Female marchers with the UT band were called Vollettes when they first appeared in 1937, three years before female students first were allowed to join the band. But the tradition of majorettes became firmly fixed in 1939 when Mildred Alexander was named head majorette. Although many universities have discontinued having majorettes, UT has continued the tradition. The average twirling experience of UT majorettes is eight to ten years, and members of the UT majorettes compete nationally. Majorettes perform at band camp, in August, and the line rehearses with the band three days a week for approximately two hours and on game days from two to three hours. UT majorettes have a tradition of being able to twirl in unison.