Baton twirler takes top regional title

Erin Ketterman is a first-year Tulane student, a math major who also loves science, and a performer with the Tulane University Marching Band, but she is especially proud of a new title she earned over spring break: All West Region College Miss Majorette.

It's one of seven awards Ketterman took home from the National Baton Twirling Association's All West Twirling Regionals in Long Beach, Calif., held March 16–18 and involving 154 competitors from Arizona, California, New Mexico, Nevada and Hawaii.

In the world of baton twirling, “College Miss Majorette” is a coveted award. Competitors are judged in modeling with an interview, strut (dancing in the shape of an X with the baton) and a solo routine.

“This will be the title that I will proceed to compete with at America's Youth on Parade — the Baton Twirling Nationals — in July for the ultimate title of College Miss Majorette of America,” says Ketterman, who has been to nationals six times in the past.

She already won the spot as the feature twirler for the Tulane band. “I absolutely love performing,” she says. “My competitive spirit started at age five when I began twirling.”

Ketterman also played alto saxophone at her Phoenix, Ariz., high school's wind ensemble, symphonic orchestra and jazz band.

“The Tulane band members are my family,” she says. “I think having a musical background helps me to unite with the members. I am not just the girl with the batons, but I am a fellow musician as well.”

Tulane director of bands Barry Spanier is proud to have an award-winning twirler like Ketterman with the Tulane band to “add another dimension to TUMB performances, expanding our artistic palette of color, motion and entertainment.”

She also has been involved in the band's color guard routines and with the Shockwave Dance Team.