From saveaumajorettes.com:
The Auburn University Majorettes have a long and proud heritage that has been a true joy to the Auburn faithful. The Majorettes have always led the band at football games, pep rallies, parades and on other special occasions. They are truly an Auburn Institution.
The Majorettes will not be leading the band much longer. The Majorettes are being integrated into a group along with the flag line and pom pom/kickline dancers who were added last year. In an effort to minimize the alumni outcry, the plan is being phased in. The stated plan for next year is for all uniforms to be the same, and all shoes to be the same (no more white boots). Only four majorettes are marching in front of the band, with the other four marching in the back. At pep rallies and in the stands, the majorettes only use pom poms (not their batons) and are grouped with the flag line and dancers, not being allowed to have their own identity.
Thank you for your help in saving this beloved Auburn tradition, and in preserving their great legacy.
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FROM THE AUBURN UNIVERSITY MARCHING BAND:
Dear Member of the Auburn Family,
I want to assure you that we are not doing away with the Auburn University majorettes. They are and continue to be an integral part of the entire pregame and halftime entertainment that is presented through the Auburn University Marching Band and our visual ensemble known as the Tiger Eyes.
Unfortunately, a small group of misinformed individuals has started an untrue rumor that has escalated into a life of its own regarding our line of twirlers, and sadly, these misinformed individuals prefer to remain anonymous, disallowing the band staff to respond and explain the change and progress within the overall organization over the past five years. Not surprisingly, this rumor is emotionally hurting the girls on the current majorette line who spend hours every day in rehearsals and sectionals, perfecting their combined art and athleticism. The negative attention they have received has been unnerving for these talented ladies who balance academics, exhaustive rehearsals, and performance.
As always, we strive to recruit the best quality of twirlers from across the United States. For information concerning the demanding skills required of our twirlers, our future plans for 2007 auditions, and a listing of our current twirler line, please visit our Band website: www.auburn.edu/auband
Please support our twirlers, all three performing lines of the Tiger Eyes, and the entire Auburn University Marching Band by squelching these untrue rumors and recognizing the hard work of these outstanding students. Below is a statement from the three student captains.
Dr. Richard Good
AUMB Director
To Whom It May Concern:
As captains of the Auburn University Tiger Eyes, we issue this statement in hopes to answer any questions and to clarify any misunderstandings regarding our existence and purpose in the Auburn University Marching Band.
We first would like to recognize that our purpose as Tiger Eyes is to serve as student representatives of Auburn University, supporters of Auburn football, and proud members of the Auburn Marching Band.
In 2005, Auburn fans were first introduced to a new concept of thought when it comes to the visual aspects of the marching band. The Tiger Eyes are collectively composed of three different lines, consisting of twirlers, flags, and dancers. We are the "visual" ensemble of the AUMB, and we add the sights to the phenomenal sounds of the band that entertain fans at every AU football game. Each line has a different specialty to give to the visual effect of the band: dancers dance, flags spin flags, and twirlers twirl batons. Our choreography is designed to elevate the talents of each line while, at certain times, perform as one unit to extend an even more dramatic visual effect for the band.
As captains this year, we have set five goals for the Tiger Eyes. Our first goal and focus is to maintain as one cohesive unit that works for the betterment of the band. Above our membership and allegiance to the Tiger Eyes, we first and foremost consider ourselves proud members of the Auburn University Marching Band. We realize that the band can exist without us, but we cannot exist without the band. Therefore, we are very grateful to be apart of this program.
Secondly, we have aimed to begin and end each halftime show together on a common prop among all three lines. Although this may be a new concept for the Auburn family, we feel this adds much more visual effect to the performance level of the band as a whole.
Our third goal is to present ourselves in the most professional manner possible. We feel this can best be achieved by performing in matching uniforms. The word “uniform,” to us, entails many things, including dress, hair, makeup, jewelry, and footwear. We believe if we are to fulfill our first goal of performing as one cohesive unit, all of these uniform pieces should be the same. We should ultimately look like one uniform, polished ensemble.
Our fourth goal is for ourselves as young college students. Since its formation, many lifelong friendships have been established between girls among all three lines of the Tiger Eyes. Positive relationships have been formed with other members of the band, outside of the Tiger Eyes, as well. This level of camaraderie reiterates our desire for whole-hearted unity and fairness and equality amongst us.
Our fifth and final goal for this year is to elevate the skill level of each line’s talent to the highest degree. Not only do we feel that existing as one cohesive group will raise our ability level and push further than ever before, but also, we stand positively behind all the decisions that have been made by the band staff. The decision to alter our footwear and hairstyle helps make possible our goal of increasing skill level.
In the past few weeks, it has unfortunately been brought to our attention that there have been conflicting ideas concerning the Tiger Eyes. We acknowledge those who have come before us, we respect and appreciate their hard work and commitment they once gave to the Auburn band. Nevertheless, we stand in full support and agreement to our current goals. It would be incredibly disheartening to know that, as Auburn students, we are not supported by our family. While change is never easy, it is inevitable. We would appreciate your understanding and continued support as we move forward in our goals as the Tiger Eyes, the visual ensemble of the Auburn University Marching Band. Thank you, and War Eagle!
Tiger Eyes Captains 2006
Rebecca Petty, Megan Robertson, Mary Margaret Shoultz
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