With 2020 auditions just over two months away, Vanguard Music and Performing Arts is pleased to welcome long-time Vanguard staff member and alumni Rafael Bretado as Vanguard Cadets Corps Director for the upcoming season!
“This is shaping up to be a year of fresh, exciting leadership for our Vanguard programs,” said Kevin Brooks, VMAPA Board Chair. “We are positive that Rafael will be a strong leader for the Vanguard Cadets and continue building on the fantastic trajectory Rob Shetland set in motion last season.”
A native Californian, Rafael’s drum corps career started with the Velvet Knights B-Line in 1994 where he was a member of the cymbal line. From there, he joined the Santa Clara Vanguard in 1996 and marched with the SCV Cymbal Line through 1998. Rafael has since been involved with the corps in some capacity from 2003-2010, and later officially joined the staff in 2011. He has served as a cymbal technician for the past 9 years.
In addition to drum corps, Rafael has extensive experience working in the wine and beer industry. He has led several teams as a store director and has also worked with the distribution network in southern California, helping his accounts build interesting and unique menus and sharing knowledge with his clients. Rafael likes to spend his free time with his wife Marisa and his two dogs, Dolce and Arthur – attending wine and beer tastings, riding his BMX, working out, and traveling.
“I’m very excited and extremely honored to take on the role of Corps Director for the Vanguard Cadets,” said Bretado. “I look forward to working with the members, staff and volunteers in making this a very successful 2020 season!”
As Rafael joins the Vanguard Cadets team in his new position, he is supported by a strong educational staff and design team who will help bring him up to speed as we near auditions in December. (Be on the lookout for more exciting SCVC staff announcements coming soon!) In addition, Rafael will work closely with Santa Clara Vanguard Corps Director and longtime colleague, Ivan De La Cruz, to continue building a clear and consistent approach between the two programs. He is also supported by newly appointed VMAPA Executive Director, Brett Bernardini.
“Rafael has been an important pillar or our organization for several years,” said Ivan De La Cruz, SCV Corps Director. “As an educator, he brings an energy that is simply unparalleled. I look forward to working with him in this new position and I am especially excited for the members and staff to experience the wonderful dynamic he will bring to the Vanguard Cadets!”