2003 SCV

100 Yard Spread

In one of Vanguard’s most infamous opening sets, the members were divided into two separate corps and spread 100 yards apart, connected only by a singular line of color guard expanding the entire field. It was a bold concept innovated by longtime visual designer Myron Rosander, who was on a mission to stay on the leading edge. “The pathway concepts that you see, it’s a thematic element that is different from a lot of other corps, but is still purely Vanguard, and I don’t think anybody but Myron could have done that.” – Jim Casella

A Stacked Staff

Also a change from the year prior was an all-new color guard staff, which ushered in a new technique style and aesthetic, as well as saw the corps’ largest color guard to date (40 members). The drumline also benefited from a “dream-team” staff collaboration. “That was the year the drum staff was just stacked… You could not get better instruction,” – Fred Smith.

Artistic Risks & High Demands

With bold innovation also comes risk, as well as a show concept that prioritized artistry. “It was a huge risk both visually, but even more so musically, especially for the Vanguard. It was wildly divergent compared to ‘02, harmonically and musicality-wise.” –Stuart Shulman
It was an ambitious repertoire – from the expansive drill and arduous choreography to fast tempos and complex music selections – that pushed members to their limits. “It was the most challenging year physically and mentally across the board for all of my eight years at Vanguard.” – Emily (Mavroudis) Contreras

Perseverance

Rook-out, Ramon Santos didn’t quite make the trumpet line at auditions but continued to rehearse and tour with the corps as an alternate through the entire season. When the members in the line were exhausted, Ramon was a reminder that they were fortunate to be there. Late in the season, a snare spot opened up due to an injury, and Ramon took the field as a side conductor. When corps director Rick Valenzuela handed Ramon his green feather, the corps responded with the loudest applause given to any of the 2003 age-outs in the green feather ceremony.

Myron’s Lasting Impact

Fittingly, as the soul of the corps, Myron left members a truly memorable and poignant letter after finals in ’03 that encapsulated the true meaning of the season and emphasized the eternal legacy of the Santa Clara Vanguard.