PRESS RELEASE – June, 2026 USBands Summer Clinic Series to feature The Academy of Drum and Bugle CorpsJ. Birney Crum Stadium – Allentown, PA – Aug 1, 2026 This summer, Drum Corps International is partnering with USBands to put on a series of DCI Event Day Clinics which will occur at select events across the country. This half-day clinic in Allentown, PA will feature unforgettable experiences with the drum corps in residence – The Academy! Participating high school band, percussion, and colorguard students will get to experience a behind the scenes experience in the life of drum corps. Learning from Academy […]
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Apr
Apr
PRESS RELEASE – April, 2026 ‘Small & Gutsy’ Podcast Features The Academy of Drum and Bugle CorpsSmall & 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 […]
02
Mar
Mar
March 2, 2026 The Academy & Drum Corps Int’l announces tickets ON SALE for “Drums Across the Desert” 2026! Monday, March 2, 2026: 10:00am AZ (9:00am PT / 12:00pm ET) tickets go on sale for the 2026 Drums Across the Desert! COME SEE THE WORLD’S BEST! Drum Corps International, Marching Music’s Major League™, is the […]
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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.
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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 […]