Sept. 21, 2021, Santa Clara, CA: Vanguard Music & Performing Arts is extremely proud to announce the hiring of Rebecca Compton-Allen to the position of Director of the Santa Clara Vanguard. Rebecca is well known in the drum corps activity and comes to Vanguard from Shadow Drum & Bugle Corps where she held the position of Executive Director. Rebecca was instrumental in the success of Shadow and has many years of experience in several different roles throughout the Shadow organization.
Rebecca holds a Bachelor’s degree in child psychology from the University of Minnesota and has a professional background in behavioral therapy specializing in youth coping with spectrum disorders. Most recently, Rebecca held the position of Director of Mobilization at the Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership Development, leading efforts to connect marginalized people to community resources and bring positive change to Madison, WI.
Director of Programs, Michael Gaines, echoes the excitement regarding Rebecca’s hiring stating, “Not only is the Santa Clara Vanguard back in 2022, but we are back stronger than ever as an organization. Under Rebecca’s leadership, we are setting course on a new era for the drum corps, and I look forward to watching our membership thrive. It is with great pride and anticipation that I welcome Rebecca to the Vanguard family!”
VMAPA Board President Jennifer Bauman stated, “The Vanguard organization is thrilled that Rebecca will be joining us as the new Director of the Santa Clara Vanguard. This is such a key leadership role in our organization, and Rebecca brings with her a wealth of knowledge with an emphasis on emotional intelligence, leadership, and self-development. We have a saying that the Vanguard chooses you, but we feel honored that Rebecca chose us as well.”
Beyond a review of Rebecca’s impressive professional experience, she brings a strong combination of empathy, thoughtfulness, and industry knowledge with her to lead the Santa Clara Vanguard. Rebecca is a true transformational leader with professional experience both in and out of the drum corps activity and will provide the Santa Clara Vanguard with the steady, skillful, and bold leadership necessary to launch us into a prestigious future.
Vanguard Music & Performing Arts
For a half-century, Vanguard has provided a once-in-a-lifetime experience building the confidence, potential, intelligence, and fortitude of our performers through participation in top-tier drum and bugle corps summer programs. The unique Vanguard experience produces problem solvers, leaders, and young people with the confidence to endure and succeed. Vanguard is an inclusive and highly impactful performing experience teaching self-reliance, teamwork, and what excellence requires of an individual and a group. Vanguard has inspired millions and is one of the most respected names in marching music. Vanguard creates a champion mindset lasting throughout the lives of our excellent performers.
Jeremy Van Wert MFT MBA
Executive Director
Vanguard Music & Performing Arts