Philadelphia Families: The Marching Arts Experience You've Been Looking For
Families from Chester County, Delaware County, Bucks County, and Philadelphia are making the 90-minute drive to Baltimore for something they can't find locally — national-level competition, HBCU majorette tradition, and a multi-discipline program that grows with your child from age 6 to adult.
What Philadelphia & South PA Doesn't Have — TME Does
The Philadelphia area has strong scholastic marching band programs through the Cavalcade of Bands and PIAA circuits, but these are school-affiliated ensembles. Private studios in the suburbs charge $1,500–$3,000+ per season with no subsidy and limited competitive reach beyond state circuits.
No single program in the Philadelphia suburbs combines competitive indoor drumline, HBCU-style majorette dance, color guard, and brass under one roof with subsidized access. TME's DCI SoundSport participation puts your child on the same national stage as the world's elite drum corps — something no local PA program offers.
Built for Families Who Travel
We designed our schedule so that families from Philadelphia & South PA can fully participate without a daily commute. Weekend rehearsals are the core commitment; virtual lessons fill the gaps.
Thursday
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Optional for commuters
1st & 3rd Saturday
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
In-person rehearsal (required)
2nd & 4th Saturday
Flexible
Virtual recorded lesson upload
* Thursday evening rehearsals are optional for commuting families. All required commitments are on Saturdays.
Choose Your Ensemble
Thee Standard of Percussion
Competitive Indoor Drumline
Ages 6–17 (Youth) · 18+ (Adult)
Elite Fire Dance Team
HBCU Majorette & Jazz Dance
Ages 6–17 (Youth) · 18+ (Adult)
Crimson Blaze Color Guard
Competitive Color Guard
Ages 9–17 (Youth) · 18+ (Adult)
Brass & Hornline
Competitive Brass Ensemble
Ages 8–17 (Youth) · 18+ (Adult)
Philadelphia & South PA Communities Welcome
Don't see your city? If you're within a 2-hour drive of Baltimore, you're welcome at TME. Contact us to confirm.
"TME gave my son opportunities I never thought possible — performing nationally, traveling, and developing skills that carried him through college. The drive from Virginia is absolutely worth it."
TME Family
Northern Virginia · Member since 2022
4 Steps to Get Started
Submit Interest Form
Fill out the Join Us form at themarchingelite.org/join-us — takes 2 minutes.
Register on Dance Studio Pro
Complete registration and submit your $50 registration fee through our secure portal.
Schedule First Class
Book your free first class via our online scheduler — in-person or virtual intro available.
Show Up Saturday
Arrive at 1 N. Fulton Ave, Baltimore on your first rehearsal Saturday. Your journey begins.
Ready to Join TME from Philadelphia & South PA?
The drive is worth it. Hundreds of families have made TME their home — and so can yours.
Questions? Call 1-410-609-9785 or email [email protected]