Arizona Academy of the Performing Arts

Brief HistoryIn 2001, The Academy Brass & Percussion Ensemble was formed to give some of Arizona's finest young musicians an introduction to the incredibly unique activity of drum and bugle corps.  Over the course of three summers, the young group of 52-60 performed for several local events and has taken the opportunity to perform in exhibition at its home show, the Southwest Corps Connection.  In 2004, the group added the final element of the color guard, was accepted as a DCI sanctioned unit, made the name change to The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps and began competing for the first time.   In 2006, the corps had grown to 135 members and competing for the first time in Drum Corps International World Championships in Madison,Wisconsin where they earned the title of Division II World Champion.  2007 marked their first year competing in Division I, now called World Class, where they continue to compete today.  In 2009, The Academy was named the official drum and bugle corps of the City of Tempe.  In 2011, we will be celebrating our 10th anniversary and looking to field the strongest, hardest working corps we have ever assembled.

Membership
If you are a highly motivated individual, 21 or younger, who is interested in becoming a part of the drum and bugle corps activity in Arizona, we invite you to audition for the Academy Drum & Bugle Corps. Membership acceptance is based on work ethic, character, ability level, and audition results.  While the average age of the membership is 18-21 years old, younger students have been accepted based on their exceptional performance quality and individual maturity.  We recommend anyone 14 years and older that is interested in some day participating in our corps, or the drum & bugle corps activity to attend the weekend clinic/audition camps.

We will be auditioning for performing positions include up to 72+ brass, 36 color guard, and 36 percussion students.  Touring alternate members in the color guard and brass section will also be accepted.  There may be 1-2 openings for the Drum Major position in 2011 as well.

Trainee opportunities
In addition to the 150+ members and alternates, The Academy will be accepting individuals to train with corps in some sections throughout the winter and spring who are not necessarily able to or interested in engaging in the rigorous rehearsal and performance schedule during the summer.  These trainees selected will be able to rehearse and perform as a full corps participant throughout the pre-season until the all-day rehearsals begin in June.  The cost for this is $50 per month and is a great idea for those interested in marching with the corps in the future to participate as a trainee in order to improve the performance skills and knowledge of The Academy's staff and their methods.  Those interested in this opportunity should register to audition and attend one or more of the audition camps to get more information and begin your experience with the corps.

Open House & Audition Weekends
The 2011 season begins with an informational Open House on Sunday, November 28th (location TBD), followed by two audition weekend mini-camps preliminarily scheduled for December 3-5, and 10-12, 2010.  These audition weekends will be held at the Tempe Sports Complex or nearby facilities in the Tempe area. Interested individuals, of all ages are encouraged to attend the auditions. This format is intended to educate and inform all attendees while providing an opportunity for the staff to evaluate those who are vying for a position in the 2011 corps.  Students who are not necessarily able to perform with the corps in 2011, but are hoping to join sometime in the future are STRONGLY encouraged to attend these weekends.  Understanding the physical requirements, technique programs, and work ethic required of the corps is the best way to ensure future acceptance into the corps.  The more exposure the staff has to the performers, the better the chances are to gaining a future member spot.

Online Application
Each person should submit an on-line application form to notify staff that they will be attending. There will be a non-refundable, one-time $40 clinic/audition fee that will be charged upon registering for the auditions. This fee will cover the cost of your T-Shirt, materials, and instruction for BOTH weekends. Once you apply online, you will be on the contact list and be given access to the audition materials as soon as they are available.  Register online now here.

Video Auditions
If you live outside of Arizona and would like to submit a preliminary audition video to the staff prior to booking travel arrangements, we encourage you to do so.  The best way to do this is to upload a video online, or send a dvd recording demonstrating your skills required by the staff.  While we encourage this process to give the staff a first read of your ability level, we will require you to audition in person for the staff at some point prior to being accepted as a member.  Contact Mark Richardson, Director for more details.  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Rehearsals/Camps
Your school activities take priority over Academy rehearsals. Keeping this in mind, the staff is asking that each prospective member look over the on-line calendar and predict ANY scheduling conflicts with rehearsals & performances before making a commitment. Attendance at rehearsals is paramount in attempting to achieve the highest level of excellence –  what the Academy is striving for. Every audition applicant of the corps must turn in a preliminary attendance contract form during auditions. This form will be made available on the member site to the applicants.  It is used to help determine an applicant's eligibility as a member.  Applicants will receive detailed rehearsal schedules as they become available.

2011 Program Fees
Audition/Camp Fees - As mentioned above there is a one-time clinic/audition fee of $40 that covers both experience weekends for each section.  During the winter and spring months, a minimum monthly fee of $50 per camp will be assessed to prospective/returning members who attend camps but do not march the summer season. This camp fee enables non-members (trainees) and new or callback audition applicants to continue participate throughout the winter months.  These fees will be credited as membership payments if an applicant is subsequently given a membership position.

Membership Dues – Often called tour fees, the membership dues cover most of the costs associated with the summer tour including meals (other than some travel days and free days), over 10,000 miles of touring, and hundreds of hours of world class education. The comprehensive dues for 2011 that include all camps, equipment fees, membership dues, and tour fees will range from $2,200-$2,400.  A minimum monthly payment schedule is required upon being accepted as a member of the corps.  Discounts are also available for early payments and returning members.  Details are available to audition applicants upon registering online.

Parents, have questions about drum corps? Why is your child interested in this?  What is this all about?  Let us explain, here.

Questions? Who do I contact?
Contact us with any questions that you may have.