PRESS RELEASE – April, 2026
‘Small & Gutsy’ Podcast Features The Academy of Drum and Bugle Corps
Small & Gutsy: Nonprofit Stories with Heart
Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff interviews Josh Thye, Executive Director of The Academy, about the transformational power of competitive drum and bugle corps for youth ages 16-21. The conversation explores the intense 11-hour daily rehearsals during the summer tour, the behind-the-scenes logistics, and powerful alumni stories that demonstrate how this experience shapes lives far beyond performance.
What Is The Academy? The Academy is a world-class nonprofit organization offering a competitive drum and bugle corps with brass sections, drum line, front ensemble, and color guard. Most participants first are introduced in middle school, though members often start in high school or later. The summer experience involves 11 hours of daily rehearsal plus travel across the country—from North Carolina to California. Every minute is accounted for as participants not only perform but also handle logistics, load trucks, prepare meals, and manage all behind-the-scenes operations.
What Makes It Gutsy? The organization is “all guts.” Whether performing in a parking lot or an NFL stadium, the group demonstrates true grit. Participants endure physical exhaustion, work through breaking points, and learn that they’re capable of far more than they imagined. Many don’t make it through, and the organization compassionately counsels them, but those who finish carry the experience for life. The mentors are often alumni who returned to give back because people invested in them.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/small-gutsy-nonprofit-stories-with-heart/id1548212585?i=1000761308942
How to Connect and Support: https://www.arizonaacademy.org/donate-online/
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‘Small & Gutsy’ Mission: Small & Gutsy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit podcast spotlighting nonprofits and social enterprises with budgets under $10 million. The show elevates the visibility of small but mighty changemakers doing bold, passionate, and impactful work. Small & Gutsy has been ranked #8 on FeedSpot’s Top 30 Social Impact Podcasts and #9 by Million Podcasts for Youth Empowerment episodes. Do you know a non-profit doing incredible work? If you know of a nonprofit or social enterprise making a real impact, nominate them to be featured on Small & Gutsy. Contact Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff at laura@smallandgutsy.org.
Check out other episodes of Small & Gutsy at SmallAndGutsy.org
