Russ Gavin Takes The Reins of VMAPA
New Leadership at the Helm of SCV's Parent Organization
A largely overlooked part of the whirlwind of information that came out this past Friday regarding the status and staff of the Santa Clara Vanguard was the installation of Dr. Russell Gavin as the CEO of SCV’s parent organization, Vanguard Music And Performing Arts. Russ has been noted inside and outside of drum corps for some of the significant responsibilities he has taken on and the hard work that he’s done, whether that was serving as the director of the Blue Stars for almost ten years or taking charge of one of the most controversial collegiate marching bands in the United States after hazing and sexual harassment allegations led to its suspension. However, guiding one of the most storied organizations in DCI back to the field and reestablishing public trust may be his most considerable challenge yet.
How We Got Here
As 2022 drew to a close, anticipation for the 2023 season of the Santa Clara Vanguard was building. Audition camps were taking place, contracts were being handed out, and everyone was wondering what we would see from SCV for the 2023 season. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, meetings were called, and staff were informed that Vanguard, the only corps to make DCI Finals every year since 1972, would be inactive for 2023.
This sudden announcement sent shockwaves through the drum corps community. Over the following months, revelations about the financial state of VMAPA began to surface. Issues ranged from a lack of submitted financial documentation to concerning trends evident in available public records. Tensions peaked when a scheduled VMAPA board meeting on August 28th was abruptly canceled without explanation. Rumors about the organization's nonprofit status swirled, fueled by documents from the California Department of Justice highlighting VMAPA's Delinquent status.
Where We Are
That brings us to this past Friday. Vanguard’s website and social media accounts emphatically announced, “WE’RE BACK.” Over the day, staff announcements came in fast and furious, with many familiar faces returning and some exciting new ones popping up (hello, Dan Morrison). While some fans expressed surprise at the staff retained, Dr. Russell Gavin attributed their return to the transparency and leadership of Corps Director Gio Bastante.
Dr. Gavin commended Bastante's efforts, saying, “I want to give mad props to Gio, who has kept our staff informed of the progress that we have been making over the last really many, many months preceding me, emphatically preceding me. Gio has done the great work of making sure that the staff believe and understand where we are as an organization and that they know that we are committed to putting them in a position to be among the best in the world at what they do.”
Where We’re Going
While the return of the Santa Clara Vanguard has sparked significant excitement within the drum corps community, uncertainties linger. Many fans are still unsure whether the corps can achieve sustainability again, let alone mount a competitive season this year.
This is where Dr. Gavin steps into the spotlight. He faces the monumental task of not only overseeing the organization's finances and ensuring compliance with state guidelines but also rebuilding the tarnished reputation of one of the most esteemed organizations in the world of marching arts. Despite the challenges, Dr. Gavin remains steadfastly optimistic about Vanguard's future.
"The VMAPA has an opportunity to serve the world in really powerful and important ways… The organization has many resources, including its history, its alumni base, its present staff, that I believe can be leveraged to just give people great experiences in this world. For 2024, that looks like a World Class drum corps, and really working to execute that effectively and efficiently is task number one right now," stated Dr. Gavin.
As SCV embarks on its journey to restore public trust, recruit a corps, and get back onto the field, fans across the activity hold their breath, hoping for the return of one of DCI’s most storied corps and, above all, an excellent experience for every member marching.
Matthew Carstensen is currently GEM’s Managing Editor. He has been involved in the Pageantry Arts for over a decade as a performer at the highest level, an instructor, and a fan. You can find him on Twitter, Threads, and Instagram at @SatNightLites. He currently lives in Florida with his dog.