The company originated in 1985 with the goal of providing a new approach to marching band music.
Low-cost drill designs presented in an easy to use format were offered shortly thereafter.
The company's focus has been on the effectiveness of the arrangement, showcasing diverse and sometimes unlikely material, with genres ranging from hard rock and heavy metal to jazz and American patriotic music.
Notable APC arrangers and composers include Roland Barrett, Kenny Bierschenk, Scott Boerma, Jay Dawson, John Fannin, Gary P. Gilroy, Larry Kerchner, Bill Locklear, Victor Lopez, Chris McDonald, Joe Murphy, Brad Pearson, Timothy Rhea, Steve Reisteter, Jeff Simmons, Tom Wallace and Bill Wiedrich.
Dawson is president and continues to arrange and compose music for marching and concert bands.