The Santa Clara Vanguard is a non profit youth music assocation, with the sole purpose of helping people of all ages appreciate music. The SCV Electric Wheelchair is one of the popular drumline performances the group is heard doing regularly at various events. No one seems to know why it is called the “electric wheelchair”, but it is one of their most popular performances! The “electric wheelchair” was written by Murray Gusseck in 1990.

He played as a marching tenor player when the song was written, and the street cadence has become among the most well known cadences of all. In 2003, the song was modified a bit, and is the one that is still performed by the SCV.

The organization combines dance, color guard, percussion and brass together for a marching unit that is highly competitive and participates in several events throughout the summer. The SCV is known all over the world for their excellence in performing- their most known number being the “SCV Electric Wheelchair”.

Started in 1967, the SCV actually has two seperate corps consisting of drum and bugles, the Vanguard and the Vanguard Cadets. Both corps are sponsored by an alumni association of past performers, and a booster club that runs fundraising activities to support the travels and rehearsals of the group. Both groups are in the top 17 of the DCI Division I Championships. Each year, the final competitions are shown on public broadcasting television.

The SCV has been around for over 35 years, helping develop young and talented musicians. Auditions take place during every rehearsal- you can just show up ready to play your instrument! If you do not live near by Santa Clara California, you are also able to audition by submitting a video tape.

The group can be found performing all over California, both their dance company and the percussion group. The Vanguard Dance Company has begun offering classes for children who are between the ages of four and twelve to encourage them to explore energy, space, time, and their own body awareness. The dance classes are called “Children's Adventures in Movement” and are sponsored as an outreach program by Santa Clara Vanguard (SCV).

The SCV electric wheelchair is performed by The Vanguard Cadets. The Cadets are typically between the ages of twelve and eighteen, and they travel four weeks during the summer months. They can be heard performing in Canada and across the United States in many parades and competitions. SCV electric wheelchair is played with a combination of percussion, brass and color guard. Rehearsals for group members are extensive, with full week long camp programs in Santa Clara, and then rehearsals leading up to their performances and tour dates. They rehearse 7 days a week.