Twirlers, Dancers and
Flags

 

 

Golden Girl

Purdue's Golden Girl ranks among the nation's best twirlers and is at the top of her art form. This talented performer is selected by audition each spring, and serves as a leader of the "All-American" Marching Band as well as an ambassador for Purdue University. Recognized nationally for her unique talents, this coveted position has roots going back to the early history of Purdue Bands.

The tradition of the Golden Girl was begun in 1954 during the era of quarterback Lenny Dawson, whose poise on the field prompted the press to nickname him Purdue's "Golden Boy." At the same time, Dr. Al G. Wright (now Director of Bands Emeritus) brought his first twirling protégé to the field, Juanita Carpenter, who earned the title of "Golden Girl."

When Dawson graduated Purdue was left without a "Golden Boy," but Carpenter's graduation didn't have the same effect on her title. Instead "Golden Girl" evolved into a movable crown that's been passed down through generations , and the position has become the standard for excellence within the twirling community. Golden Girl #27 MerrieBeth Cox, from Roselle, IL, became our newest Golden Girl in 2008.

In 2004 Purdue Bands celebrated the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Golden Girl Tradition. To commemorate this special event a special area of the website was dedicated to honoring the former Golden Girls. The information from this site was kept and can be found here. (under reconstruction)

Golden Girls Through the Years

Juanita Carpenter Sandra Hutchinson Addie Darling Teddy Darling June Ciampa Sherry Carden Valerie Brown Selita Sue Smith Linda Hughes Kathy Burke Susan Fron Sally Batina Valerie Ludwick Candice Nogle Dawn Beck Kim Ratcliffe Holly Fehrman Alisha Bane Dawn Vardaman Ann Loppnow Abby Moore Erin Ansfield Robyn Andrews Christy Jayne Stallings Meghan Lamontagne Tierney Brown MerrieBeth Cox

1954 - 1955 1956 - 1958 1958 - 1960 1962 - 1964 1961 - 1962 and 1964 - 1965 1965 - 1966 1966 - 1968 1969 - 1973 1973 - 1976 1976 - 1979 1979 - 1982 1982 - 1983 1983 - 1987 1987 - 1988 1988 - 1989 1989 - 1990 1990 - 1994 1994 - 1995 1995 - 1996 1996 - 2000 2000 - 2001 2001 - 2002 2002 - 2003 2003 - 2006 2006 - 2007 2008 2008 - present

Girl in Black, Silver Twins and Miss Boilerette

In 1962, another solo twirler position was created to compliment the Golden Girl. June Ciampa was the first to fill this position. Dressed in Purdue's other color, black, she first performed as the International Twirler. This title was later replaced with "Girl in Black." Our current Girl in Black is Meg Merdian of Troy, MI.

Identical twin sisters Sara and Chellie Zou, of Elkhart, IN take on a special role as novelty twirlers for the Purdue "All-American" Marching Band. The position of Silver Twins was created by Al G. Wright in 1960 for identical twins. In auditions for the position, identical twins will be given preference but twirling duos may also compete.

When the Boilerette Twirling Team was dissolved in Spring 2010, a special soloist position was created for a talented senior member of that team, Rachael Bazzell of New Carlisle, IN, who twirls under the title of Miss Boilerette.

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Golduster Dance Team

More than just a dance line, or a pom-pom squad, the Golduster Dance Team tackles many different performing duties as part of the "All-American" Marching Band. Jazz, rock and roll, Broadway, ballet, hip hop and even a touch of cheerleading complement the Goldusters' performances. Members work together with a student leadership team and the Auxiliary Director to create high-energy routines that fit the various themes of the marching band shows. Besides football games, the Golduster Dance Team also perform in parades, stage shows and at various sporting and community events.

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Golden Silks Color Guard

Adding to the visual impact of the Purdue "All-American" Marching Band is the Golden Silks Color Guard. This group adds splashes of black and gold during pregame performances and a variety of color to halftime shows. Known for their precision and style, the Golden Silks Color Guard members bring the marching band's music to life through intricate routines that visually interpret the tunes. Members work together with a student leadership team and coach to create and perfect routines that are both fun and challenging. The Golden Silks Color Guard is an integral part of the marching band at home football games, parades, campus and community events, and the Indianapolis 500. In the spring semester the team becomes a competitive Winterguard in the Independent A class of the MidWest Color Guard Circuit.

More information on the Purdue Auxiliaries can be found at: purdueperformers.com

(PurduePerformers.com is not maintained by Purdue University Bands)

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Interested in joining Purdue Auxiliaries?

Click here for audition information

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