision and maintain awareness of fellow members so as to maintain marching formation.
• able to march in step to music or drum cadence

Note: members should not have neck, back or leg ailments (neck straps are worn by group - bottom tip of flag is carried in pouch near belly button)