January 23, 2009

The Fresno State Dance Team will return as part of the Bulldog Marching Band under coach Tiphanie McNiff, a member of the Oakland Raiderettes, and will perform at Bulldogs games and university events.

Timothy T. Anderson, director of the marching band, said the new 23-member Bulldogs Dance Team will be a natural and complimentary addition to the 270-member band.

“We anticipate the new dance team adding color and visual flair to the Bulldog Marching Band performances,” Anderson said.

Audition applications are now being accepted and a clinic/information session is Feb. 28 in the South Gym. Auditions for the new team are March 8 in the North Gym.

The dance team will perform routines with the band at all home football games, various men’s and women’s basketball games and other university events.

Enrollment is open to all Fresno State students. Students from other colleges may also participate by enrolling through the Continuing and Global Education extension program.
Dancers selected will receive academic credit, as members of the Bulldog Marching Band. Uniforms and equipment will be provided and stipends are available for those selected as team captains.

Two letters of recommendation and a recent individual photo are requested. Application materials are available online and must be submitted in the band office, Music Building Room 138, before the Feb. 28 clinic.

McNiff, who was a member of the Clovis West High School pep team, brings 18 years of professional dance experience to the team. She danced professionally with the Fresno City Ballet and competed for 12 years in jazz, ballet, and lyrical and studied ballet under the direction of Margaret Hord, Chris and Francoise Doyle, and Melinda Cordell.

She has performed at Lakers, Raiders, and 49ers halftime shows. She also teaches for Spark Dance Studio of Pleasanton.

Other Bulldog Marching Band auditions this spring are:

• Marching Band Audition Day: Saturday, March 7

• Drum Line Clinic and Scholarship Auditions: April 18

• Color Guard Audition: Sunday, May 3

For more information, contact Sindi Raya-McGuire at 559.278.5086 or sraya@csufresno.edu.