Marching Band Alum: Chris Swan

As marching band camp kicked off a new season for Milpitas High students earlier last week, a former alum just wrapped up the summer competition season. We caught up with Chris Swan of the Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets. 

Name: Chris Swan, Milpitas High, Class of 2011

Instrument(s): Percussion, including vibraphone (front ensemble)

High school influences: It wasn't until he entered Milpitas High that Chris Swan set his music intentions and goals. 2011 was a good year. The percussionist made the All-State and All-Northern honor bands. 

Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets: This summer the Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets took bronze at the Drum Corps International World Championship Open Class Finals in Indianapolis on August 10.

It's Swan's second summer touring with the group and being part of the "major leagues" for marching band competitions. But that's not all. There are a few weeks of touring. "You travel on a bus 400 miles every night, sleep in gyms," he said.

Surprises: The Ohlone College student recalls that he originally auditioned for the snare drum, but was offered the vibraphone. "They both have their ups and downs," he said. One of the benefits of being part of the front ensemble is that the music is more challenging.

Quote: "I love playing music, especially challenging music," he said. "It's fun to play with other people who are real good."