About Us

Mission Statement

Cobra Performing Arts, Inc. is dedicated to empowering inner-city youth by fostering discipline, creativity, and a deep appreciation for the performing arts. Through our programs, we aim to inspire personal growth and artistic excellence in every participant.

Vision

Our vision is to guide teens away from risky and harmful behaviors, providing them with the tools and opportunities to make positive, life-affirming choices. We strive to shape the future by nurturing young individuals who are confident, purpose-driven, and equipped to succeed.

Values

• Commitment:  We are dedicated to the personal and artistic growth of each individual, fostering an environment where effort and perseverance lead to success. 
• Obedience: We instill the importance of discipline and responsibility, ensuring our youth learn the value of following through on their commitments. 
• Believe:  We empower our youth to believe in their potential, encouraging self-confidence and the pursuit of their dreams.
• Respect: We emphasize mutual respect for oneself, others, and the community, creating a positive and inclusive environment for all participants. 
• Achievement: We celebrate growth and accomplishments, inspiring individuals to strive for excellence and reach their full potential.

Cobra Performing Arts, Inc. has made a profound impact across New York  and around the World, offering exceptional opportunities that foster leadership, teamwork, and physical fitness, all while prioritizing character development. Our programs provide a platform for young people to grow both individually and as part of a collective, creating unforgettable experiences through music, dance, and marching band.

Our numerous accolades include an unforgettable role in the Oscar-winning film *Birdman*, starring Michael Keaton, Edward Norton, and Emma Stone. The demanding yet rewarding shoot in Times Square contributed to the film’s success, which earned Best Film honors at the 2015 Academy Awards. Additionally, we’ve had the privilege of collaborating with the NFL, performing during the Super Bowl festivities, including the pregame presentation at Times Square on Super Bowl Boulevard and leading the Vince Lombardi Trophy into the stadium for Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014.

Our members have also experienced once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, such as partnering with Civic Marketing Group and Planet Fitness for the iconic New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square. As the "Planet Fitness Judgement Free Drumline," the Marching Cobras entertained millions of viewers worldwide with an electrifying, non-stop performance.

As we continue to expand our reach, Cobra Performing Arts is gaining international recognition. We have performed in London and France, and in 2025, we will showcase our talent in Ireland’s prestigious New Year’s Eve Parade. These experiences not only empower our members but also cultivate teamwork and create lifelong memories, all while honing essential skills such as communication, decision-making, and confidence.

Through every performance, Cobra Performing Arts exemplifies the transformative power of music and dance, inspiring audiences and shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

The After School Band program directly addresses critical issues facing today’s youth, including increasing violence, gang involvement, high dropout rates, and the lack of positive male and female role models. Its mission is to reduce risky behaviors within this vulnerable population. In addition, the program tackles the often-overlooked challenges of overweight and obesity, particularly in minority communities, where early intervention is crucial for both immediate and long-term health and well-being. To support this, we’ve incorporated a "Healthy Lifestyles and Transitions Program" within the Marching Cobras initiative, promoting wellness alongside music and performance.

One of the aspects we take the most pride in is that our program requires no prior experience. Many of our participants had no background in marching band or dance when they joined. They were drawn to us by their interest, and it is here that we help them cultivate and refine their skills. While prior experience can be an asset, it is not a prerequisite. What matters most is dedication and a willingness to learn. The most rewarding aspect of our work is watching individuals grow from novices to skilled performers. The program also encourages the development of strong, respectful relationships, providing an environment where even the most reserved individuals can find their voice and thrive. There is a place in our program for anyone willing to put in the effort.

The Cobra Performing Arts free Afterschool program  play a crucial role in the lives of our families, providing a wide range of benefits that extend beyond just academic support. For many families, especially those with working parents, the Cobra afterschool program offer a safe and structured environment where youth/ children can thrive. These program provide youth/children with the opportunity to engage in meaningful activities, from academic enrichment to music and arts, that contribute to their personal development and overall well-being.

One of the key impacts of the Cobra afterschool program is that we help alleviate the stress on families by offering reliable and free programs during the critical hours after school. This allows parents to focus on their work without the worry of their child being unsupervised. Additionally, the Cobra afterschool program  often serve as a valuable resource for youth/children who may not have access to extracurricular activities at home. By participating in these Cobra programs, youth/children are exposed to new interests, develop social skills, and gain confidence in their abilities.

Our programs also provide a positive outlet for youth/children, particularly those in underserved communities, by reducing the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors such as drug use or involvement in gang activity. By offering a supportive and engaging environment, our programs encourage youth/children to stay on a productive path. Moreover, the academic support offered in the Cobra Marching Band program can help improve school performance, reduce dropout rates, and increase graduation rates, ultimately setting children up for future success.

For families, our programs are a critical support system, helping to foster stronger relationships between parents and children while promoting a sense of community. They create opportunities for youth/children to build friendships, learn valuable life skills, and receive mentorship from positive role models. In this way,  Cobra afterschool programs not only benefit youth/children, but also enhance family stability and strengthen the fabric of the community as a whole.