After a five year hiatus, the Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets are returning to the competition field for the 2027 DCI season.
Here's what Vanguard Music & Performing Arts had to say regarding the return of SCVC:
VANGUARD MUSIC & PERFORMING ARTS ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF THE VANGUARD CADETS IN 2027
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Vanguard Music & Performing Arts (VMAPA) is proud to announce the return of the Vanguard Cadets in 2027, marking an exciting milestone as the organization celebrates its 60th Anniversary.
For decades, the Vanguard Cadets have provided young performers with an exceptional educational experience rooted in the traditions of excellence, innovation, teamwork, and personal growth that define the Vanguard family. Their return reflects VMAPA’s ongoing commitment to expanding opportunities for young musicians and performers throughout California, with a special focus on serving the Bay Area community.
Leading the return of the Vanguard Cadets will be Dr. Colby Vasquez, who currently serves as Assistant Corps Director for the Santa Clara Vanguard. In his new role as Corps Director, Dr. Vasquez will oversee the educational and artistic vision of the ensemble while helping shape an inspiring experience for its members.
“Bringing back the Vanguard Cadets is about much more than adding another ensemble,” said Dr. Russ Gavin, Chief Executive Officer of Vanguard Music & Performing Arts. “This is about fulfilling our mission by creating another opportunity for young people to grow through the performing arts. We are proud to expand access to the Vanguard experience for students across California, especially here in the Bay Area, where our organization has called home for nearly 60 years. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, welcoming back the Vanguard Cadets is a meaningful investment in our community and in the next generation of performers.”
“The Vanguard Cadets have always been about developing people first,” said Dr. Colby Vasquez, Corps Director of the Vanguard Cadets. “We’re building an environment where performers can challenge themselves, discover what’s possible, and experience the traditions and culture that make Vanguard so special. I’m honored to help lead the Vanguard Cadets and create an experience that inspires excellence, builds confidence, and creates lifelong memories for every member.”
The 2027 season will consist of a regional, West Coast tour, allowing the Vanguard Cadets to provide an exceptional educational experience while remaining accessible to students throughout California and the surrounding region. The ensemble will participate in a select regional performance schedule designed to maximize educational value, meaningful performance opportunities, and community engagement.
Additional information regarding instructional staff, audition opportunities, program details, and the 2027 schedule will be announced in the coming months.
“As we look toward our 60th Anniversary, the return of the Vanguard Cadets represents the continued growth of our educational mission,” added Gavin. “We’re excited to welcome a new generation of performers into the Vanguard family and continue inspiring excellence through music, movement, and performance.”
For updates on the Vanguard Cadets and all Vanguard Music & Performing Arts programs, visit https://www.scvanguard.org/join-vanguard-cadets/ or follow Santa Clara Vanguard on social media.
If you're interested in learning more about how to audition for the Vanguard Cadets, click here to view the interest form.
The Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets were formed in 1971 to act as a feeder corps for the Santa Clara Vanguard. The Vanguard Cadets hold Open Class World Championship titles from 2008, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022. This will be the first time the Vanguard Cadets have fielded an ensemble since announcing its hiatus following the completion of the 2022 DCI season.