by Christina “MAV” Mavroudis with a wealth of oral/written history culled from alumni & boosters

Tradition. Innovation. Class. Santa Clara Vanguard embodies them all, with even their name defining a (photo from the collection of ). legacy of brilliance that resonates The 1967 Santa Clara Vanguard Drum Corps World

throughout the drum corps d married and started a family. By 1967, some blouses with a red stripe, black shoes, hats community 35 years after d in the organization wanted to return to a bell with the side turned up and pants from

inception. r corps. JCPenney. The color guard wore black Statistically, the corps sweeps r At a parents meeting on March 6, 1967, cotton pleated skirts and white majorette honors like an epic. They have citing differences of opinion in artistic boots. a won six a direction of the Sparks, the majority of Some equipment was purchased from the titles (1973, 1974, 1978, 1981, parents voted to disband the bugle corps and Sparks for $300 during the disbandment 1989 and 1999), the Spirit of return to a drum and bell corps with negotiations. Money was borrowed to buy the u Disney Award (2001), an American u majorettes. Having learned of a proposed horns. Voluntary pledges were also solicited Legion Championship (1970), a reversal, several members waited anxiously from parents with dues at 50 cents per week. g VFW Championship (1971), two g outside for the outcome. After the meeting, The Stockton Commodores loaned drums and California Color Guard Circuit the adults took them aside and explained there were offers to help from others. From Championships (1968, 1978), nine what happened. Asked if they wanted to keep humble beginnings came great progress. n DCI percussion titles (1973, 1974, n going on bugles, the kids gave a resounding The big trip that year was to Southern 1975, 1978, 1979, 1988, 1989, 1991 “yes!” and a new corps was born. California to compete in the Anaheim a

and 1998), countless I&E caption a Later that evening, the booster club met Kingsmen’s second annual “Festival of awards and literally hundreds of for the first time to elect officers. Music Music.” The corps placed fourth, losing to other competitions. instructor and American Legion judge Gail the Lynwood Diplomats by 0.15. V SCV has the distinction of V Royer, initially hired by the Sparks, became Several brass arrangements from the first the director for the new corps. years came from the pen of Truman being the only organization to maintain its membership on the Mike Munoz remembers meeting friends Crawford, arranger for the Chicago Royal Airs board of directors of DCI since the for what he thought was a Sparks’ rehearsal. and director of the U.S. Marine Corps Drum a organization’s inception in 1972 by a What he found were guys on a porch ripping & Bugle Corps. Other early contributors to making finals every year. They are out threads spelling Sparks on their jackets. the brass book included Don Angelica, Keith r the first organization in DCI r “What are you doing?” he queried. When told Markey and Jack Meehan. Royer started history to have two drum and the group was splitting, he joined the corps. arranging a little, until finally taking over all bugle corps in the top 25 (1993) Following that first practice, everyone brass orchestration from 1970 to 1980. a and the top 17 of DCI (2000). a discussed name possibilities and narrowed Just before the final performance at the l During its first 25 years, SCV l the choice to three: Cardinals, had a record of finishing in the top Spartans and Vanguard. One three 94.12 percent of the time. In of the name distinctions was C 1987, they won 24 straight C to not pluralize Vanguard,

affirming the concept of one

contests. From 1985 through 1989, they only finished as low as front, one entity. third place one time out of 151 Additionally, insisting on a contests. In 1987, they were the a inclusion of the city name, only corps in history to win three Santa Clara, gave further t captions at the world t distinction. championship yet not win the title. Since that revolutionary day, the Santa Clara Vanguard

At the 1971 VFW Nationals, they n were the only national champion n celebrates its birthday every that did not win a single caption. March with a spaghetti dinner a While impressive statistics a and an introduction to the create a body of excellence, it is season’s show. the journey that means so much to 1967 S the performers and audience. S Big Country, theme from Pre-history -- The Sparks “The Cardinal,” Man of La Mancha, The year was 1950 and a young girl in Born Free, “Burke’s Law” theme , (photo by Moe Knox from the Northern California wanted to take baton Almost There Scoalnletcat iConla roaf Vanguard, 1971, at) . the World Open lessons, but lacked financial resources. With One week after its birth, Drum Corps World a little ingenuity, she set a legacy in motion. the new corps marched and won its first California State Open on September 20, Pat Mancini gathered a quarter from three parade, beating the Pinole Princemen and Royer honored Vanguard’s first age-outs with friends (75 cents happened to be the cost of a others in San Francisco’s St. Patrick’s Day the original “Green Feather Ceremony” at lesson) with the promise to teach them what Parade. Munoz remembers wearing a Santa Clara’s Townsend Field. The ceremony she learned. Years and nearly 100 “friends” temporary uniform of black pants and white has continued every year to this day after the later, Mancini had a full drum and bell corps shirts in rainy, freezing weather. “It was so final run-through on DCI Championship day. together -- the Sparks from Sunnyvale, CA. cold,” he said, “we poured hot coffee on our September also marked the debut of the The bell corps soon transformed into a hands to warm up.” SCV newsletter, “The Vanguardian” (originally bugle corps, but became a bit too much for That first season the group was relatively called “The Flock”). Starting as a two-page the young lady who had, in the interim, small. New uniforms were green satin mimeographed circular featuring articles by 336 marching members, its continuous standstill on the steps of the Capitol, and to Roof.” For the closer, Royer originally multi-page publication now carries photos, New York City for “cultural enrichment” wanted to play Leaving on a Jet Plane . coverage of all SCV programs and, in addition before making the long bus trip home. On However, Don Angelica talked him into doing to mailed hard-copies, finds distribution the home stretch, a breakdown resulted in Bridge Over Troubled Waters . Hardly through e-mail and the SCV Web site. the corps doing exhibitions in North Platte, troubling, the corps was on its way. 1968 NE, and Elko, NV. 1971 -- VFW Champion, 89.95 Procession of the Nobles, theme from Overture to the Globe Playhouse from “Henry V,” “The Big Country,” Step to the Rear, You are My Chester Overture, Miracle of Miracles, Soul and Inspiration, Going Out of My Head, Tradition/Matchmaker, If I Were a Rich Man, By the Time I Get to Phoenix Greensleeves In 1968, SCV engaged on its first By 1971, there were 45 horns, 19 drums, Midwest tour to be evaluated against more 24 flags, eight rifles and an American flag experienced corps in preparation for VFW party. The talented staff grew with the Nationals the following year. While they addition of Scott Pierson, Wayne Downey, did not place high at any of the Dan Smith and Mike Moxley. competitions, they successfully got Nationally, it was the year of the exposure on the national scene. Brought Midwest/West Combine and the East Coast on board to write and teach percussion and United Organization of Eastern Corps. SCV drill, respectively, were and traveled to the East Coast once again, but this Pete Emmons, formerly with Anaheim time they faced a series of tough losses -- Kingsmen and Troopers, who began to help known to insiders as “The Boston Massacre.” (photo by mold the Vanguard image. SJaanneta B Colualrean Vfraonmgu tahred ,c o1l9le7c5t,io ant oDfC I in Philadelphia, P)A. VFW Nationals, the equivalent to today’s On the local front, the Vanguard color Drum Corps World DCI Championships and the biggest contest guard beat the Anaheim Kingsmen on March 1970 -- American Legion Champion in the nation, were held at the Cotton Bowl 16 to win their first California Color Guard Festive Overture, Procession of the Nobles, in Dallas, TX. Capping a 54-day, 17-state Circuit Championship. A week later, the Chester Overture, Miracle of Miracles, tour, which included the World Open, CYO corps won its first standstill. The first public Tradition/Matchmaker, If I Were a Rich Man, Nationals and the Danny Thomas Invitational, performance of Procession of the Nobles Bridge Over Troubled Waters Vanguard won VFW with a score of 89.95 yet occurred afterward with the U.S. Air Force This was the year SCV “arrived” as a didn’t take a single caption. Academy Drum & Bugle Corps as the national contender. The season started with The first major change in the uniforms audience. The corps also won its first field the American Legion State Championships in was made this year as the brass and show August 3 on the Anaheim Kingsmen’s Sacramento on June 27. The corps not only percussion switched to white shoes. own turf. In October, the corps won its first won its first championship, but also achieved 1972 -- third place, 87.35 of many California State Open Championships. first-ever wins over both the Anaheim Fanfare and Allegro, Now Thank We All Our God, On June 8 at San Jose State’s Spartan Kingsmen and the Velvet Knights. Overture to the Globe Playhouse from “Henry V”, Stadium, the corps hosted its first home Early the next morning, the corps left on Wedding Celebration and Bottle Dance, show, “Pacific Procession.” The name derived its third tour outside of California. Six nights If I Were a Rich Man, Chava Ballet, from the new opener, Procession of the later in Racine, WI, they set the world of Fiddler on the Roof Nobles . With the country still mourning the drum corps on fire! Crowd reaction to SCV Despite being considered a favorite to win loss of Sen. Robert Kennedy a few days as they exploded onto the field from the the first DCI Championship in Whitewater, before, the audience was small, but over the upper corner to the end of the show reached WI, Vanguard ended up third, behind the years the show grew to be one of the premier a peak with the Anaheim competitions in the country thanks in part to stadium announcer Kingsmen and the efforts of Gloria and John Flores. shouting, Blue Stars. It Procession of the Nobles presented the “Wonderful show! would be the last corps with two major challenges. No one had Wonderful show!” show in which a ever really played an entire piece in odd-time SCV finished corps would be while marching. Odd meters and tempos just two points required to do were reserved mostly for the concert portion behind the color of the show. Once conquered, this meter legendary Casper presentation. challenge could be found in many future reps. Troopers. Royer Musically, Now 1969 summed it up best Thank Thee All Procession of the Nobles, Chester Overture, to the corps’ staff Our God reflected Mas Que Nada (substituted for Turkey Lurkey Time , on the sidelines, (Spahnottao Cblya rJaa nVea nBgouualerdn, f1ro9m78 ,t haet cthoell eDcCtioI nC hoaf mpionships in Denv).er, CO Royer’s background in the show until staff realized it was overtime) , saying, “We’ve Drum Corps World as an accomplished You Make Me So Very Happy, finally made it!” organist. It also included the first rendition By the Time I Get to Phoenix By the next weekend at the North of Fred Sanford’s drum solo, The Clock, and The 1969 season marked the second year American Championship, Santa Clara had was the first year Santa Clara and the SCV traveled outside of California and the defeated everyone in the country. To leave Madison Scouts joined forces to play You’ll first year the corps went all the way to the the field after such giants as the Troopers was Never Walk Alone . East Coast. The Vanguard finally made it a defining moment in the corps’ history. SCV also took on a fresh look with onto a Fleetwood record by placing ninth at Due to limited finances, SCV was unable completely new uniforms -- red tunics, dark the World Open Finals. At VFW Nationals in to travel to Miami to compete for the VFW green pants/skirts, dark green Aussie hats Philadelphia, they missed finals by 0.15, National Championships that August. with curled white feathers and a star over the losing to the Argonne Rebels. Instead, they car pooled to Portland, OR, and heart, the only ornamentation on the entire In a sobering moment, it was on the way defeated old California rivals Kingsmen and uniform. east that members of the corps who were 18 Velvet Knights to win both the American 1973 -- DCI Champion, 88.65 and over learned what Military Draft Lottery Legion National Color Guard and Drum and Fanfare and Allegro, Young Person’s Guide to number was drawn for their birthdays. Bugle Corps Championships. Drum Corps, Wedding Celebration and Bottle Dance, Following VFW, the corps traveled to This was the first year SCV performed Tradition, Chava Ballet Washington, D.C., where they played a their trademark music from “Fiddler on the The 1973 season was one of intense 337 1975 -- second, 91.0 only three openings. The line took high Entrance of the Emperor and His Court, percussion at DCI Finals. Dance of the Buffoons, To Life, A topic of conversation among spectators If I Were a Rich Man, Sabbath Prayer, and judges that year was the “twirling Chava Ballet bedposts” the color guard used. When The 1975 corps gave an inspired someone remarked that they looked like performance that earned a perfect bedposts, Royer replied, “They are !” He had score of 30 in GE and a high picked them up in a hardware store. percussion score of 19.4, yet still 1980 -- seventh, 85.6 placed them second behind Madison. Fanfare -- Symphony No. 4 in F Minor, 1976 -- third, 89.5 Procession of the Nobles, Stone Ground Seven, Harry Janus Suite, “ Appalachian Spring,” “Evita” medley, Jupiter Black Orchid, By 1980, most corps executed field drills Send in the Clowns of circles, triangles, diamonds, arcs, X’s and (photo by SAartn Ltau eCblkaera f rVoamn gthuea rcdo, ll1e9c8ti3o,n a ot fD CI Midwest in Whi)t.ewater, WI The 1976 season saw a forward serpentine files. Only occasionally and Drum Corps World moving, revolving circle in the drill, a cautiously would asymmetrical patterns be competition. The only corps to beat Santa unique move that was another first for the attempted. That year, however, Santa Clara’s Clara that year was the Troopers -- once. Vanguard. After this season, the Vanguard entire drill was filled with asymmetrical After two days of DCI Prelims, 14,000 fans in and Blue Stars were the only two corps to forms. Once again, the Vanguard led drum Warhawk Stadium sat in tense silence waiting make DCI finals every year. corps to its new future. Though the drill was for scores. “And in second place, with a score 1977 -- third, 89.85 called “extremely innovative,” the activity of 86.15 . . . the Troopers.” The stands Overture to a New Era, “ Appalachian Spring, wasn’t quite ready. Consequently, for the first erupted into such a deafening roar, the ” Make Our Garden Grow time in DCI history, Vanguard placed below announcer’s voice could barely be heard. In 1977, Vanguard and most major corps third. “And in first place, with a score of 88.65, the went to two-valve horns. “Miss Amana” DCI released its first “State-of-the-Art” new DCI champions, the Santa Clara debuted during the 1977 album, professionally Vanguard!” The corps had won 27 contests season and was the envy recorded in concert at the that year, including the big one. The drum of all. For a corps that in Concord Pavilion show on line went undefeated, something they its first few years had July 1 and featuring Santa repeated for two consecutive years. eaten in fast-food Clara Vanguard and Blue 1974 — DCI Champion, 89.5 restaurants and humble Devils. Die Gotterdammerung, Young Person’s breakfasts of corn flakes 1981 -- DCI Guide to Drum Corps, Candide, in a Dixie cup, this Champion, 94.1 Send in the Clowns, Bottle Dance complete kitchen-on- Northridge, In 1974, the corps distinguished itself wheels was a luxury. Young Person’s Guide to with the first incorporation of dance by a 1978 -- DCI Drum Corps, Slava, drum corps in the Bottle Dance. Dance guru Champion, 91.55 Don’t Cry for Me Argentina Stanley Knaub was added to the staff. Overture to a New Era, The 1981 season was the DCI was held at Cornell University in Dance of Welcome, Lezghinka, first that Velco was used for Ithaca, NY, with Madison, Kingsmen and the Hopak, If You Believe, tear-off fronts for the horn Vanguard as top contenders. Since SCV had Bottle Dance line and timpani were placed first in 1973, they had the option of In 1978, the corps moved into the pit. It was performing last. performed various parts another championship year, They decided to go on before the other of the “Gayne Ballet” by although many television two top contenders to get full appreciation of Khachaturian. There audiences around the were 34 girls in the Santa Clara Vanguard, 1987, at (tphheo DtoC bI y Art the show from the fans and judges. It LCuheabmkpei ofrnosmh ipthse i nc oMlleacdtiisoonn ,o fW I ). country may have thought proved to be the right decision. They guard that year using a Drum Corps World Madison captured the title finished No. 1, taking high marching maypole, hoops instead of rifles and since only the Midwest Championships were and drums and tying Madison for general performing the popular Bottle Dance. shown on PBS. The telecast of the actual DCI effect. Although taking second or third most of the Finals was blocked by Canadian restrictions. Perhaps what gave the season its greatest year, the corps peaked and won DCI with a 1982 -- second, 93.55 distinction was a simple tune that went on to top score in marching and a 29.8 in GE. Movement IV of “Symphony No. 3” by Giannini , become SCV’s signature, Send in the Clowns . and Rob Carson were Capriccio Espagnole, Slava, It’s interesting to note that immediately added to the drum staff. Carson, a Shaker Melody from “Appalachian Spring,” after the championships, the newly won long-time member, joined the 10-man snare Bottle Dance 1974 DCI championship flag went missing line one last time and won his second I&E In 1982, the corps was mentioned in an for 28 years! Miraculously, it reappeared at snare title in his age-out year. The drum American Airlines in-flight magazine article. the 2002 SCV corps banquet. portion of Lezghinka is still considered a The corps won DCI Canada and DCI North, classic with its complex score. back-to-back in one weekend. (Spahnottao Cblya rAar tV Launegbukaerd f,r o1m98 t7h,e a ct oDllCecI tMioind wofe st in Whitewater, W).I The closer, If You Believe from the In a surprise move, the Bottle Dance was Drum Corps World musical “The Wiz,” was later adopted by incorporated into the closer on championship both the SCV Cadet corps and A-corps color night. Unfortunately, due to massive crowd guard as their signature tune. noise and a misinterpretation of the drum 1979 -- third, 90.7 major’s Aussie toss, each side of the brass line Verdi’s “Requiem,” Adagio, Lezghinka, Hopak, started and finished one bar apart. But to If You Believe, Bottle Dance those in the stadium, it didn’t matter -- the In 1979, more than 300 potential move was a welcome sight. members came out for auditions, even 1983 -- third, 92.75 though there were few openings in the Movement IV of “Symphony No. 3” by Giannini , corps. The real strength was in a massive On the Town , selections from “Appalachian Spring,” drum line, including 13 snares, which had Dream Sequence from “The Red Pony” 338 There were many firsts this summer. It show, which featured a finely tuned was the first time a corps ended its show on a return of “Phantom of the Opera.” The quiet note. It was the farthest south guard also returned to all-female. Vanguard had ever been, performing at The season was not without Florida’s EPCOT Center. The first time a controversy when it was discovered that was allowed and, in a two members had falsified documents in dramatic change for color guard, it was the order to march. Just days before finals first time the guard dropped the more with the aged-out members dropped, DCI militaristic regalia like boots in favor of a and the board of directors agreed the more feminine look, with long skirts and corps was not at fault and Vanguard was parasols. able to continue into championship week, Finally, it was the first year women were (Spahnottao Cblya rAar tV Launegbukaerd f,r o1m98 t9h,e a ct oDllCecI tMioind wofe st in Whitewater, W).I albeit with holes in their lines. allowed in the musical instrument sections of Drum Corps World The win broke a four-year second- the corps. That year, three women made the production included staging, sets, costumes place streak, which made receiving the front ensemble: Carol Everett, Kimela and acting. It also included characters like a championship flag an emotional cap to the Hilleary and Peggy Watson. While those wizard who gave the corps “magic” through night, as well as the entire decade’s three women only marched that one year, it levitation. awe-inspiring record of excellence. opened the doors to future members. 1987 -- second 97.8 1990 -- sixth, 94.0 Surprisingly, SCV won prelims, yet saw it Russian Christmas Music, Dance of the Tumblers, “Carmen” slip away by DCI Finals. Lezghinka, Hut of Baba Yaga, Prelude and March, Intermezzo, 1984 -- third, 97.4 Great Gate of Kiev Toreador Song, Changing of the Guard, Fanfare and Allegro, On The Town, With the dawn of three-valve bugles, Allegro Moderato (drum solo), La Habanera, selections from “The Tender Land” Vanguard moved forward by building on the Gypsy Dance In 1984, four women performed in the Russian theme show. The 1990s saw some struggle to stay in horn line for the first time. There was also a Maidens appeared from an empty box and the customary top three, but shows and first woman in the battery (Gigi Cuthbert, men appeared in the guard -- another first! performers snare, 1984-1985). Vanguard broke a score of 90 in mid-July always stayed The show had another quiet ending, the before the second tour. By finals, the horn true to the members wore white pants for the first time and percussion sections were three-tenths Vanguard name. and, for the first time in nine years the corps and five-tenths away from perfection. After The corps won its own show, “Pacific Procession,” and an undefeated season, it was a heartbreak that performed took high brass at DCI Finals. Vanguard placed second by a tenth. themes from SCV was supposed to be part of the However, in the I&E competition, brass Bizet’s Olympics in Los Angeles that year. Current staffer Chris Nalls remembers, “We won “Carmen.” The Director Rick Valenzuela remembers, “In mixed ensemble in 1987 playing the music of production was 1984 we were scheduled to fly to Los PDQ Bach -- getting two perfect 100s from a fundamental Angeles, but we were told by Royer at the brass judges.” one, with no Memorial Day camp that we weren’t going 1988 -- second, 96.9 props, masks, because they got a different closing act -- “Phantom of the Opera” uniform Lionel Richie -- and we didn’t fit into the Music of the Night, Angel of Music, changes or schedule. He was quite upset and crying Phantom of the Opera, Masquerade, disappearances, when he told us.” Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again, yet was filled It probably wasn’t the consolation he was Track Down the Murderer with the usual looking for, but Royer was inducted into the Returning to Broadway interpretations Santa Clara DCI Hall of Fame that year, while Vanguard and carrying the theme show to new heights, passion. was honored as “Junior Corps of the Decade” Vanguard narrowly missed first place. It was Percussionist Santa Clara Vanguard, 1993, at the (DpChIo Ctoh baym Spiido nUsnhsipesr ifnro Jma cthkse on, MS for the 1970s. the first time in the corps’ history the guard Scott Johnson collection of ). 1985 -- second, 97.2 had an all-male rifle line. and future Drum Corps World Festive Overture, Grover Corners from “Our Town,” The finale featured another piece of magic director Rick Valenzuela joined the staff. “Tender Land Suite,” with the Phantom vanishing from his throne 1991 -- fourth, 94.4 Finale from “The Red Pony” while the corps disappeared from the field “Miss Saigon” The 1985 season will best be remembered under a “cloak of darkness.” Overture, What’s This I Find?, Sun and Moon, as “The Year of the Pants.” A kaleidoscope While Vanguard won second by two- Morning of the Dragon, Wedding Ceremony, drill from the pen of Dave Owens featured a tenths of a point, they took high GE and The Fall of Saigon change of pants that defied the time watched their old friends, the Madison Continuing a thematic show with boundaries with its velocity. Scouts, place first. emotional storytelling, the corps placed Two groups of horn players marched into 1989 -- DCI champion, 98.8 fourth. For the first time, musicians wore a collapsible tunnel in green pants and “Phantom of the Opera” white, militaristic tunics. emerged almost immediately in white pants, Angel of Music, Phantom of the Opera, Most talked about was the percussion all the while play - Send in the Masquerade, Wishing stereophonic interpretation battle sounds, ing Festive SCalonwtan s Clara Vanguard founder/director, Gail Royer, conducts You Were Somehow including tenor-induced helicopters. For the (phoatfote br yt hSet ecvoer pRso wdoring gths efr o1m98 9th eD CcoI lClehcatimonp ioofn ships in Kansas Ci)t.y, Overture. MO Drum Corps World Here Again, Track members’ efforts with a drum book written 1986 -- second, Down the Murderer, by Johnson and Lee Rudnicki, the corps won 97.0 Don Juan high percussion. Festive Overture, Triumphant, 1992 -- seventh, 91.8 Pictures at an Music of the Night “Fiddler On The Roof” Exhibition A new high Tradition, Sabbath Prayer, To Life, Vanguard score of 98.8 was Tevye’s Dream, Wedding Celebration and Bottle Dance, changed their show a by product of Anatevka direction in 1986. this The 1992 season welcomed the Vanguard’s The total theatrical championship 25th anniversary and was saddened by Royer’s 339 retirement. Vanguard performed selections audio interpretation of the classic Russian from “Fiddler on the Roof,” fulfilling Royer’s fairytale. promise of doing a full interpretation of the It was the year of the pit, with an array of beloved show, complete with Bottle Dance, in items including a spinning wheel, “Blue-Man addition to making several special Group”-inspired black tubes and percussion anniversary stops in Iowa and Wisconsin. racks around the field that provided stereo Jack and John Meehan were added to the effects. brass staff. 1996 -- fourth, 92.3 1993 -- seventh, 90.4 “La Mer” “A Walton Trilogy” Selections from “La Mer,” Oceans Music from Johannesburg Festival Overture, and The Skyboat Richard III, “Henry V” No props or magic, but pure SCV. It was (Spahnottao Cblya rSat eVvaen gRuoadrrdig, g1s9 9fr6o,m a tt hDeC cI oMlleidcwtioenst oinf Whitewater, WI ). Len Kruszecki became the corps’ second a new year, with a new director, a largely new Drum Corps World director during its 26th season and embraced staff and even new uniforms. Everything program consisted of selections from Aaron a new style of symphonic music. about the 1996 Santa Clara corps was new Copland’s “modernist” works. Nearly every bit of the look was changed except for one thing: the tradition of During the pre-season, Vanguard that year -- the music differentiated from excellence and innovation that identify the performed on the streets of San Francisco anything the corps had attempted, while the corps’ very essence. Vanguard entered its with the national touring company of “The guard wore flowing yellow gowns and 29th year under only its third director, Phantom of the Opera” brandished swords. former Vanguard Cadet director and SCV 1999 -- DCI champion, 98.4 Sadly, just as the season started, Royer, a alumnus J.W. Koester. “Inventions for a New Millennium” visionary and legend who guided the corps to Departing from the storytelling style, The Canyon, “ Symphony No. 2 ,” prominence, passed away. Vanguard delved into the realm of British “Symphony No. 1,” Blue Shades 1994 -- fourth, 92.3 brass bands and French Impressionism with It was a season of joys and sorrows. “The Red Poppy” the music of Oceans and “La Mer.” Veteran bass drum member Art Velarde was Hymn to Red October, Triumphal Dance of the Coolies, Based on the motion and power of the killed tragically in an auto accident the day Chinese Dances, Phoenix, ocean, Santa Clara presented a show full of before Memorial Day weekend camp and his Russian Sailor’s Dance, oceanic imagery, including the color guard brother, Ray, was severely burned. The loss The Great Gate of Kiev donning flowing, ocean-blue dresses. cast a pall over much of the season, but in In 1994, Vanguard returned to the Many elements returned, including a “V” one of the more emotional buildups, the storytelling style that brought them success end formation, a quiet space for crowd corps climbed from underdog in prelims to throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. participation (“Vanguard!”) and, most tie for first place with rival Blue Devils. Pulling music from a familiar Russian pallet, important, the return of Send in the Clowns In the snare line and still healing, Ray Vanguard wove a story of a love across after a three-year absence. marched his age-out finals with his Vanguard 1997 -- third, 96.9 family. I&E snare winner Ercan Erhan -- like “Fog City Sketches” the entire corps that night -- dedicated his A Lonely Street, The City’s Edge, City Dreams, “Showcase” performance to Art. The crowd’s A Day in the Park, The Anxiety Within, enthusiastic chants of “S-C-V!” echoed in The Golden Gate, The Epilogue the stadium, making it a special night on After eight years, Vanguard began a many levels. surge back to the top, landing in third. That year Vanguard presented an Additionally, a persistent and ambitious innovative body of work comprised of three of guard alternate, David Garcia, eventually America’s unique 20th century composers: marched as a lone male guard member Philip Glass, Frank Ticheli and Samuel since 1988. The following year, the Barber. guard became fully integrated. 2000 -- fourth, 94.7 The show presented a hint of comedy “Age of Reverence” (photo by Ron Walloch from the cSoalnletcat iConla roaf Vanguard, 1994 ). with A Day in the Park , complete with a Prayers of Kierkegaard (Prayer No. 4), Drum Corps World barking dog, flying bass drums and even Bartok’s String Quartet No. 4, Movement 5, nations, of a Chinese dancer and Russian Charlie’s Angels wannabes. Based on Piano Concerto No. 1, Movement 3 by Bela Bartok, captain. impressions and abstractions that reflect the Barber’s Adagio for Strings, Stained Glass For the finale, a silent company front moods and essence of the city of San In October, without providing specific followed the ever-familiar chords of The Francisco, the show was augmented by the reasons, the SCV board of directors did not Great Gate of Kiev as the color guard brilliant designs of Myron Rosander. While renew Koester’s contract. Like the instantly changed from Russian Cossacks into Rosander had been with the corps for years, termination of Dr. Kruszecki’s tenure, it was lovely Chinese ladies. Called a “visual feast” he hit his stride that season and the corps a painful episode in the corps’ history. by the liner notes of the 1994 CDs, this truly was blessed to see it carry over to the future. Consequently, Vanguard entered its 33rd was “a ballet on the football field.” Percussion caption head Casella year under a fourth director, SCV alumnus Future percussion caption heads Murray remembers the highlight of the season being Rick Valenzuela. Gusseck and Jim Casella were added to the the performance at Charlotte, NC. “The Though the corps came in fourth, Adagio staff and Ed Teleky added Legos to the front corps played their hearts out and captured for Strings was cited by many as the best ensemble. the audience with their emotional ballad of the season, poignant for both 1995 -- sixth, 91.9 performance,” he said. As a result, it was the members and audience. “Not the Nutcracker” first time a one-tenth spread separated SCV, 2001 -- fourth, 95.35 The Clock Breaks, War of the Nuts, Blue Devils and The Cadets. “New Era Metropolis” Romance and Seduction, Celebration, 1998 -- second, 97.9 Alarm, Short Ride on a Fast Machine, The Journey Home through the Pine Forest “Copland: The Modernist” Jug Blues and Fat Pickin’ , Variants on a Medieval Tune, The 1995 Santa Clara Vanguard continued Grohg, Hear Ye! Hear Ye!, Down a Country Lane, New Era Dance its fascination with Russian composers by Dance Panels, Con brio, Movement 5 The corps placed fourth, but won the using a variation of Tchiakovsky’s ballet The 1998 season saw a second-place finish coveted Spirit of Disney Award based in part titled “Not the Nutcracker,” a visual and and a high drum award at DCI Finals. The on their “rapping” vocalizations of “New Era” 340 at the end -- a first for the corps and wildly I&E with Starting Arts in local schools. fun for the audience. Since the beginning of DCI’s Individual As part of the corps’ commitment to 2002 -- fourth, 95.65 and Ensemble competitions, Vanguard community, Vanguard has annually presented “Sound, Shape and Color “ performers have not only won dozens of Cultural Concerts since 1971 in the spring. Trivandrum, Hanson’s Symphony No. 2, captions, but also have been innovators. Out Boosters Movement 2, Copland’s Concerto for of necessity, DCI created both the bass and The Santa Clara Vanguard Booster Club is Organ and Orchestra cymbal ensemble captions in 1990 after the the heart of the Vanguard organization, Santa Clara Vanguard drew upon a long SCV lines competed for years in the providing the majority of operating funds and tradition of innovation to present a visual and percussion ensemble category. They then equipment for the corps. They operate a musical interpretation for this show. Each dominated these fields, winning an full-service bingo game four times a week. production explored evolving geometric unprecedented number of titles. The volunteers that work in the Booster shapes and a musically related palette of While members have won solo categories, Club help make costumes and props, prepare colors. Triangles turned to circles, circles to Vanguard members excel in ensembles as the uniforms for each season, promote and diamonds -- a demanding drill with equally noted by their wins in percussion (13-plus), organize events, cook, clean and, overall, challenging music. mixed, cymbals and bass drum. keep the corps running. For the third year, Vanguard came in In 1971, Rob Carson, was the youngest Additionally, with help from long-time fourth. While the placement doesn’t yet rival (14) to ever win a national snare contest. He booster Bud Romo, they maintain the vehicle the four years of second-place finishes (1985- also took DCI snare honors in 1973 and 1978. fleet, which at one time included a souvie 1988), it was countered by the announcement In a gender-bending year, Maria Petrini, trailer created in the shape of a bass drum. that Rick Valenzuela was voted DCI Corps one of the first female brass players, tied with 2003 and the future Director of the Year. fellow SCV member Marty Rhees in 1985 for “Pathways” Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets the French horn title and Martha Leeson As this article is written, the 2003 season Started in 1971 as the “B” corps, the became the first female timpanist to win I&E. is underway. Awaiting all three Vanguard Vanguard Cadets have an equally amazing Former corps is the unprecedented honor to march history. With members aged 12-18 years, it mellophone in the 2004 Tournament of Roses Parade in is the primary training group for Chris Macias Pasadena, CA. membership in the A-corps. As a result, it’s remembers: “If It was calculated more than 2,500 no surprise that in most years, one-third of memory serves performers have worn the SCV uniform and the A-corps membership started in SCV right, Jerome through it all -- the joy of performance, Cadets. Since 1995, the corps has been Austin was the tragic loss and sheer determination -- directed by alumnus George Brown who was soprano Vanguard has remained stoically proud: a voted DCI Division II Director of the Year in winner in star of excellence on the chest, a feather of 2000. 1987. The tradition in the Aussie and the heart of a The corps began field competitions in story goes that vanguard, always cutting-edge innovators. 1973 and has been a DCI Division II Some source material was used from the finalist every year it has appeared at DCI 25th anniversary yearbook. Championships (1991, 1993, 1998, 2000 and 2002). Christina “MAV” Mavroudis owes her (Above) In 1978, the “B” guard won both 19(9le8ft )(photo (bpyh Aoltao n corps immersion to Mr. Lockwood, director of the California Guard Circuit and bWyi nKsalorewn) ; Sunma2r0k0, 2b oth from Granada Hills , the collection of Western Regional Color Guard ). Drum Corps who, in the summer of 1978, championships. In 2000, the corps won World told all band members to go DCI Division II Championships. SCV as he was playing his home and watch DCI. Cadets have also competed in the DCI piece and a draft Mavroudis marched with Los Division I Quarterfinals in 1993 and the blew his sheet music Angeles All-City Marching Band, DCI Division I Semifinals in 2000. off the stand. Instead of freaking out, he Royal Cavaliers Youth Band and Vanguard Alumni simply held the note using a technique called a first tour with Blue Devils. She is a charter The Santa Clara Vanguard Alumni circular breathing, calmly reached down and member -- and currently performs with -- Association was formed in March 1991 picked up his music while still holding the San Francisco Renegades senior corps. through the efforts of SCV alumni headed by note, then started from where he left off. I Her writings and photographs have George Brown, Sue Johnson and Dan believe Jerome ended up studying trumpet at appeared in Drum Corps News, World of Vannatta. In addition to sponsoring social Julliard -- no surprise there.” Pageantry/Pageantry Press, Drum Corps events, the association is dedicated to Community World (since 1989), Spirited Monthly, the supporting the goals and objectives of the In addition to the three corps, Santa Clara Vanguardian, DCI Year in Review and DCI Vanguard organization. Vanguard sponsors several community groups Highlights. She has been a theater Vanguard Alumni Corps was first formed including the Vanguard Dance Company, columnist, comic book scriptwriter and in 1997 to celebrate SCV’s 30th anniversary Children’s Adventures in Movement creator/editor for science-fiction newsletters. and is one of the few alumni corps to march a (4-12- year-olds) and a percussion class. The Theatrically, Mavroudis has been pure line -- every performer is a former organization has also created a partnership everything from custumer to producer in member. In 1998, the alumni corps was everything from middle schools to established as a new permanent corps in the Santa Clara off-Broadway and Broadway productions. Vanguard Vanguard organization to offer alumni Director Gail A survivor of both the 1989 earthquake performance opportunities in parades and Royer and and 9-11, Mavroudis has held unique standstills. the corps’ positions with Paramount Studios drum major In 2002, the Vanguard Alumni Corps at DCI Finals (“Star Trek: TNG”), Sony Playstation, Dodger successfully put together a special 35th in 1992. Theatrical, American Museum of Natural Royer retired anniversary show and performed in after the History and currently Stanford University. exhibition at DCI Finals in Madison, WI. In s(pehaostoon by Sid She dedicates 2003 to her daughter, 2003, the SCV Alumni color guard began Unser from Emily, and her family. She can be reached the collection performing in exhibition at winter guard of at [email protected], or visit her contests. Drum ). online at www.mavroudis.homestead.com. Corps World 341