Vanguard Voices: Episode 6

Apr 3, 2021 | Uncategorized, Santa Clara Vanguard, Blog Post, Alumni

Episode 6: In memory of charter member, Mel Canales

Featuring: Keiko Kelly, Mike Munoz and Scott Pierson

Through this conversation with some of our earliest members, we learn about “Milk it Mel’s” legacy and what Vanguard was like in the early days. Mel being remembered as the mellophone soloist, as well as the fleet mechanic, gives you a little hint!

We even hear their ideas of what drums corps would be like in heaven. The most beautiful music we’ve ever heard, with Mel leading the way. Above all, their stories are a true testament to drum corps friendships. 

We hope you enjoy this episode, not only as a tribute to Mel, but as an appreciation for those who paved the way for the organization that would bring all of our most cherished and lifelong friendships. 

More Recent Blogs

Celebrating Black History Month With SCVWG’s Story of John Henry

For Black History Month, we are celebrating by revisiting the story of John Henry with Vanguard performance coach and storyteller, Wayne Harris. A freedman during the Reconstruction Era, post Civil War, John Henry was a railroad steel driver and, as legend has it,...

History of The Bottle Dance, In Honor of Pat Pierson

Imagine a long row of dancers, hands interlocked and arms held at an unshakeable ninety-degree angle. As the unmistakable strains of the “Wedding Dance” from Fiddler on the Roof swell, the line moves forward as one. Step. Drag. Step. With the lock of each passing...

In Memoriam

This past year, we lost two important pillars of the Vanguard organization and its history. Don and Ginny Koester passed peacefully on June 27th and February 1st of 2021 respectively. Together they served the Vanguard organization from 1970-1999 and briefly from...

Vanguard Voices: Episode 8

Celebrate Pride Month with our latest episode of Vanguard Voices! Three of our alumni, each of whom proudly represent SCV and the LGBTQ+ community, openly share how the activity played a part in their coming out experience, the progress they've witnessed in each of...