Robert Amaya’s drum corps journey began in Redwood City, CA in the mid-1960s, where he first learned music alongside his sister in the local Police Youth Drum & Bell Corps. When the corps transitioned to the Redwood City Guardsmen Drum & Bugle Corps, Robert adapted quickly, becoming part of a championship-winning Class B ensemble and later serving as Drum Major.

Inspired after seeing the Santa Clara Vanguard perform in 1970, Robert auditioned for SCV and earned a spot in 1972. He contributed to the corps’ historic 1973 and 1974 seasons—years marked by exceptional member commitment and back-to-back DCI titles. A true team player, Robert willingly moved from cymbals to contrabass bugle at Gail Royer’s request.   As the 1974 drum corps season drew to a close, Robert made a pivotal decision— he ended his performance career on a high note and relocated to Los Angeles to begin his studies at UCLA.

In 1976, Robert accepted an offer from Sal Salas, the Madison Scouts’ guard instructor, to perform for one final season. He returned to the field and aged out in the rifle line, making him a rare individual who has competed in the DCI World Championship Finals as a percussionist, horn player, and color guard member.

After aging out, Robert pursued a successful 42-year career in the airline industry, yet always stayed connected to the Vanguard. When he was finally in a position to give back, he returned to the organization in the most personal of ways: serving as Gail Royer’s tour driver from 1990 until Gail’s retirement in 1992. Those summers forged a deep friendship and left Robert with stories that have become part of SCV lore.

Robert went on to volunteer in nearly every corner of the organization—driving, selling souvenirs, designing merchandise, serving on the food crew, and mastering whatever role was needed. When he moved back to California in 2010, he took on an even larger responsibility: restoring and curating the SCV Hall and archives. His work included refurbishing historical flags, building display cases, cataloguing decades of memorabilia, updating perpetual plaques, and helping create the exhibits showcased during the 50th Anniversary Gala and the Santa Clara Parade of Champions. His meticulous care and design skills elevated the organization’s ability to preserve and present its history.

Never one to shy away from learning something new, Robert also joined the Uniform Committee—taking classes so he could sew uniforms, flags, and other essentials. He later handcrafted the white feathers and gold stars for the 2017 Alumni Corps and has with great care maintained the tradition of creating Vanguard Stars as keepsakes for members.

Whether living in California, Florida, or now Michigan, Robert has consistently supported the Vanguard both behind the scenes and on the field with the Alumni Corps. His dedication has been woven into the organization’s traditions, history, and spirit for more than 30 years.

As stated by his nominator, Rosalind Achkar, “He has quietly given tirelessly to SCV with no expectations of getting anything in return.”