What a treasure of DCI history. Thanks so much for uploading. I never marched Vanguard, but did march D&BC for four years. Taught one. Gail Royer never met me. Fred Sanford never met me. One thing is for certain -- these men touched my life in a profound way. DCI is what is was, and what it is, because of these guys. Of course there are plenty others, but I feel I needed to mention this because I know a lot of SCV vets are sure to click on this vid. You guys were certainly blessed to have Gail.
Watching a video like this makes me very proud to now, after 3 years of auditioning, to be a part of the Vanguard organization (SCV cadets / Vanguard Winter Percussion). I can't wait.
I was in that line... In fact you can kinda see me over GR's shoulder. It was the single most emotion moment in my drum corps career. We all knew it was his last time conducting us.
Our on field warm up that year was pretty special too... If you can find it, we played phantom.
I was here for this! One of my fondest drum corps memories to see what was to be the swan song of his Drum Corps career! What a class act! R.I.P. Gail Royer!
@UesugiVincentibanez Their brass was beautiful in the 80's...on G's. SCV won two Jim Ott trophies (84 & 87) and were 2nd in Brass in 81 (tic system), 83, 85, 86, & 89. You knew it was a special moment when GR stepped up to conduct. This version is very nice but I wish there weren't so many fracks in the lead baritones in the opening melody; I tend to focus on them as I too was an SCV lead bari in the mid 80s so I remember the parts very well.
Absolutely powerful- everytime i hear clown... whether it's the vanguard arrangement of old or new,... or it's the frank sinatra version... i absolutely break in tears. I LOVE YOU VANGUARD! i miss you and will never forget my time with you. Gail (my you RIP), you are the true soul behind vanguard. you breathed life into one of the most beloved corps to compete in finals... and by far the classiest corps to ever walk on a field
i play alto sax and i sure wish their was a program like drum core for woodwinds and omg they play amazing one of the best recordings ive ever seen ps im in high school
I marched snare in SCV 88 & 89 and what an incredible experience it was. Gail was an incredible man with a huge heart. He truly loved each and every one of us as if we were his own. I was at this performance in 92 in the lot at Camp Randall and seeing it again brings tears to my eyes just as it did 17 years ago. DCI has never been the same since he left us, but Gail's spirit lives in us all FOREVER !!! Love and miss you Gail
There are some things any true drum corps fan has to experience firsthand... SCV playing Clowns, PR playing Amazing Grace, BD playing the TOMMY chords. In that order. Watching this is incredibly emotional, watching how much Gail pours himself out while conducting.
And it sounds much nicer on the G horns, IMO. :)
That 1992 SCV hornline was outstanding. Any of you guys out there reading this, it's one of the shows that really inspire me. And I loved the old-school off-the-line intro, badass.
This is the last time that Gail Royer conducted the Santa Clara Vanguard. A fitting ending to the legacy he left behind. I'm proud to say that I was a part of that line.
Gail Royer embodied the spirit of what a drum corp show should be. The activity is so far gone from when he was involved. We can only hope that someday someone picks up that ball again and runs with it.
one of my most cherished posessions is a photo I took from the 88 show.. low.. couple of rows back.. got the Phantom with his arm outstretched... the two guard girls... the 8 snares in the back... I brought it with me to finals in 89 and had Gail sign it. I have thrown away couches and furniture... I will cherish this photo always. Didnt know him personally... never actually had a conversation with him... didnt have to. The man oozed class.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Hey!! LOL I JUST DID A FORMATION TO A TRIBUTE TO SCV PLAYING THIS SONG.... CHECK IT OUT!!!!! I already posted it on the video response window... THX!!!!!
I remember seeing Gail in '89 and I was in uniform with my corps.... Spantans from Vancouver, WA.... just a lil corp that introduced kids to the world of DCI. He actually came over to a group of us and said he liked our show and to keep up the good work. Even though Gails heart was SCV ... he was the spirit of DCI to all of us from every class of corps... RIP GAIL. Your spirit is still with us.
This was my ageout year with another corps, and I had been an SCV fan since the first time I saw them on the '86 PBS broadcast. I just happened to be walking by this last performance; I may have even been one of the spectators in this video. I knew it was special, but I wasn't expecting it to be historical.
the love and respect for mr. royer is so obvious from all the comments; even those later members who were not instructed by him honor his memory...there is no greater tribute to anyone...
Thanks for posting this. This songs has a certain emotion given when I here Vanguard play it, but I think seeing Gail conduct this adds just a little more emotion to an already amazing song! Box 5!!!
truly amazing! Even though i am only marching SCV Cadets this song brings tears. And the fact that Gail conducted it makes it even more amazing. I wish i could have been there
I remember this performance. Brings back a lot of memories. I also remember when Rick South told that Gail past away. It was a rehearsal in 1993 before Tour.
This is an incredible recording. To some, it's an awesome corps playing a signature piece of music. To me it's nothing less than a reminder that you should live a purpose driven life. Gail greatest lesson for me was being an example. He discovered his purpose, developed a vision and committed to the entire package with his entire being. I was far too young and immature back then to fully understand the lesson, but I now live it everyday. Thank you Gail, thank you SCV.
10 years later I was performing with SCV in the same place. How beautiful it is to see this video and how crazy it is what this piece of music played by Any SCV brother or sister can still do to me now..... Always brings me to tears.
I'm curious. How did Gail pass away? Did everyone know he was dying during this video? He truly was the face of DCI. I've heard nothing but good things about this great man.
Gail died of cancer less than one year later. June of 1993, if I am not mistaken. He was set to retire after the 1992 season, and it was known that hw was stepping down after finals. The reality, I think was that GR new he was getting too sick to carry on.
Damnit. I am wiping away tears. I was witness to this special event. I never marched Vanguard (Freelancers 1986-1992) but always felt a special kinship with them. I aged out this night and stumbled across this event. Gail went to the angels not long after this. This probably sent him to Heaven with a smile on his soul.
Wow...although I marched 14 years after his last show, I still feel honored to have been apart of his corps. Clowns always brings me to tears but this one got me crying right away. I love you SCV.
last season, when me and the rest of the pit was pushing off the field after our encore, an old SCV vet in the stands came up and told us that Gail would have been proud. I was never more touched in my entire life than in that moment.
What an honor and a pleasure to have marched in SCV back in 83, but my highlighted moments have always been hearing clowns played by the hornline. Being apart of the alumni corps and playing that chart is ALWAYS an honor to Gail. I know he is looking down and is proud how Santa Clara has continued its tradition of excellence.
Oh my. This video has just given me goosebumps. What this corps and this man meant to the activity. The instant I heard that Gail had passed I was backfield waiting for retreat to begin at a DCI show in Indiana...a moment of great sadness that is seared on my memory.
B-T-W: It's been years since a drum corps' performance raised a goosebump for me.
Though the Vanguard doesnt have the most titles, I still believe they are THE BEST drum corp on earth because they have NEVER missed finals and have never finished below 8th at a championship. Their programs push the envelope and force corps to get better every season. Im a SCV fan for life!
as an old east coast drum corp guy that marched in the '70's, I didn't see too much of the Vanguard, but we knew a legacy of excellence was in the making.
I wonder what it was like to march with a champion of this caliber. I wonder what it was like to have had the pleasure of meeting Gail Royer, let alone march in his corps.
wow...i have been waiting for years to find this recording,,,i too will never forget this moment, I was standing in that hornline on my age out year. Thank You for posting this.
I was there and I have thought about this moment a lot thru the years. It was the last time many of us saw Gail. It's sad to think that he was (probably) already sick and this was the last time he directed the corps. It was the last time I and many of my friends were in uniform together. It was the turning point for so many people and SCV. Thanks so much for posting the video!
Gail knows how to do it.. and do it good. Especially in front of a Blue Devils bus (;
PhillCthulu 1 month ago 3
What a treasure of DCI history. Thanks so much for uploading. I never marched Vanguard, but did march D&BC for four years. Taught one. Gail Royer never met me. Fred Sanford never met me. One thing is for certain -- these men touched my life in a profound way. DCI is what is was, and what it is, because of these guys. Of course there are plenty others, but I feel I needed to mention this because I know a lot of SCV vets are sure to click on this vid. You guys were certainly blessed to have Gail.
cosmodrum1 2 months ago
My parents were personal friends of Gail.
I had my first thanksgiving with him.
To hear his anthem this year at lucas oil, touched my heart.
He is the spirit of drum corp and his spirit lives on forever with SCV.
We love you gail.
NeonKid1000 3 months ago
I have no dog in the hunt. Unbelievable
tmtv633 7 months ago
Watching a video like this makes me very proud to now, after 3 years of auditioning, to be a part of the Vanguard organization (SCV cadets / Vanguard Winter Percussion). I can't wait.
gbfreak87 1 year ago
I was in that line... In fact you can kinda see me over GR's shoulder. It was the single most emotion moment in my drum corps career. We all knew it was his last time conducting us.
Our on field warm up that year was pretty special too... If you can find it, we played phantom.
jwrenell 1 year ago
Standing there was one of the greatest Drum Corps experiences in my entire life......... R.I.P. and God bless you Gail Royer
vgard01 1 year ago
I was here for this! One of my fondest drum corps memories to see what was to be the swan song of his Drum Corps career! What a class act! R.I.P. Gail Royer!
BonesBass1 1 year ago
excellent work!
1888junkteam 2 years ago
I hate to be that guy, but does anybody here some wrong notes in that? Especially at :38
NMHSBAND 2 years ago
G bugles, 2 valves- you can only do so much man
starofthewesttuba 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
SCV was known for drums and visual back then. The horns do sound pretty bad.
joshpr 2 years ago
not anymore..... their brass is beautiful now.
UesugiVincentibanez 2 years ago
@UesugiVincentibanez Their brass was beautiful in the 80's...on G's. SCV won two Jim Ott trophies (84 & 87) and were 2nd in Brass in 81 (tic system), 83, 85, 86, & 89. You knew it was a special moment when GR stepped up to conduct. This version is very nice but I wish there weren't so many fracks in the lead baritones in the opening melody; I tend to focus on them as I too was an SCV lead bari in the mid 80s so I remember the parts very well.
ExBuickRacer 6 months ago
@NMHSBAND listen to many different years and its in all of them
SilverFlair 1 year ago
Absolutely powerful- everytime i hear clown... whether it's the vanguard arrangement of old or new,... or it's the frank sinatra version... i absolutely break in tears. I LOVE YOU VANGUARD! i miss you and will never forget my time with you. Gail (my you RIP), you are the true soul behind vanguard. you breathed life into one of the most beloved corps to compete in finals... and by far the classiest corps to ever walk on a field
vanguardleadtpt 2 years ago 2
i play alto sax and i sure wish their was a program like drum core for woodwinds and omg they play amazing one of the best recordings ive ever seen ps im in high school
dragonbrings 2 years ago
drum CORPS for woodwinds= orchestras and symphonic bands
sharkseatchainmail 2 years ago
I marched snare in SCV 88 & 89 and what an incredible experience it was. Gail was an incredible man with a huge heart. He truly loved each and every one of us as if we were his own. I was at this performance in 92 in the lot at Camp Randall and seeing it again brings tears to my eyes just as it did 17 years ago. DCI has never been the same since he left us, but Gail's spirit lives in us all FOREVER !!! Love and miss you Gail
bobdrmr68 2 years ago 2
There are some things any true drum corps fan has to experience firsthand... SCV playing Clowns, PR playing Amazing Grace, BD playing the TOMMY chords. In that order. Watching this is incredibly emotional, watching how much Gail pours himself out while conducting.
And it sounds much nicer on the G horns, IMO. :)
That 1992 SCV hornline was outstanding. Any of you guys out there reading this, it's one of the shows that really inspire me. And I loved the old-school off-the-line intro, badass.
BACcontrabass 2 years ago 3
Nothing sounds better than a G...
MadCoSnareLine 2 years ago 2
This is the last time that Gail Royer conducted the Santa Clara Vanguard. A fitting ending to the legacy he left behind. I'm proud to say that I was a part of that line.
velvetknights1990 2 years ago
Gail Royer embodied the spirit of what a drum corp show should be. The activity is so far gone from when he was involved. We can only hope that someday someone picks up that ball again and runs with it.
salfademas 2 years ago
one of my most cherished posessions is a photo I took from the 88 show.. low.. couple of rows back.. got the Phantom with his arm outstretched... the two guard girls... the 8 snares in the back... I brought it with me to finals in 89 and had Gail sign it. I have thrown away couches and furniture... I will cherish this photo always. Didnt know him personally... never actually had a conversation with him... didnt have to. The man oozed class.
JJayBoyd 3 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
guys watch the je drum corps playing the same piece just type "JE BAND- SEND IN THE CLOWNS" tnx.
IMBYERNOS 3 years ago
I love this. always listen to this and Jupiter most of the time when I'm doing homework or just on myspace.
MicroMarchingLeague 3 years ago
Oh my god... wow.
wowommkay 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Hey!! LOL I JUST DID A FORMATION TO A TRIBUTE TO SCV PLAYING THIS SONG.... CHECK IT OUT!!!!! I already posted it on the video response window... THX!!!!!
tytzer93 3 years ago
I remember seeing Gail in '89 and I was in uniform with my corps.... Spantans from Vancouver, WA.... just a lil corp that introduced kids to the world of DCI. He actually came over to a group of us and said he liked our show and to keep up the good work. Even though Gails heart was SCV ... he was the spirit of DCI to all of us from every class of corps... RIP GAIL. Your spirit is still with us.
geologyjmc 3 years ago 8
Unfortunately, his spirit is not still with DCI. DCI was much better when Royer was around and helping to run the activity.
madscout96 3 years ago 3
I love this song.
asianboy1021 3 years ago
This is such a beautiful number, the man who wrote this is absolutely amazing.
Respect!
Pimsnare 3 years ago 3
This was my ageout year with another corps, and I had been an SCV fan since the first time I saw them on the '86 PBS broadcast. I just happened to be walking by this last performance; I may have even been one of the spectators in this video. I knew it was special, but I wasn't expecting it to be historical.
BarracksSi 3 years ago 3
the love and respect for mr. royer is so obvious from all the comments; even those later members who were not instructed by him honor his memory...there is no greater tribute to anyone...
aelfricbetera 3 years ago
Thanks for posting this. This songs has a certain emotion given when I here Vanguard play it, but I think seeing Gail conduct this adds just a little more emotion to an already amazing song! Box 5!!!
Aaron5ash 3 years ago
All I can say is..chills, chills, chills.
BeesKnees405 3 years ago
beautiful! Top corps, top tune, top man.
4181jay 3 years ago 4
In 1981 this was the last song I played as a member of SCV. It was always extra special when Gayle conducted. I still miss him today.
John S
SCV '79, '81
BD '83-'85
pyrvinny 3 years ago 3
Thank you for posting this. It truly is special to be able to watch him conduct this song. Thank you Gail for the way you touched so many lives.
maestra929 3 years ago
i love this song. one of my favorites.
singsongfly 3 years ago
truly amazing! Even though i am only marching SCV Cadets this song brings tears. And the fact that Gail conducted it makes it even more amazing. I wish i could have been there
kyliethewrestler 3 years ago
There will never be another man in this activity like Gail. R.I.P. He was truly an angel on earth.
ahj71 3 years ago
I remember this performance. Brings back a lot of memories. I also remember when Rick South told that Gail past away. It was a rehearsal in 1993 before Tour.
ConquerorDyavo 3 years ago
WOW is all I can say
DUT011 3 years ago
This is an incredible recording. To some, it's an awesome corps playing a signature piece of music. To me it's nothing less than a reminder that you should live a purpose driven life. Gail greatest lesson for me was being an example. He discovered his purpose, developed a vision and committed to the entire package with his entire being. I was far too young and immature back then to fully understand the lesson, but I now live it everyday. Thank you Gail, thank you SCV.
hsreed4 3 years ago 4
Beautifully said, my friend! God Bless!
MadCoSnareLine 3 years ago
10 years later I was performing with SCV in the same place. How beautiful it is to see this video and how crazy it is what this piece of music played by Any SCV brother or sister can still do to me now..... Always brings me to tears.
natscv02 3 years ago
I'm curious. How did Gail pass away? Did everyone know he was dying during this video? He truly was the face of DCI. I've heard nothing but good things about this great man.
smn76 3 years ago
Gail died of cancer less than one year later. June of 1993, if I am not mistaken. He was set to retire after the 1992 season, and it was known that hw was stepping down after finals. The reality, I think was that GR new he was getting too sick to carry on.
The next few years were very rough for SCV..
mmj0306 2 years ago
Damnit. I am wiping away tears. I was witness to this special event. I never marched Vanguard (Freelancers 1986-1992) but always felt a special kinship with them. I aged out this night and stumbled across this event. Gail went to the angels not long after this. This probably sent him to Heaven with a smile on his soul.
cainanuk 4 years ago 3
amazing what a beautiful piece and a wonderful corp
Clarinet927 4 years ago 3
how could you not love this corps? this video brought tears to my eyes.
drumbum17 4 years ago
Wow...although I marched 14 years after his last show, I still feel honored to have been apart of his corps. Clowns always brings me to tears but this one got me crying right away. I love you SCV.
azeuph5 4 years ago 4
wow
natescv 4 years ago
great video.
BariBango 4 years ago 2
last season, when me and the rest of the pit was pushing off the field after our encore, an old SCV vet in the stands came up and told us that Gail would have been proud. I was never more touched in my entire life than in that moment.
amacmorris 4 years ago 24
Yeah, I was there in the line, playing that the last time Gail conducted us in uniform......thanks for bringing back amazing memories.....
timber72 4 years ago 4
What an honor and a pleasure to have marched in SCV back in 83, but my highlighted moments have always been hearing clowns played by the hornline. Being apart of the alumni corps and playing that chart is ALWAYS an honor to Gail. I know he is looking down and is proud how Santa Clara has continued its tradition of excellence.
kimela82 4 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
The mustard has been cut
wisdomsp 4 years ago
Are those G-bugles?! :) Great piece ... great corps. Long live Gail!
MarineBugler 4 years ago 2
Oh my. This video has just given me goosebumps. What this corps and this man meant to the activity. The instant I heard that Gail had passed I was backfield waiting for retreat to begin at a DCI show in Indiana...a moment of great sadness that is seared on my memory.
B-T-W: It's been years since a drum corps' performance raised a goosebump for me.
tubtiger 4 years ago 2
Though the Vanguard doesnt have the most titles, I still believe they are THE BEST drum corp on earth because they have NEVER missed finals and have never finished below 8th at a championship. Their programs push the envelope and force corps to get better every season. Im a SCV fan for life!
brown55061 4 years ago
as an old east coast drum corp guy that marched in the '70's, I didn't see too much of the Vanguard, but we knew a legacy of excellence was in the making.
I wonder what it was like to march with a champion of this caliber. I wonder what it was like to have had the pleasure of meeting Gail Royer, let alone march in his corps.
thogy 4 years ago 2
It was awe inspiring.
loopyair 4 years ago 2
I can sum that up in two words .... life changing
Jojo91357 4 years ago 2
amazing
sopfella 4 years ago
I'm a "right foot" guy and every time I hear that song, I'm brought to tears. And that video of Gail...what an honor.
Thank you.
crutthorn 4 years ago 2
wow...i have been waiting for years to find this recording,,,i too will never forget this moment, I was standing in that hornline on my age out year. Thank You for posting this.
jceja101 4 years ago 3
I was there and I have thought about this moment a lot thru the years. It was the last time many of us saw Gail. It's sad to think that he was (probably) already sick and this was the last time he directed the corps. It was the last time I and many of my friends were in uniform together. It was the turning point for so many people and SCV. Thanks so much for posting the video!
Choachito 4 years ago 2
Beautiful. I feel like the hearts of the hornline are bidding farewell.
Ehemhello62 4 years ago
Brought to tears, everytime I hear this song. Had the great honor to play this very song in SCVC.
IrishBladesmith 4 years ago
Wow....That was Fantastic...I'm not a Vanguard Guy and I got chills........I can only imagine what it means to those that were there with Gail!!
miladu 4 years ago
Talk about giving someone chills...
asouers 4 years ago
Simply the best video on this website...
stockman364 4 years ago
I was in the line that year! never forgot that moment! nice to relive it...
PaulNSD 4 years ago
nice title-
Gail conducts clowns. lol :P
vilemonkey 4 years ago