Exciting Changes For the Ascend Performing Arts Board of Directors

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

Chris Winans, Summit Wealth Group
Chris Winans, Summit Wealth Group

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.

Chris Winans, Summit Wealth Group
Scott Weidner, Weidner & Associates, P.C.

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].

Share This Post

BKX25 staff annc guard wp

Jessica Glasgow & Brandy DuBose Join Staff

The Blue Knights is excited to announce Jessica Glasgow as Visual Coordinator & Guard Designer and thrilled to welcome back Brandy DuBose in the role ...
Read More →
BKPE staff annc wp

BKPE Welcomes Shane Gwaltney & Tanner Leonardo

The Blue Knights Percussion Ensemble is thrilled to announce the addition of Shane Gwaltney and Tanner Leonardo to the 2025 Design Team! Shane Gwaltney joins ...
Read More →
BKPE staff annc wp

Sean McElroy Returns to BKPE

Sean McElroy returns to the Blue Knights Percussion Ensemble as Visual Designer for the 2025 season. Sean McElroy grew up in southwest Denver, Colorado in ...
Read More →
BKX25 PERC staff annc wp

Welcome 2025 BKDBC Percussion Staff

                                   The Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps is ...
Read More →
BKX25 staff annc wp

Felix Cruz III and Ronnie Pruitt Join 2025 BK Staff

The Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps is excited to announce two additions to the 2025 staff. “We are very excited to bring on board ...
Read More →
Scholarship Winners

BKDBC 2024 Scholarship Winners

Ascend Performing Arts is proud to announce 2024’s Scholarship Recipients Ascend Performing Arts is committed to making life-changing performing arts experiences available to all. While ...
Read More →
Scroll to Top

Subscribe

* indicates required
/( mm / dd )
Country Code
Ascend Performing Arts - By providing your phone number, you agree to receive promotional and marketing messages, notifications, and customer service communications from Ascend Performing Arts. Message and data rates may apply. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Text STOP to cancel.See terms.
Events & Happenings
Fundraisers
Alumni
Newsletter
Volunteering

Intuit Mailchimp

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.