General Information
University Bands serves over 300 students and is dedicated to its tradition of excellence, presenting at national and international venues. From concerts halls to half time entertainment at "The Rock," home of the Golden Eagles, its performing ensembles include the Pride of Mississippi and its dance team, the Wind Ensemble, the Symphonic Winds, and the Concert Band. No matter your passion—there is a place for you here.
Setting-up an Audition
In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, The University of Southern Mississippi has moved all auditions for all facets of our programs to an online video submission. See below for specific requirements.
The Pride of Mississippi Precision Dance Team
Auditions for all music majors are ongoing via the link above. Be sure to read the complete audition requirements for your studio area when preparing your video audition submission.
Auditions for non-music major woodwinds and brass are ongoing via the link above. Be sure to read the audition requirements for non-music majors.
Color Guard and The Pride of Mississippi Dance Team audition requirements (and routine video) will be posted here on April 15. Candidates will have until April 18 to submit their video audition submission. The submission form will also be found here at that time.
Drum Line audition materials and requirements can be found at the link above. Audition videos should be submitted by the end of the day on April 24.
Feature Twirler audition materials and requirements can be found at the link above. The form to submit your Feature Twirler audition video will be found here on April 15. Candidates will have until April 18 to submit their video audition submission.
The Pride of Mississippi Precision Dance Team
(known as the Dixie Darlings) FAQs
Generally, we choose between 40-50 girls. However, we will place the cut at any number below 50, depending on the talent at the auditions.
Wear dance sneakers, jazz shoes or aerobic type sneakers, a tank, a leotard, a cami or fitted t-shirt and shorts or dancewear that you can stretch in. If you are wearing a loose-fitting t-shirt, you may be asked to remove it so we can see body lines. Wear a leotard or a sports bra type top under your t-shirt. Make sure your outfit complements your body style and makes you stand out.
Auditions are closed to the public. There is a waiting area in the lobby of the Payne Center.
You will usually find out the day of the audition. However, there is always the possibility we will not announce the team until both auditions have been completed.
Each girl will perform various dance elements such as turns, leaps, kicks, a short dance routine, the fight song, and the Strut. We will teach you the dance routine, it is not necessary for you to have one prepared. You will be judged according to your technique, rhythm, coordination, accuracy, and memory of motions, and performance skills.
You should be active so you are in good physical shape. Take dance classes to train your body, work on kicks, turns, and leaps. Work on performance skills, agility, and flexibility. Be disciplined enough to follow through with a commitment to teamwork.
We want dancers who are strong performers with advanced dance technique. Dancers who are flexible, healthy, have a sharp memory, and can quickly adapt to changes are also a must.
We offer scholarships through the music department and our alumni association. You will also receive class credit through the music and dance departments.
We only have class during the fall semester. Class time is Monday, Wednesday, Friday 3:30 – 6 p.m. and Tuesday, Thursday 4-6 p.m. We also have Pride band camp the week before the fall semester begins. All other time devoted to Dixie Darlings January to July is strictly voluntary and not required.