Arizona Academy of the Performing Arts

Building Great People Through Great Performances

The Arizona Academy of the Performing Arts was created in 2001 and houses three performing arts organizations. The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps is home to some of the nation's finest musicians and performers participating in the unique drum and bugle corps activity. Evolving since 2001, The Academy is a world class drum corps, ranked among the top 15 performing groups in the world. Its 154 members - ranging in age from 14-21 - audition for a coveted spot. They rehearse and train from December until June, when they embark on 10-week tour, competing against other world class drum and bugle corps across the country.

Phenom Drum and Bugle Corps is an independent Drum and Bugle Corps created in 2013 to offer high school and college aged musicians exclusively from Arizona the opportunity to engage in the summer marching and pageantry experience. The ensemble travels on a modified tour schedule, providing its members a chance to compete against other open class drum and bugle corps in some of the nation's biggest stadiums.

The Academy Youth Guard is designed to be an introductory program for students, ages 5-14, who are interested in joining the color guard activity. This program teaches the fundamentals of color guard equipment and movement while building confidence, character, and self-esteem in each of the students. It is an active, healthy, safe, and fun activity. The Youth Guard program is intended to be a continuing education program for those who desire additional training and/or performance experience in the activity. This program can be a great head start for those students who are embarking on their first adventure as members of their high school color guard. Most Youth Guard participants have gone on to perform in top high school, college, and professional Winter Guards and Drum Corps across the nation.

Due to growing concerns for the health and safety of our participants, the Arizona Academy of the Performing Arts has made the difficult decision to suspend program activities for the summer of 2020. Unfortunately, like many nonprofits, this cancellation has a monumental impact on our budget. The AAPA is moving forward with great passion and confidence that we will come out on the other side of this challenge stronger than ever. We enter into this challenge with zero debt. We have incredible leadership and passion in our volunteer force, our Board of Directors is committed and savvy, and our membership and fan base are second to none. Thank you for your support to ensure this activity - which not only provides a stage for talented performers but a foundation for a productive life - continues to thrive for the sake of our members.