Category Archives: Academy Staff

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.

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.

[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 […]

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.

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 […]

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 […]

The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps Welcomes the leaders of the 2024 Design Team. New to the team this year include Program Coordinator John Max McFarland, Artistic Designer Tony Nuñez, Consultant Brian Murphy, Drill Designer Justin Cunha, and Color Guard Caption Head Ricardo Robinson-Shinall. Returning to the team are Music Designer Fred Smith and Brass […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps Welcomes Josh Thye as New Corps Director Tempe, AZ – November 7, 2023 – The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps, a world-renowned organization dedicated to fostering excellence in music and the performing arts, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Mr. Josh Thye as its new […]

The Academy is pleased to welcome the brass staff members of our educational team for 2024. Under the new leadership of Caption Head Michael Weber, and Assistant Caption Heads Christian Arteaga and Joe Smith, the staff brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and excitement to the members of the brass section. Returning to the team […]