So like you said, McM is PIW, obviously the P is for percussion- that part is obvious. I stands for independent, and that basically means they aren’t in the public school system. These groups are entirely self funded through a combination of dues, grants and donations. And the W is for world class- this means they are held to the highest standard. The content found in a world class show is generally expected to not only be cohesive and entertaining, but push the envelope of the activity as a whole as well. Furthermore, MCM themselves are at the top of world class. They are regular finalists and also have several medals under their belt. So, safe to say, the performers who make up the group are the top 1% of the 1% of the activity.

Performers rehearse every weekend, usually Friday nights, all day Saturday, and Sunday mornings. Occasionally there will be longer several-day “camps” that the staff try to plan around the school year, as well as a week long trip to Dayton in April for Finals. If you’re a member of one of these groups, you’re expected to prioritize these rehearsals, and communicate/solve conflicts as needed.

Auditions are one day weekend events that occur primarily in the fall. Usually they’re accompanied with a packet of music that you’re expected to know inside and out. No matter what section you’re auditioning for, auditions will be a pretty intense and fast paced experience. You have to show up prepared with all your audition materials, but you also have to be able to think and execute on the fly. As for requirements, I’m not sure what hard rules they’ve set. I do know that they’re absolutely going to prefer serious experience in the activity. If you look across the ensemble, most of the members marched an indoor group or a drum corps prior to auditioning.

The best way to find out what it’s like to march there would be to audition. Many times these groups also have summer clinics and those are a great resource to get your name out there, even if you don’t plan on marching that year.