The Modernettes were formed 50 years ago in 1959 under the direction of Ruby Daugherty and Marlene Moore. At that time, the Modernettes were a parading group, marching in 2-3 fireman parades a week during the summer months. A few years later, the corps attended its first National Baton Twirling Associaton (NBTA) competition, and it has competed in this competition every year since then. For a while, the corps competed with a drum line and color guard, and for several years, the Modernettes even competed with a Rock Band.
Since then, the Modernettes have performed at the Blue Water Festival in Michigan, The World's Fair in New York, The Grand Ole Opry, as the opening act for Bobby Vinton at Heinz Hall, and on a cruise ship! The corps has also been the opening act for the televised Pittsburgh Celebrate the Seasons parade for many years. They perform at many local events as well.
The Juvenile and Senior Modernettes now compete with taped music in the Show Corps with Props division. The corps is judged on the following: Variety and Difficulty of Twirling, Movement (Maneuvering and Dance), General Effects & Audience Appeal, Control and Unison, Showmanship and Presentation.
Over the years, the Modernettes have won more awards than any other corps in the U.S.A. The Modernettes have competed in the Show Corps division at ALL 7 NATIONAL BATON TWIRLING ASSOCIATION WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, winning the Gold 6 times (1990-Holland, 1993-France, 1996-Italy, 2003-France, 2006-Holland, 2009-Belgium) and taking a Silver in England in 2000. The Modernettes also took home a silver medal in Pom-Pons at the World Championships held in Belgium, 2009. This was the Modernettes first time to compete at the World Championships in Poms. They are also the first USA team to ever place in the top three in Poms! Corps must first qualify to represent the United States at the World Championships by winning the national title at Notre Dame University in July.
The Modernettes are now under the direction of Sherry Vignoli-Parisi (Ruby's daughter).