Here is your opportunity to start your audition journey from the convenience of your home! The link to submit your video can be found in the ticket you receive upon purchase of this event.

Candidates hoping to be considered as a Santa Clara Vanguard Drum Major should exemplify excellence in both conducting and leadership. In 2027, we anticipate one, potentially two position(s) available to join our returning veterans

The selection process will happen over the course of several rounds:

Round One – Open to All (Deadline 11/13/26, 11:59pm EST): 

All Round One participants are required to submit this Google Form prior to the deadline in order to be considered for a Drum Major position. We typically have lots of applicants, so early submission is absolutely appreciated. In this form, you will be asked to complete the following. Upon submission be sure to check that the links are publicly accessible and not behind a sign-on requirement (like google docs that haven’t been shared). We will not follow up with you to ask for viewing ability and you will not be considered for the position.

1.    Resumé – Please clearly include any relevant marching and/or leadership experience and what positions, responsibilities, and schools this applies to.

2.    Cover Letter – In one to two pages, tell us about who you are and specifically articulate your qualifications and motivations for this position. Include a significant section that discusses your ability to fit into an already existing outstanding leadership team.

3.    Reference List – List two references for SCV to contact for letters of recommendation. The list should their name, position, email, and phone number. Note that we may contact sources not on your reference list if it seems pertinent to your candidacy.

4.    Video – Record and upload (unlisted) to YouTube one video of approximately 7-15 minutes in length including the following content:

• Introduction – Share with us your marching experience and why you would like to be a Drum Major for the Santa Clara Vanguard! (Suggested 2 minutes; please plan this introduction)
• Conducting Demonstration – Three 60-90 second samples of the following conducting abilities: One example that showcases your technique and fundamental abilities, one more fast-paced, aggressive piece of music (think drum corps closer), and one more lyrical example (think drum corps ballad). Be sure to capture your full body and face in this video. Audio samples should be clearly audible. Please proof this video for quality before submission – videos not meeting this criteria will be automatically dismissed.
• Rehearsal Demonstration (Optional but helpful for us to see your skills in context) – Submit a short (5-7 minute) video of you conducting an ensemble in a rehearsal setting. Ideal videos will include you verbally calling rehearsal technique commands and rehearsal chunks, getting the ensemble set (however you do it in your program), conducting through a chunk, and finishing the rep (standby/however you do it in your program).

Round Two – Invitation Only:

All Round One participants will receive an email by 11/29/26 informing them of their status and if they will be moving on to the callback camp in Dallas, TX on December 11-13, 2026. Applicants should be available to attend all future camp dates: January 15-17 (DFW), February 19-21 (DFW), March 19-21 (DFW), April 23-25 (California)

Round Three – Pending Camp Experience:

Pending the camp experience, our staff may hold individual finalist interviews of approximately 30-45 minutes. These will be scheduled individually and are typically right before Christmas or sometimes (especially with the Rose Parade this year) in early January.

If you have any questions, please contact us at auditions@scvanguard.org.

You should expect feedback and grades within 1-2 weeks of submission.