TEMPE, Ariz. -- A utility vehicle and trailer were stolen from The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps only days before the group leaves on its annual summer performance tour.

The equipment was stolen Monday in the area of Broadway Road and the Price Freeway in Tempe, police said.

The musicians in the academy, ages 16 to 21, were selected from more than 250 applicants and have been preparing since January to participate in the Summer Music Games of Drum Corps International, said the group.

The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps is one of the programs of The Arizona Academy of the Performing Arts, an organization that's cut its spending budget as much as it could, Executive Director Mark Richardson said.

Richardson said replacing the vehicle and trailer would cost about $12,000 that they don't have. There was no insurance coverage on the equipment.

Richardson said he wanted the public to be aware and contact the academy if the equipment is seen.

The trailer's Arizona license plate is J54747, Richardson said, and the utility vehicle is a green 2005 Ausa "Task."

People who know of the whereabouts of the vehicle or trailer please are asked to contact Booster Club President Bill McGinn at 480-201-4047.