For the 1971 season, the corps stuck together, offering show promoters the five corps as a package. The Combine members felt that the corps should be making their own rules, operating their own competitions and championships, and keeping the bulk of the proceeds that those shows earned. A similar group of eastern corps, the United Organization of Junior Corps (also known as the "Alliance"), was formed by the 27th Lancers, Garfield Cadets, Boston Crusaders, Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights, and Blue Rock. The corps felt that not only were they having their creative potential as artistic performing groups stifled, but they were being financially starved. This action was taken in reaction to the rigid rules of the American Legion and VFW and the low or nonexistent performance fees paid for appearing in the various competitions. In 1971, the Blue Stars, Cavaliers, Madison Scouts, Santa Clara Vanguard, and the Troopers formed the Midwest Combine. Santa Clara Vanguard capped off its year by winning the first of many California State Open Championships. The corps also won its first field show that year in August 1968, at the Anaheim Kingsmen's Festival of Music. Although they did not place high at any of the competitions, the tour was a success because of the experience and exposure to the national drum corps scene. In 1968, the corps embarked on its first tour to the Midwest.
After discussing and rejecting several possible names, the corps chose Santa Clara Vanguard.
They waited until its members met for rehearsal the following week to select a name. After the members chose a drum and bugle corps, their parents immediately started a new booster club to support the new corps. After the vote, three adults took the corps' members aside and asked them if they would prefer to continue as a drum and bugle corps or to become a drum and bell corps. In March 1967, citing differences of opinion in the artistic direction of the Sparks Drum & Bugle Corps, its parents support group voted to return the corps to its former activity as a drum and bell corps with majorettes.
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