Touch of Gold Indoor Teams

About Us

Touch of Gold Indoor Teams (TOG) was born in late 2005 as a three-member flag team, who were also members of TOG's parent organization, Golden Twirlers Baton & Flag Corps.  While Golden Twirlers is a recreational group that is dedicated to parade march only, and is open to all girls ages 6-12, a need for indoor competition was recognized. 

TOG's first-year success prompted coaches Mike White & Julie Benamati to expand the indoor side of Golden Twirlers, and Touch of Gold became official in the summer of 2006.

The flag team has grown to six senior members, and the novelty twirl team has six members as well.  Both teams began practicing in August, and made their season debut in October 2006 at their own fundraising Twirling Unlimited competition held in their hometown.  In March 2007, a new six-member juvenile strut team began preparing for competition as well. Coaches have also encouraged solo competition.

TOG membership is based entirely on three things:  Ability, Dedication and Parent Commitment. Membership at this time is by invitation only, with consideration based upon the student's ability and talent as exhibited through Golden Twirlers or other community organizations, their dedication to twirling, and most importantly, the commitment of the parents or guardians.  TOG members are expected to attend all practices (although some exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis) and all competitions.  Parents are required to support their TOG member financially and encourage at-home practice, attendance at practice and at competition.

The team is a non-profit organization with the ultimate goal of representing the community of Curwensville and Clearfield County.  The organization's fundraisers assist with providing tuition money for members to attend summer baton and flag camps. 

Mike is the flag team coach and has an extensive background in music and the arts.  Mike is TOG's "creative genius" and designated tailor.  Julie is the baton coach and has been twirling since age 7.  She was a majorette captain in high school and later was a member of Lock Haven University's field majorettes. She began coaching in Cambria County, PA in 1998, and then founded Golden Twirlers in 2002, one year after she moved with her family to Clearfield County.

Both coaches are band front advisors for Curwensville Area High School's Golden Tide Marching Band.

When the 2009 season is over, preparation will begin for the 2009-10 season in September, with practices beginning again in September.  Membership again will be via invitation only.  Anyone else interested in joining the group will do so through an informal audition to be scheduled later on.  Anyone who wants more information about joining Touch of Gold Indoor Teams can e-mail us.