Santa Clara Vanguard is pleased to welcome Dr. Chip Crotts as the corps’ new Brass Caption Manager. Crotts currently serves as the Director of Jazz Studies and Assistant Director of Bands at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. A GRAMMY nominated artist, he has performed and recorded for the Disney Company in Europe and the US, and has had an active career as a first call musician (trumpet) for many Broadway shows and touring ensembles, and has worked with many acclaimed artists and ensembles throughout the world.

He has previously served on the brass educational staffs of Blue Devils, Phantom Regiment, The Cavaliers and Spirit of Atlanta, and has also had extensive experience as an adjudicator for DCI, BOA, WGI and Music For All.

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining the educational team of the Santa Clara Vanguard as the Brass Caption Manager. The organization has a long tradition of developing and inspiring young musicians and I look forward to building upon that history and sharing my passion for music and education with the members of Vanguard,” stated Crotts.

Mark Nichols, veteran SCV brass staff member, SCV alum and Director of Bands at La Porte HS in LaPorte, TX will work alongside Crotts, assisting him in establishing a program that engages veteran brass educators, offering prospective and current Vanguard brass players an opportunity to raise their musical standards and dramatically improve their playing, each time they perform on their instrument.

“I’m extremely excited to have Chip Crotts as our Brass Caption Manager at Santa Clara Vanguard. Chip and I have worked together before and I look forward to his energy, knowledge and inspiration, that comes from not only being a terrific educator, but a seasoned performer, as well. I believe the future is bright!” added JD Shaw, SCV Brass Arranger.

“Bringing Chip Crotts to SCV to lead our brass caption, and reuniting him with Vanguard brass arranger JD Shaw (2008 Phantom Regiment) will dramatically increase the opportunity for the corps’ brass section to achieve at the highest levels of the activity. I’m also pleased to elevate Mark Nichols to a position where he can have a greater impact on the brass section’s success. We’re looking forward to welcoming some new faces to the 2016 brass staff, and also retaining some excellent veteran brass educators on our team,” stated SCV Executive Director Jeff Fiedler.