Vanguard Music and Performing Arts is proud to say “Congratulations” to Santa Clara Vanguard’s Percussion Caption Head and Designer, Paul Rennick! Join us in celebrating Paul’s well-deserved honor of being inducted into the the DCI Hall of Fame! He joins the company of 125 other incredibly talented individuals, including fellow SCV design staff members Denise Bonfiglio, Scott Koter, and Michael Gaines.
“Having the opportunity to work with Paul has been a treat while working with the SCV design team,” said Shaun Gallant, SCV Corps Director. “His educational approach and percussion writing continues to lead SCV and the entire activity.”
Paul Rennick first started with Santa Clara Vanguard in 2011, joining the staff as Percussion Caption Head and Arranger. He has held that title ever since, and has also served as an arranger for the Vanguard Winter Percussion program in 2014 and 2015. Throughout his time at SCV, Paul has built upon a legacy of excellence among the SCV percussion section, leading his staff and members to bring home the Fred Sanford High Percussion Award in 2014 and 2016. As both an instructor and arranger, Paul has been instrumental in altering the landscape of marching percussion in a modern era of drum corps, and we are thrilled to have him as part of the VMAPA team!
“Paul has an unbelievable ability to demand perfection, musicality, and precision, while still maintaining an educational atmosphere of positivity and complete professionalism,” said KJ Stafford, SCV Percussion instructor. “He holds his staff completely accountable to make sure that every decision is student-centered and every member of the group is treated with complete professionalism and respect.”
Outside of drum corps, Rennick’s educational approach is one that is rooted in higher education. He serves on the faculty of the University of North Texas (UNT) since 1991, leading the institution’s indoor drum line to a bevy of awards with the Percussive Arts Society. In his position he’s attracted countless young musicians to UNT, creating a veritable marching percussionist factory of students who go on to perform with and teach drum corps across the country.
A former marching member himself, Paul Rennick performed with the 27th Lancers. Later he went on to make a name for himself leading an up-and-coming Carolina Crown percussion section in the late 1990s, and serving as an arranger and percussion caption head at Phantom Regiment from2003-2010. Paul was also a design team member, composer/arranger, instructor, and percussion manager for the Tony and Emmy Award-winning Broadway production, “Blast!”.
Click here to read more more about the 2017 Hall of Fame announcement on DCI.org