The Academy is a DCI Division I junior drum corps based in Tempe, Arizona that operates under the umbrella of the Arizona Academy for the Performing Arts.
History[]
The Academy was originally formed in 2000 as the Arizona Academy Summer Brass and Percussion ensemble. The corps became competitive in 2004, changing their name to The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps. The Corps' first national tour occured in 2006. With their first ever finals performance they won the Spirit of Disney award, high brass, corps director of the year, and even the Division II title. Afterwards, they announced they would commence in Division I competition for the 2007 season. The Academy has the longest standing winning streak in DCI with 30+ shows and 3 seasons undefeated.
Mission[]
In the words of corps director Mark Richardson, “Imagine a group whose entire membership is focused, passionate, driven, full of desire to achieve, has the will to push through difficult mental and physical stresses, and is not afraid to succeed.”