Press Kit
About Ascend Performing Arts
Since 1958, Ascend Performing Arts has become a multi-faceted, youth performing arts organization dedicated to elevating life performance through the pursuit of excellence. Ascend Performing Arts is recognized as the Rocky Mountain region’s most visible performing arts organization. Programs such as the internationally acclaimed Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps and the 4-time Winter Guard International Champion Blue Knights Percussion Ensemble play an important role in providing high-caliber performance ensembles for thousands of youth performers each year. Ascend Performing Arts also produces the Broncos Stampede Drum Line and Broncos Brass to entertain tens of thousands of NFL fans at Denver Broncos home games every season. Educational programs such as the BKXperience allows students of a variety of performance levels to learn from the best educators in the marching arts activity. Ascend Events, such as the Drums Along the Rockies and Corps Encore drum corps shows and the Friendship Cup high school marching contests, provide a stage which showcases the world’s top young musicians at the highest level.
Ascend Performing Arts is the region’s premier non-profit youth performing arts organization dedicated to transforming young people into incredible, high performance adults. Ascend Performing Arts strives to promote & support the performing arts in the Rocky Mountain region. The organization partners with Colorado music education and other performing arts organizations to benefit youth interested in the performing arts.
Mission
The mission of Ascend Performing Arts is to further the education and growth of young people through participation in high-caliber performing arts programs that promote teamwork and discipline, develop leadership skills, and enhance self-esteem.
Focus
Ascend has focus areas called the 4 E’s: Education, Ensembles, Events and Entertainment.
∴ Education such as our BKXperience Clinics and Spark! Ideas Conferences…are educational opportunities for young performers and music educators to improve their craft. Amazing differences are noted after involvement in Ascend’s programs in young people’s lives… young people who choose music and the arts as their path to excellence and greatness.
∴ Ensembles such as the Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps and Blue Knights Percussion Ensemble…that give participants a way to be a part of a competitive ensemble while improving skills and confidence.
∴ Events such as Drums Along the Rockies, Corps Encore and Friendship Cup Marching Band shows…these provide the stage for performers to showcase their talents.
∴ Entertainment such as the Denver Broncos Stampede Drum Line, Broncos Brass, Blue Knights-Taiwan, and Blue Knights-Bahrain…provides experiences that give performers a chance to entertain on a global stage.