Santa Clara Vanguard 2018 - BABYLON - Mello Claw Cam - Victory Run

Head cam by Sean Suarez at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 11th performing The Santa Clara Vanguard 2018 program, Babylon. 98.625
So I was born with a deformed right hand, as it only has a ring, middle, half an index and a stub thumb. There were many points in my life where I was discouraged because I knew there were some things my hand prevented me from doing. I made sure that wasnt the case when I audition for SCV. I marched ‘14, ‘15 Vanguard Cadets and ‘16, ‘17, ‘18 SCV and I want this video to spread awareness saying that anything is possible and for anyone who has any type of physical disabilities shouldnt be discouraged to march their dream corps!

[@coreyo6256]

the fact that they can have a normal conversation while perfomring

[@Callawyn27]

That's really common, actually. Always talking on the field.

[@coreyo6256]

yea i know it just amazes me

[@kylehenson5740]

I mean, when you’ve been doing quite literally the same thing every single day for about 4-5 months... it happens. Not to mention, this was their encore performance and at this point, it was more about fun than competition.

[@coreyo6256]

Kyle Henson ik i just think it’s funny LOL

[@PaytonAbner]

the best conversations happen on field tbh

[@dexterletterman3800]

“All right, shut up” *Mood*

[@nschnitz1954]

It was super painful to hear that and then people continue screaming XD

[@eyoelabera7047]

Haha this is sick man... "we have rehearsal tomorrow" 🙄🙄😂😕

[@SafetyTheDuck]

Was so confused why this was labeled “Claw Cam,” until I looked at the description. Rock on dude.

[@thirtyeight92]

Legit took me till the ballad to figure out something was off. Mad props

[@drummersnare6276]

I noticed it before I even saw that in the title, I was like wtf is that 😂

[@kraighunter5262]

I concur. You go, ROCKSTAR!

[@gdadhd4775]

@@drummersnare6276 no hate though he literally won a dci title with a deformed hand

[@drummersnare6276]

@@gdadhd4775 wow that’s crazy, surprised they let him in

[@baconcat2458]

“Wait it’s not far enough forward. We aren’t done moving it chase, just to let you know” “I’m a skinny girl it’s okay” “Alright that’s cool” My favorite part lol

[@trombonetimmy1064]

When?

[@aStick112]

@@trombonetimmy1064 0:34

[@luckystiff5695]

Wow. This show is just pure energy from start to finish.

[@aidanclark6448]

s p o t t e d

[@luckystiff5695]

w h a

[@ZakhadWOW]

easily the show that cokes me up most/give me multiple ASMR hits in the last decade. It will be a LOOOONGG time before anyone can touch the power of that Ballad duet.

[@roddydodjr]

Yes FINALLY A SCV MELLO CAM

[@jimmydarrow6671]

10:45 Best part of the entire show. You couldn't even hear the hit from the crowd because everyone was cheering so loud for the snap.

[@1_chill_cellist]

Jimmy Darrow i got chills just thinking about it

[@bassoonguru1080]

I didnt understand the claw part until halfway through. Amazing playing, especially the way you did it.

[@pythonthesloth3784]

Go to 3:02 you can see his right hand.

[@pythonthesloth3784]

Its still amazing how well he can play.

[@andrewmciver6218]

Funny, a couple years ago their center marimba also had only three fingers on one hand

[@bassoonguru1080]

Andrew McIver I feel like using more than one mallet would be hard with 3...but I he did just fine if he was center. But im bassoonist so idk

[@fadilakhaled6115]

Bassoon Guru she actually had four fingers on her hand and she just used a different grip. legendary still

[@synirague]

Mello with a deformed hand... Dude, I'm planning on marching for Crown but this has just...fucking blown me away... Rock on, man. You and many other people with disabilities have shown us what people are capable of. But you...in the world of music? You got talent. I fully support you and your future endeavors.

[@xlea4497]

Did you make it in?

[@alejandrosalazar5831]

"Put on your mask", seems familiar now

[@brian52827]

Haha! Someone said "penis" before it started.

[@aleclimon1577]

Lmao I heard and i died😂😂😂

[@thehashmemeingslasher]

Alec Limon got the time?

[@aleclimon1577]

2:20 hash ringing the the hash flinging the hash pinging

[@joemills346]

5 Blue Devil diehards disliked this video

[@aarona.ferreira3045]

Joe Mills 11 now

[@thetrustfulonepeytoncash6131]

TheClaw that is a horrible disease but you actually pushed through it and you won. I'm very proud of you man.. congratulations on winning 1st place

[@kvnyegvmp]

It’s not a disease

[@pikapika4151]

r/woooosh

[@littlemow]

@@pikapika4151 that wasn’t a joke

[@kevinpedersen4779]

Sean, You rock! The corps will miss your fervor, talent, dedication, and leadership. It has been a great pleasure to get to know you over the past 2 years. I look forward to seeing you as a fellow spectator next season!

[@samsignorelli]

Saw the show at Rose Bowl, and my fellow BD alum knew we were in for a fight. Congrats to SCV for making it back to the top....been WAY too fucking long!

[@ralyks._rgw]

7:43 welcome to Mello where fingerings are mostly 1 or 2

[@brendanjohnson6036]

Ik you probably know this but it’s because of how tubing works, you can simulate the 3rd valve with 1st and 2nd, because those two bring the pitch down 1 1/2 steps while the 3rd does the exact same, so you can play notes like e with 1 or 2 valves

[@brendanjohnson6036]

Wait nvm I’m just stupid sorry

[@-5249]

Welcome to brass (excluding trombones)

[@morgannowlen8375]

@:45 "Hey y'know we got rehearsal tomorrow... ... I wiiiish dude!" -- That's drum corps... sleeping on an air mattress for 3 months afterwards & when your alarm goes off you jump out of bed & within 3 seconds are rolling up your air mattress that doesn't need to be rolled up. I used to pride myself on Jumping out of bed first before the rest of the Corps.

[@suzannebell4561]

OMG, my son has the same hand. Right hand. Three fingers. He's a marching band drummer. Great inspiration! I've always told him what it takes the rest of us to do with 5, he can do with 3.

[@torterra70]

That's so amazing to hear! I bet he's an amazing drummer with a killer drive!

[@animeprincess98]

Am I seeing things wrong, are you playing the mello with a different grip, or are you missing finger(s)? Anyways, congratz on a great season and thanks for one of, if not, the first headcams :)

[@torterra70]

I am in fact missing my pinky and most of my index finger and only have one digit of my thumb. Thank you so much for the support!

[@fausto8686]

Notice his KZbin name

[@raypeery6317]

You are a total badass, dude! Thanks for posting this.

[@Loltad]

TheClaw that’s crazy! Amazing work!

[@garrettkrawczyk9414]

TheClaw so what fingers are you playing with?

[@noahmeserve9165]

1:26 they were ahead of the game 😳

[@dickmobuy6006]

You are a inspiration. My friend at my old school plays trumpet and has the same type of thing Bc he is a twin. On his left hand he only has a pinky and thumb so I guess for him it’s easier Bc he actually has the hand to play. Congrats! GO SCV!!!!

[@LeggoMyEggoBra]

I applaud you for being able to play as well as you do with your hand condition, congrats on that PHAT W PUTTING BD IN THEIR PLACE! (I still love bd just so I don't offend anyone lmao)

[@cairnman100]

Don’t be “DatGuy”. Oh wait...

[@joshlahlum9681]

Don’t hate on us BD

[@keyowilson5695]

Wow, the amount of visual responsibility each brass player has is taken for granted by the audience. I am amazed. Congratulations on the well-deserved victory!

[@BarracksSi]

Jesus. This is like daredevil circus act stuff. And I thought how we ran around in early 1990's drum corps was hard enough.

[@ZakhadWOW]

this is one of the VERY rare shows where I feel like the dance and such didnt detract madlyt form the musiciana' abilities.. it enhanced them. THer arent a lot of shows that have hit me this powerfully on an emotional levelfor a long time.. Some that do come to mind ar Spartacus 2008, Juliet 2011, Heaven and Hell 2011, No Walk Too Far 2022, vorAcious 2022, to name a few

[@ambercecilia03]

Sean Suarez you are an inspiration to all mellophone players out there. They are all truly high school kids i their minds but what they put on the field cant be compared to high school bands. Congrats!!!!!!

[@waldopeez6366]

I like how they make memes when they are not playing. Also their horns up are amazing so snappy

[@HaloBeasts]

Thought process throughout the first like couple minutes of the video. 1. When it said "claw" i thought it was referring to third as the channel is called "The Claw" 2. Then I noticed the playing and I was like what kind of xbox shit is this?? I mean he made SCV and I didn't so🤷🏾‍♂️😂 3. Then I went to comments and read the description 😂 i should read more

[@ryanatchison8149]

Dude great run! And you are very inspiring for me.. One day I hope to do drum Corp, although paying for college is going to be hard on top of it, but anyways what happened to your horn though?

[@kalebc.9843]

He's missing fingers.

[@henrykochensparger9618]

Dent he's talking about the dent on the part leading up to the lead pipe EDIT: Just realized it's to the bell not lead pipe. Should know my horns better

[@austinjohnson9059]

6:01 ow that dent

[@jumsh1811]

my favorite part is the beginning where everyone’s yelling random shit like “penis!” and he’s trying to get them to shut up

[@brandzha2644]

2:20

[@caseywinkler850]

lmao

[@brian52827]

Whoever said it is my hero

[@danarsenault4026]

Not going to lie, I wasn't sure what 'The Claw" was and I though you were playing first valve with your thumb for a while.

[@danii1.]

8:59 "My diet Dr. Kelp!"

[@jameshawkins3044]

Congrats on an amazing season and a truly memorable show. The show has a truly hypnotic effect on you; it draws you in early and keeps delivering throughout the entire performance, with some awesome surprises along the way. And wow, the level of energy, athleticism, musicality, non stop motion, marching precision, Horn snaps, theatrics, and prop moving, was just amazing to watch. You realize that every performer has a specific and unique role, and every role needs to be respected and perfected to make the entire ensemble look effortless. I am so glad your hard work and dedication paid off. Well done! Thanks for posting, it makes me love this sport even more, and congrats again on a well-deserved Gold Medal!!

[@philipkim5096]

did anybody else notice that somebody said “penis” in the beginning

[@swef8032]

“Put on your masks” carries a whole new meaning today haha

[@Tyty_04]

Yessss lmao🤣🤣🤣🤣 I was thinking the same thing

[@patrickalvarado7687]

2019 was the first year I ever watched a drum corps show in person, and I regret not going the year before: specifically for this show! Man, what I would have given to see it and hear it in person. You did amazing!

[@mikayla6138]

That dent tho.

[@alyssar7477]

YESSSSS IVE BEEN LOOKING FOR ONE OF THESE FOR DAYS

[@juliwithluv]

Who knew that we would be saying “put your mask on” in 2020

[@fletchr21a1]

Thanks Santa Clara Vanguard, now I can't stop listening to Peter Gabriel's - My body is a cage. 😉 Great performance!

[@CaptainMorgan_CommanderPotts]

fletchr21a1 Check out Arcade Fire's version too

[@ZakhadWOW]

Both Petere and Arcade Fire owe SCV a huge debt for revitalizing the song...again. ONly with a helluva power behind it.

[@gerardoburciaga4757]

My section (Mellophones/FrenchHorns) were talking about you several months ago during camp. The way you finger your notes on the mellophone are insane! You are very inspirational to our section and other mellophones that even with a disadvantage you are still capable of accomplishing great things. Keep up your work! 👍

[@reegan.erdman]

OH MY GOSH YESSSSSSSSSSSSS MELLOPHONEEEEE THIS SHOW LEGIT MAKES ME CRY NOW EVERY TIME I PERFORM I TRY TO BE LIKE THESE MELLOS

[@midget7202]

I know someone in my high school band that was born without a left arm but she still marched trumpet for her freshman year and this year would be her second year doing guard.

[@torterra70]

thats so awesome to hear!! tell her to keep being a badass!

[@marionotarangelo6856]

5:53 foreshadowing

[@eaglehdz2123]

Amazing performance dude I absolutely love hearing crazy mellophone playing and awesome job not letting anything stop you from doing what you love!

[@christianscott7492]

2:20 bruh

[@beanie2145]

Bruh he is missing a finger n still can play all those passages that good 😍😍😍😍 I aspire to be on that level just saying ur section is inspiring us n my fellow mellow to go all out on it this year

[@OgopgL12]

“Shhhhh” Guy in the background: “PeNiS”

[@alejandrochapa3820]

Omg it’s amazing you’re able to still rock that mello out! Kudos to you man!

[@joseaguirre4362]

Yo he was made to play like all the marching instruments he has the perfect amount of fingers not trying to be mean being serious mad props to this guy he plays better than me and still have my whole had serious props for persevering truly awesome

[@jturquette]

I was there for finals and the encore. What a night. SCV was incredible. Congrats on the victory!

[@justinbrown4795]

SCV Predicted the mood for 2020 at 1:26 "AYO PUT ON YOUR MASK!" "oh yeah put on your mask"

[@harrisonrobbins017]

1:26 2020 be like

[@winston7397kt]

I really loved watching this show over the course of the summer. Seeing and feeling the passion coming from the field when you guys performed inspired me to go farther with DCI. Who's the Pioneer vet at 1:06? I saw his corps necklace and it made me realize that I can go anywhere in the future. This performance is awesome! From member #2684☘

[@torterra70]

His names james casteel. Top of the line badass

[@giohandrirobinson-santiago1638]

I will never complain about runs again... mad respect for you Sean.

[@Error-4O4]

As someone with a physical disability in my knee cap, I appreciate this!

[@vlynniee]

when you guys all said "my diet dr. kelp" at 9:00 i spat out my water laughing

[@leshaunx]

Congrats to Santa Clara on the victory. Was blown away at the show at Night Beats

[@coleomalley5097]

That was one of their good runs, I march near winston salem in a high school band and the crowds are always so fun to play for there

[@leshaunx]

nice. it was our first time at Night Beats. was nice getting a hotel in walking distance and all the great corps. will def try to go next year

[@tegancollins4392]

Ain't no amount of tuning can overcome that dent. 6:01

[@greghahn8337]

Watching this in 2021…”put on your masks” is a whole mood.

[@porschematt991]

You did amazing! I also marched mellophone in drum corps this year. Very inspirational to know that you didn’t let your hand stop you from doing what you loved

[@thumper303]

10:42

[@James-gv7nt]

9:15 the reflection of someones face in the bell is great

[@Drummajor-je8tk]

I read your story and that is amazing! Very inspiring! And SCV is amazing! Great job you guys!

[@rileytrammell9788]

During my show last year, we had these pods that started at the beginning. We always did the diet dr. Kelp at the beginning, and i never knew where it came from until now. This is so cool

[@danielhoover1380]

You’re probably really good at bowling(this is incredibly impressive)

[@cairnman100]

Congrats on the win. Was great to meet you on the flight home to LAX.

[@justinmeengs6523]

4:14 Mello disappears

[@haleysvec2608]

YOU GUYS BLENDED SO WELL AT 10:13

[@isaacramirez2217]

2:19 lmao the due in the background

[@kra3tormusic586]

You sir, rock. I don't play Mello (although I've tried, I'm bad at it), and the fact that you can play this level of music, ever with only 4 fingers is incredible! Don't stop being awesome, dude.

[@hogstreams7495]

So I saw the name TheClaw. My friend is the same way. And just cause he has two fingers. Doesn't mean you can't play.

[@charlesdyall8153]

You’re honestly such an inspiration to be able to do and play everything you did this summer. All respect to you man.

[@bruincs1]

I know you hear it all the time, but truly INSPIRATIONAL ! Congrats and be thankful to all who've assisted with your reasons to be so damn good!

[@davidarbaiza2612]

I truly love the spirit and love he had for marching and I hope that through the rest of his life he can be this great

[@jessechavez2894]

You’re such an amazing player man congrats on being world champions

[@roguy26]

I love how you call yourself the claw it’s awesome. Great performance

[@torterra70]

haha i've embraced it but its definitely came from my friends haha they all called me that so i rolled with it hahah

[@macerunner4674]

that's actually amazing

[@jaman198]

Does anybody else notice that the camera guy at 13:30 kind of looks like Clay Jensen from 13 Reasons?

[@Justincredible24]

This guy is a god I couldn’t play that run near the end if I practiced for years

[@ciscodisco_257]

This guy shows that If you put yourself in the right mindset that you can accomplish many great things Rock on dude!

[@calvinnotklein6368]

Damn that description. You’re amazing.

[@ikurasake]

OMG you're missing a finger. That's sick

[@danielwinger9242]

2:19 “PENIS” 😂😂😂😂😂

[@billduncan8788]

Disability, I don't think so.This cat is not disabled ,those fingers on his right hand move every bit as well as the rest of us mellophone players with five fingers.Lets also not forget his chops,my man you can play and I would invite you to play along side of me with my mellophone line anytime.

[@nolanrussell518]

For me it’s the “We did it!” At 10:30 😭😭😭

[@kevinlekinky9108]

This video encouraged me to go from clarinet to mellophone

[@kevinlekinky9108]

Yes if you get a right embouchure Mello is most related to woodwind embouchure I’m actually doing really good with Mello right now and I started weeks ago

[@wesswanson2637]

"Put on your masks" they knew

[@drumcorpsinternational9973]

Tic

[@johnbarton1842]

Is it common to have all the conversation during a show or was this just because it was the encore? And, at what point does it hit you that this is "it". No more practice, maybe no more drum corp if you are aging out?

[@CaptNeeda1]

Damn the snap part so intense. LOVE the crowd reaction.

[@Mike.kronos]

That how he uses his fingers And Omg!!! Great notes for Bass drums

[@psychedahlia]

"put on your masks" Well that aged well I guess?

[@torterra70]

🙄

[@AdamANelson]

More power to ya! Check out Blue Knights 2000, there's Mello player with only one arm

[@kroguegaming8891]

Your amazing. Your an inspiration. I cant wait to go to drum corps

[@oceanbarnes5260]

“penis“ at 2:21

[@stepheneverett5128]

1:25 gives me PTSD

[@lokineverfolds]

How come “the claw” wasn’t headline lol this is dope