Catherine Rowe, 17, is a senior, head majorette and feature baton twirler at Chilton County High School. She is the daughter of Barry and Annette Rowe of Clanton. She has one brother, Shea.
PEACH LIVING MAGAZINE: How long have you been a baton twirler?
CATHERINE ROWE: 15 years.
PL: What age were you when you started?
CR: 2 years old.
PL: Why did you first get into baton twirling?
CR: My mom registered me for dance classes at Marilyn Sanders School of Dance when we lived in Walker County, where I took baton, ballet, jazz and tap. Baton has always been my favorite!
PL: How long have you been the feature twirler at Chilton County High School?
CR: This year.
PL: How long have you been head majorette at CCHS?
CR: Head majorette this year, but I have been on the line four years.
PL: Are you currently the only feature twirler and head majorette in Chilton County?
CR: Yes.
PL: As a feature twirler, what do you do differently than other majorettes?
CR: I wear a different costume from the majorette line, and my routines are separate except for the one song where the majorettes are featured!
PL: What are your responsibilities as head majorette?
CR: I am responsible for ensuring that the majorettes are sure of their routines, and to serve as a leader to the group. I keep up with equipment, makeup and the schedule of what we will wear and who is responsible for taking pictures at our performances, who’s responsible for our game day gifts and who’s providing waters.
PL: What awards have you received for your twirling over the years? How old were you each time?
CR: I have been star twirler through the years in my private baton classes. Since I started as a competitive baton twirler, I have won: Best Majorette Model, Majorette Queen, Strut Queen, Hall of Fame Solo Champion, Grand Champion, Superior Feature Twirler and Best in Class Feature Twirler.
PL: What do you enjoy about twirling?
CR: I have always been competitive, so I really enjoy that I always strive for perfection. I also enjoy getting on my sparkly costume, curling my hair and putting on makeup!
PL: How much time per week do you spend twirling?
CR: I average 5–10 hours weekly practicing.
PL: What is something people might not know about twirling?
CR: That you don’t just decide you’re going to twirl. It takes a lot of practice, to be good that is!
PL: Do you choreograph or help choreograph your routines?
CR: I do choreograph routines for myself as well as the majorette line. I also solicit the help of my private instructor, Rachel Pickett Miller, to make up some of my personal routines.
PL: Do you have pre-performance rituals or routines (things you do before every performance)?
CR: I always pray before every performance.
PL: Are you superstitious about anything?
CR: No, I just enjoy performing, and I love twirling!
PL: Do you plan to twirl after high school? If so, what are your goals?
CR: Yes! I have several options. I have narrowed down my school choices to: Auburn and Huntingdon. I will decide where I will go to college, then I will audition for a spot in the spring! At Auburn or Huntingdon, I would be a member of the majorette line. My main goal is to be Miss Majorette of Alabama. I will compete for that this spring also! I have had the privilege to twirl in the following college stadiums: Auburn, Tennessee, Troy and Huntingdon.
PL: What other groups or activities are you involved in at CCHS?
CR: President of Juniorettes, vice president of SGA, secretary of National Beta Club, treasurer of National Honor Society, Computer Club, FCCLA, Youth Alive and Blast from the Past.
PL: What are your post-graduation plans? What are your current career interests?
CR: I plan to obtain a bachelor’s degree in communications and master’s degree in broadcast meteorology. I plan to be the “weather girl!”
PL: What is the farthest place you have traveled to from home?
CR: All over the U.S.A.
PL: If you could be fluent in any other language in the world, what would it be, and why?
CR: Spanish, because we have so many bilingual people we deal with on a daily basis.
PL: What is your favorite food? How often do you have it?
CR: Chicken, weekly.
PL: What is your favorite thing about Chilton County?
CR: The small-town atmosphere.