Featured Twirlers
The Purdue band is also famous for its four Featured Twirler positions: the Golden Girl, the Girl in Black, and the Silver Twins.
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 April, and serves as a leader of the AAMB 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 Len 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, a senior from Roselle, IL and the reigning Miss Indiana, continues as Golden Girl for the 2012-13 season.
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." The Girl in Black for the 2012-2013 season is Cecilia Daizovi, from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, who is also the first legacy feature twirler in the band's history.
Jordan Foster of Massachusetts and Alyssa Lyzen of Ohio take on a special role as novelty twirlers for the Purdue "All-American" Marching Band in the 2012-13 season. The position of Silver Twins was created by Al G. Wright in 1960 for identical twins. In auditions for the position, identical twins are given preference but twirling duos may also compete.
Read more about this topic: Purdue All-American Marching Band