TEMPE, AZ – Just days before leaving on tour, the Arizona Academy of the Performing Arts says someone has stolen a utility vehicle and trailer used to haul their heavy instruments.
The Academy said the trailer disappeared Monday in the area of Broadway and the Loop 101 freeway.
The group uses the vehicle and trailer to move instruments from the Academy Drum and Bugle Corps onto the field before performances. It’s valued at $12,000.
The group consists of musicians aged 16 to 21.
The academy said all those students have been rehearsing since January for their 35-day tour in 22 cities across the United States. It starts this weekend.
The Drum and Bugle Corp is also expected to compete in the Summer Music Games.
Without the trailer, the group is in trouble.
“We knew months ago that this would be a difficult year,” said Executive Director Mark Richardson. “We’ve cut our spending budget everywhere we could without compromising our members’ experience. Replacing the vehicle and trailer would cost about $12,000 that we simply don’t have.”
Richardson said there was no insurance coverage on the equipment.
The trailer’s Arizona license plate is J54747. The utility vehicle is a green 2005 Ausa “Task” M-50 x4.
If you know of the whereabouts of the vehicle or trailer please contact Bill McGinn at 480-201-4047.
If you would like to make a donation, please go to
www.arizonaacademy.org.
