DENVER, CO – The Board of Directors for Ascend Performing Arts recently met for their annual weekend retreat to discuss the way forward for Ascend’s programs, education clinics, and events. The retreat also coincided with a meeting of the Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps design team as they prepare for the 2016 program to be announced in the spring.
The Board of Directors focused their efforts on reviewing and refining the organization’s strategic plan that was put into action at last year’s annual retreat. The strategic plan guides the organization with key strategic objectives that focuses on growth and success for all of Ascend Performing Arts’ programs such as the Blue Knights Percussion Ensemble and the Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps, the BKXperience education clinics, and Ascend Events such as Drums Along the Rockies, Corps Encore, and the Friendship Cup scholastic marching band series.
“The Board of Directors is committed to helping Ascend touch the lives of youth through its programs. We know that these programs are ‘life changing’ and give participants the tools that enhance their lives forever,” said Darrell Griffin, newly appointed Board Chairman. “Also, congratulations to the administrative and music education team for a fantastic 2015 season for the Blue Knights programs. We are honored to serve and are excited by what we see as a very positive future.”
Annually, Ascend Performing Arts programs and education clinics directly impact over 1,000 youth with hands-on instruction, and more than 3,400 students with the opportunity to attend or participate in programs or clinics. In addition, over 15,000 people attended Ascend Events and over 450,000 watched an Ascend program in person, online or in the movie theater each year.
Board Leadership Update
Several changes are taking place within the Ascend Performing Arts Board; Ken Adams has completed his term as Board Chairman but will remain on the board as a Member at Large. In addition, Adams will continue in his role as Recruitment Coordinator for the Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps.
Assuming the role of Board Chairman will be Darrell Griffin, former Treasurer for the Board. Iris Lee, recent member of the Board and a Blue Knights alumni, will assume the role of Treasurer.
The positions of the Board of Directors are as follows:
Chairman: Darrell Griffin
Vice Chairman: Scott Factor
Secretary: Greg Andersen
Members At Large:
Ken Adams
Jonathan Fung
Doug Kelley
George Lindstrom
Dallas Martin
Jason Robertson
Scott Weidner
Chris Winans
Ex Officio Members:
Mark Arnold, Executive Director, Ascend Performing Arts
Thelma Fung, Development Director, Ascend Performing Arts
Welcome New Board members
The Board also welcomed two new members; Chris Winans of Summit Wealth Group and Scott Weidner of Weidner and Associates.
Chris Winans works with Summit Wealth Group, an independent wealth management firm whose vision was born out of a simple desire to enable clients to reach their fullest financial and personal potential. Summit Wealth Group focuses their client’s goals through effective planning, custom-tailored financial strategies to help make these dreams a reality.
Scott Weidner of Weidner & Associates is a Certified Public Accountant with a firm dedicated to serving the needs of homeowner associations located in Colorado. Founded in 1996, the professionals at Weidner & Associates have over 40 years of combined experience in homeowner association audit and tax services. In addition to becoming a Board member for Ascend Performing Arts, Scott is also an alumni of the Percussion Ensemble, having been involved as both a performing member and a staff member.
Please join us in welcoming our new Board members to Ascend Performing Arts, and thank those returning board members for their hard work and dedication!
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 is recognized as the Rocky Mountain region’s most visible performing arts organization–from U.S. Presidents to international performances. 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 to perform at the highest level. For more information, please visit AscendPerformingArts.org or call (303) 777-1937 or email [email protected].