FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps Welcomes Kelsey Brunson as Corps Director Tempe, AZ – September, 2026 The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps, a nationally recognized organization dedicated to excellence in music and the performing arts, proudly announces the appointment of Kelsey Brunson as Corps Director, effective September, 2026. Kelsey brings an […]
Category Archives: Academy Staff
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Oct
Oct
PRESS RELEASE – October, 2025 Arizona Academy of the Performing Arts announces new Board Officers Exciting news from the Arizona Academy of the Performing Arts (AAPA / The Academy)! At the recent annual meeting, members elected a new slate of officers to guide AAPA into its next chapter — including our new Board President, Matt […]
02
Sep
Sep
Richard Saucedo Joins The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps as Brass Arranger The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps is thrilled to announce the newest addition to its design team, Richard Saucedo, who will serve as Brass Arranger & Music Designer, partnering with Design Supervisor, Brian Murphy, and Program Coordinator/Percussion & Audio Designer, John McFarland. Mr. […]
04
Mar
Mar
Seasoned veterans return to The Academy this summer to spearhead the effort towards ensemble cohesion. Returning to the ensemble leadership team in the role of Ensemble Coordinator is Marc Whitlock. Jim Ragsdale returns to The Academy for his second year in his new role as Ensemble Specialist. Read all about them at the link below.
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Feb
Feb
The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps welcomes the staff of the 2025 Brass Education Team. Returning to the team is Caption Head, Michael Weber, and Assistant Caption Heads Christian Arteaga and Tori Kawasaki. They have assembled an outstanding and dedicated group of brass educators. Read all about the entire Brass team at the link below.
05
Dec
Dec
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps Welcomes Josh Thye as Executive Director Tempe, AZ – December 2, 2024 – The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps, a nationallyrecognized organization dedicated to excellence in music and the performing arts, proudlyannounces the appointment of Mr. Josh Thye as Executive Director, effective June 1, 2025. Mr. […]
Academy Staff
The Academy Announces Planned Departure of Founder and Executive Director Mark Richardson
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Jul
Jul
[Tempe, Arizona, July 2024] – The Arizona Academy of the Performing Arts (AAPA) is announcing the planned departure of our Founder and Executive Director, Mark Richardson, who will be stepping down in May 2025 after serving in his role since 2000. Mark has been the driving force behind AAPA since its inception, shaping it into […]
11
Jan
Jan
As the season is fast approaching, The Academy is pleased to share the Lead Staff for the Percussion Team. See all of their bios and check back as the entire team is finalized soon.
21
Nov
Nov
We are thrilled to announce the newest additions to The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps leadership team. Join us in welcoming Andrew Gregory and Robert Peterson as our Co-Caption Heads for the upcoming season. Their wealth of experience, dedication to excellence, and passion for the marching arts make them the perfect duo to lead our […]
17
Nov
Nov
Kelsey Brunson Joins The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps as Corps Manager The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps is thrilled to announce the newest addition to its administration team, Kelsey Brunson, who will serve as Corps Manager and partnering with the recently appointed Corps Director, Josh Thye. Kelsey Brunson brings a wealth of experience and […]
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