Exciting Additions to the SCV Brass Team in 2020!

Posted by:Jennifer Bauman

Posted by:Jennifer Bauman On September-3-2019

Vanguard Music and Performing Arts is thrilled to announce several new additions to the SCV Brass Team for the 2020 season, as well as welcome back some familiar faces!

Mark Nichols (Caption Manager) is returning for his 6th year as a member of the Brass Leadership Team, and his 9th year on staff with the organization. This year he has played a key role in assembling top educators from across the activity who will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the 2020 SCV Brass Staff. This includes 3 members of the VanDoren Family – Evan, Katie, and Donnie – who will share their expertise in leadership roles on the team!

“I personally could not be more excited to add some all-star names to the Santa Clara Vanguard brass staff for the upcoming season,” said Mark Nichols, SCV Brass Caption Manager. “I’m looking forward to working with this group of world-class educators who will lead with character and bring their own unique performance experience to our members on a level they can relate to. Together, I am fully confident SCV Brass will be turning heads in 2020, establishing ourselves as a premier destination for top brass performers around the world.”

Evan VanDoren (Brass Arranger) is a freelance arranger, composer, and educational consultant. As the owner of VanDoren Music, he is commissioned each year to arrange and orchestrate award-winning marching shows for numerous high school and collegiate bands across the country. Evan has been involved in the drum corps community since 2001, and capped off his marching experience as the drum major of Carolina Crown in 2008. Since then, he has served on the brass faculties of the Blue Stars, Madison Scouts, and most recently, Carolina Crown.

Katie VanDoren (Assistant Caption Manager) is no stranger to the drum corps scene. She is an alumna of Carolina Crown (2008-2012) and has served on their brass staff since 2013 – totaling 12 consecutive years with the corps! She is also a member of the SASI Leadership Faculty, a group of current and former teachers dedicated to developing student leaders. Currently Katie works as a band director at Vandegrift High School in Austin, and is actively involved with the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and Association of Texas Professional Educators.

Donnie VanDoren (Brass Consultant) is a legendary name within the drum corps activity. Since 1980 he has served in various roles on staff with many successful programs – most notably The Cadets, Star of Indiana, The Troopers, Bluecoats, and Carolina Crown. During his tenure he has led many of these groups to DCI World Championships and Jim Ott Brass Awards. Outside of drum corps, Donnie served as Brass Theater’s Music Manager from 1994-1998 and helped the organization transition into “BLAST!” where he currently serves as casting director.

“I could not be more excited to join the Santa Clara Vanguard family,” said Evan. “To have the opportunity to contribute to one of the most successful and iconic organizations in the drum corps activity is an absolute dream come true. I am thankful, humbled, and ready to get started!”

Another very exciting addition to the team this year is Daniel Cook, who will be lending his talents as an Ensemble Specialist. Cook is currently on the faculty at the University of North Texas where he conducts Wind Ensemble, teaches conducting, and serves as the Director of Athletic Bands – leading the 425 Green Brigade Marching Band and overseeing many performances at other sporting events.

“I’m really excited to welcome my UNT colleague, Daniel Cook, to the Vanguard staff,” said Paul Rennick, SCV Percussion Caption Head/Arranger and UNT Faculty Member. “I have no doubt he will certainly bring a wealth of knowledge, musicianship, and a ton of positive energy for our members. We’re all looking forward to a great year!”

The full 2020 SCV Brass Staff is listed below! (New additions marked in bold)

Evan VanDoren – Arranger

Mark Nichols – Caption Head

Katie VanDoren – Assistant Caption Head

Donnie VanDoren – Consultant

Daniel Cook – Ensemble Specialist

Danny Brock – Trumpet Tech

Ben Gunnarson – Trumpet Tech

Felix Cruz Trumpet – Tech

Jordan Webb – Trumpet Tech

Zack Anderson – Mello Tech

Sarah Jones – Mello Tech

Amy Frost – High Brass Tech

Ed Roush – High Brass Tech

Dexx Moore – Bari Tech

Travis Barzee – Bari Tech

Lauren Casey-Clyde – Bari Tech

Colton Garrett – Tuba Tech

Gordon Janda – Tuba Tech

Click here to check out their bios and photos on our SCV Staff Page!

Click here to read more about how YOU can become a member of the 2020 SCV Brass section!