In 1980, the Vanguard redefines the activity’s approach to drill writing…
By 1980, most corps were executing field drills of circles, triangles, diamonds, arcs, X’s and serpentine files. Only occasionally… and cautiously… were asymmetrical patterns attempted. That year, however, Santa Clara’s entire drill was filled with asymmetrical forms. Once again, the corps was pointing in the direction the activity would take. Their drill was referred to as “extremely innovative.”
Perhaps that year they were just too creative; or perhaps the judges weren’t ready for the controversial drill forms. Whatever the reason, the corps placed 7th that year. This was the first time in their history that they finished below 3rd place.
In 1980 DCI released its first state-of-the-art album — professionally recorded in concert at the Concord Pavilion show on July 1 — featuring the Santa Clara Vanguard and the Blue Devils.
