SCV History and Fun Facts

Fun Facts

Vanguard is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as “the foremost or leading position in a trend or movement” and “the foremost position in an army or fleet advancing into battle”.

The founding Executive Director of the Santa Clara Vanguard was Mr. Gail R. Royer, from 1967 through 1992.

Vanguard’s corps song is Stephen Sondheim’s Send In The Clowns from the musical “A Little Night Music.” The corps first performed the song as part of their musical program in 1974, the year SCV won its second DCI World Championship.

The organization has been visually distinctive by the wearing of an Aussie hat as part of the uniform. The origin of the Aussie is from the Australian Army who pushed up the side of the brim so their rifles could be carried. The Aussie hat has become a symbol of pride, which is carried and worn by members with respect.

The Vanguard Star is an eight-pointed star that has been a corps symbol since 1972. All brass players and drummers, except contra players and bass drummers wear the star over the heart. Contra players wear the star centered on their chest to avoid damage from horn movements and bass drummers wear the star low on the left side of their tunics. The stars are kept as mementos and placed on the corps jacket upon graduating from the corps.

Championship Titles