What is Vanguard?

One of the largest and most spirited organizations on campus is the Vanguard, which can be seen performing the halftime at every home football game, as well as local field tournaments.  The ensemble currently competes in the SCSBOA circuit, and has celebrated continued improvement and success over the course of its history.  In addition to these competitions, Vanguard can be seen at all school spirit functions, as well as at select community events.  With over 100 performers, Vanguard is the largest and most active ensemble in the Point Loma High School Department of Instrumental Music. Vanguard has several components, including Brass, Woodwinds, Battery (Marching Percussion), Front Ensemble (Stationary Percussion) and Color Guard. 

The Vanguard competes at two types of marching events during the season: field tournaments, and band reviews.
  • Field Tournaments consist of bands that perform their halftime shows.  These 7-11 minute shows are usually centered around a theme or a piece of music, and may involve elaborate props and demanding marching maneuvers.  Performances are judged on their musicianship, visual excellence, and general excitement.  Trophies are awarded in these areas, as well as in each individual competing class.  For more information on Field Tournaments, visit our FAQ section.  All students in Vanguard participate in the field show.
  • Similar to a parade (but without horses, clowns, and floats, etc.), the band review involves students marching in block formation down a street.  Each band plays one march, and is in competition for no longer than two and a half minutes.  This activity demands a very high level of musicianship and marching precision.  Performances are judged for musicianship, marching, and general excitement.  For more information on Band Reviews, visit our FAQ section.  Participation in the band review is limited to members who audition into the block.

Students in Vanguard receive valuable P.E. credit their time; this is especially helpful, as participation in the ensemble will free up a spot in a student's schedule to take an additional elective and/or additional courses required for graduation.  For each marching season that a student participates in Vanguard, he/she/they will earn one semester of PE credit. The bulk of activities and rehearsals for Vanguard take place during the first semester, with students meeting for Band Camp in August, and ending the competition season in Late November.

Students interested in being a part of Vanguard should enroll in the appropriate music class during the school day, as well as sign up for 7th period Marching Band PE. In order to receive PE credit, attendance at rehearsal and performances is MANDATORY.  Students should expect to attend two after-school rehearsals each week.  Additionally, a typical season consists of SEVEN Saturday commitments, and up to SIX Friday home football games.
QUICK NOTES ABOUT VANGUARD
  • Rehearsals are from 3-6pm on Mondays and Wednesdays during the first semester.  Note--Rehearsal times may change if the lights in the stadium are up and running for the 2017-2018 school year.
  • Rehearsal is MANDATORY.
  • Dates for 2017 Band Camp:
    • August 14-15th (9am-12n) for all Freshmen, Leaders, Colorguard and Drumline.
    • August 16-18th (9am-12n) for all members.
    • August 21-25th (9am-5pm) for all members.
    • On Friday, August 25th, there will be a camp concert for Vanguard families with free food and a raffle. 
  • Tentative Competition Dates for the 2017-2018 Season (subject to change):
    • RBV 10/21
    • Mt. Carmel 10/28
    • Mira Mesa 11/4
    • Vista 11/11
    • Arcadia 11/18