After a year away, Santa Clara Vanguard returned to Indianapolis, securing an impressive sixth-place finish in the 2024 Drum Corps International (DCI) World Championships. This accomplishment reaffirmed their status as one of the elite corps in the marching world, marking their 10th year in a row among the top six, excluding their brief hiatus in 2023.
A highlight of Vanguard’s 2024 season was winning the Fred Sanford Award for Best Percussion Performance. This prestigious accolade, their sixth in the last decade, underscored their dominance and expertise in percussion under the direction of Paul & Sandi Rennick. The ensemble’s performance was a masterclass in precision, musicality, and innovation, earning them widespread respect and admiration.
Their show, “Vagabond,” featured music compositions and arrangements by Evan VanDoren, Paul Rennick, and Sandi Rennick, with sound design by Dave Isaacs. The visual design was led by visual designer and coordinator Andy Toth, with drill design by Michael Gaines and choreography by Michael Rosales & Tyler Richards. Bart Woodley and Wayne Harris each contributed to the show as design consultant and performance coach, respectively. Program Coordinator Dan Morrison leads the design team.
Despite the challenges of rebuilding after a year off, the corps demonstrated immense dedication and hard work. Their 2024 season is a testament to their resilience and unwavering commitment to excellence, solidifying Vanguard’s continuing legacy in DCI history.
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