There's making it, and then there's making it.
Duquesne University freshman Andy Witchger and his family tried out for NBC's "America's Got Talent" program this summer. Though they got on TV, they didn't advance beyond the top 100.
"It was less about the competition and more about spreading our name, showing people what we're all about and meeting the other great musicians," said Witchger, 21, a physics major.
Their name is ShaeLaurel -- the moniker for the six-member Witchger clan's singing, musical and performing group.
"Shae in Gaelic is 'six,' and there's six of us," said Jessica Witchger, 20, Andy's younger sister, from Mannsville, N.Y., where the family performed two shows Tuesday. "And a laurel tree has deep roots. That's what family's all about: deep roots."
Witchger, his brother, two sisters and parents have toured the globe for nine years, living on what they earn on stage.
That's making it.
"Last year was our record," said Andrew Witchger, 46, about the roughly $60,000 the family earned. He and his wife, Janet, decided in 2001 to leave their home in California and hit the road to perform.
"I was the one who thought there was no way we could do this," said Janet Witchger, 42. "I just agreed so they would see it was impossible. But I was the one who was wrong."
In fact, when they think about settling down again, the family falls into a funk, her husband said.
"We've found that when we give 100 percent faith in God, that everything works out," he said. "Sometimes we have to be reminded that God has called us to do this."
Three weeks into the semester at Duquesne, Andy Witchger said being apart is strange after spending all his time with his family for nearly a decade.
"But I'm also excited about where I am now, and all the opportunities open to me at Duquesne," he said. He hopes to become a mechanical engineer. Among his opportunities, he said, is a chance to connect with friends while remaining in one place.
"Performing is going to stick with me, no matter where I go," said Witchger, who plays many instruments including the mandolin, banjo and violin.
On where he'll ultimately end up, Witchger said, "I guess that's what I'm here to find out."
