The roots of The Knights Academy of Performing Arts can be traced back to the 50s . There are links with North West Kent and various scout bands that merged, however The Black Knights (our senior programme) itself was made up of 4 main corps. Rochester Corps of Drums, Gravesham Corps, Kent Invicta and 11th Gravesend Scouts. Rochester Corps of Drums, who later became Kingsferry Marching Band following a sponsorship deal, merged with Gravesham in 1988 to form Kingsmen who competed in DCUK and were directed by Dave Parris. Kent Invicta merged with 11th Gravesend Scouts in 1990 to form Marauder Corps, who competed in BYBA and were directed by Gavin Wilders.