Vanguard Music and Performing Arts is pleased to announce the 2018 Vanguard Cadets Design Team and Caption Managers!
Rob Ripley, Program Coordinator
Rick Pina, Assistant Program Coordinator *New Role in 2018*
Fred Smith, Music Coordinator/Percussion Arranger *New Role in 2018*
Matt Hartwell, Drill Designer *New Addition in 2018*
Ryan Adamsons, Brass Arranger/Caption Manager *New Addition in 2018*
Jesus Sanchez, Percussion Caption Manager *New Addition in 2018*
Jenny Lyons, Color Guard Caption Manager
Colby Vasquez, Visual Caption Co-Manager
Justin Cunha, Visual Caption Co-Manager
Michael Gaines, Creative Director
Rob Ripley returns to the team for his 7th year with the Vanguard Cadets as Program Coordinator, this year joined by Rick Pina (SCVC Brass Staff, 2007-2016) who will take on the role of Assistant Program Coordinator. Fred Smith is back on board as Music Coordinator, and will also be serving as Percussion Arranger for both the Battery and Front Ensemble.
“The team is very excited about all the new possibilities in 2018,” said Ripley. “Music has been one of our key strengths over the years, and Fred’s expanded writing role will bring even more creativity, unity, and impact to our show. We are also happy to have Rick on in a new role! His music and visual experience puts him in a unique position to help the design team look ahead, plan effectively and solve problems in a smart, creative way.”
As VMAPA Creative Director, Michael Gaines will be working closely with the Vanguard Cadets Design Team to build upon their success and help establish even stronger ties between SCV and SCVC. Cohesive and consistent design philosophy is a major goal of VMAPA, ensuring that the performers are set up to succeed at every level within our organization. One important step in this evolution is the addition of Matt Hartwell to the Vanguard Cadets Design Team.
“Having Matt design the drill for the 2018 production is exciting on a number of levels. Not only will he bring his design aesthetic to the staging and production of the show, but as Visual Caption Manager for SCV, he will bring all of his technical knowledge, allowing that to inform his design choices for the Vanguard Cadets,” said Gaines. “This will ensure the philosophies of both corps run parallel, and will maintain consistency in both the technical and creative elements of the organization.”
Hartwell is a full time visual designer, adjudicator and clinician for marching band and indoor drumlines throughout the country and abroad. As a marching member, he performed with Capital Regiment (2004) and The Cavaliers (2005-2008) before aging out and joining the SCV Visual Staff in 2010. Hartwell also works with a number of WGI percussion ensembles including George Mason University Drumline (2010-2013), SCV Winter Percussion (2014-2016), and Pulse Percussion where he currently serves as Visual Caption Head.
Another new face to the Vanguard Cadets Design Team is Ryan Adamsons, who will serve as both the Brass Arranger and Brass Caption Manager for the 2018 season. His experience as a veteran member of the Santa Clara Vanguard Brass Staff will help create unity between the brass programs of the two corps.
Adamsons is based in Chicago where he is an active brass performer, composer, and educator. Before joining the SCV brass staff in 2012, he spent twelve years with the Bluecoats: 5 as a marching member (1998-2002) and 7 as staff member (2003-2008, and 2011). Adamsons received his Bachelor of Science Degrees in Jazz Studies and Brass Performance from the University of Akron, and graduated with distinction from DePaul University in Chicago with a Masters of Music concentrating in Jazz Composition. He currently works as an Artist Advisor at the Denis Wick/Vandoren Musician’s Advisory Studio in downtown Chicago, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Chicago Jazz Orchestra as their Director of Educational Programs.
The Vanguard Cadets are also excited to welcome back alumni Jesus Sanchez, who will step into the role of Percussion Caption Manager for the 2018 season. Jesus joined the Vanguard Cadets in 2010 and later moved up to join SCV (2011-2012) where he spent his summers learning from current SCV Percussion Arranger and Caption Manager, Paul Rennick.
“Jesus was such a valuable member of the SCV percussion section who actually got his start in the SCVC program,” said Rennick. “During his age-out year, Jesus was awarded the Art Velarde Spirit Award as someone who most represented the ideals of the Vanguard, and I’m certain he will bring a standard of excellence to help the Vanguard Cadets toward a successful future.”
Sanchez was also a member of the 4-time WGI World Champion Riverside Community College winter drumline from 2009-2013, serving as section leader for the 2012 and 2013 seasons. His previous teaching experience includes POW Percussion (2014), Vanguard Winter Percussion (2015-2016), and Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps (2013-2017). Sanchez is currently pursuing a Bachelors degree in Jazz Studies at California State University Fullerton.
The Vanguard Cadets leadership team will be rounded out with the return of Jenny Lyons as Color Guard Caption Manager, and returning Visual Co-Caption Managers Colby Vasquez and Justin Cunha.
“As we move into the 2018 season we are looking forward to some new faces joining us and the excellence they will bring to the corps in the design and caption manager leadership roles,” said Steve Barnhill, Vanguard Cadets Corps Director.