This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Temple chapter.
Temple University offers a variety of extracurricular activities. From intramural sports to Greek life, there are many options to get involved in. One unique activity, however, is the art of baton twirling. Meet Inga Maric, a sophomore at Temple University, who is the baton twirler for the Temple University marching band.
“As a baton twirler, I make up my own routines that goes along with the music the band is playing. I twirl between one to four batons at a time,” Maric explained. “I usually look for an open spot on the field during the drills to see where I can go.”
Maric was not involved in a band in high school and decided to try out for Temple’s marching band last year. As the only baton twirler, she is expected to perform routines in front of thousands of people at Lincoln Financial Field during football season.
“The adrenaline of performing in the Lincoln Financial Field is really amazing. I love the fact that I get to do something I love in front of people,” Maric said.
While the other sections of the band have ten or more members, Maric is expected to craft her routines on her own and admitted it can get lonely sometimes. She still bonds with other band members though, and enjoys the overall experience.
“I honestly have no musicality in my body,” Maric admitted. “But I do listen to music quite a bit and can twirl to it! I love that the band performs music that is currently popular, which makes it much more exciting.”
Maric has to devote about 10 hours a week to the band during the season, but slightly less time than that in the spring.
“The band has benefitted me tremendously. I am so glad I tried it out and I have made so many friends doing what I love,” Maric shared. “I see myself continuing this as long as I go to Temple. It makes me feel like I am a part of something in college, it’s really indescribable.”