Consultants by State - Iowa, Minnesota, WIsconsin

Rick Valenzuela is our Regional Sales Manager for Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. 

Rick's involvement in the performing arts began with the drum and bugle corps activity in 1983 as a soprano player with the Santa Clara Vanguard, where he marched for several seasons until 1989. His experience as a performer laid the groundwork for his transition into instructional & leadership roles.

In 1990, Rick joined the SCV visual staff, eventually taking on the lead visual instructor role by 1992 and 1993. After a break, he rejoined the SCV staff in 1996, serving as the assistant visual caption head in 1998 and 1999. 

Alongside his drum corps endeavors, Rick started instructing high school marching bands in 1989, impacting such California programs as Independence High School in San Jose, Gilroy High School in Gilroy, Amador Valley High School in Pleasanton, and James Logan High School in Union City.

Academically, Rick achieved a Bachelor of Science in Marketing with a minor in Advertising from San Jose State University in 1991. While teaching and directing the Vanguard, he excelled in his full-time role as the Controller and MIS Manager for LLT, Inc.

Rick's formative years were shaped by his mentor, SCV founder Gail Royer, who influenced his understanding of the activity during his performer and instructor tenure. In 2000, Rick became only the fourth director at the time of the Santa Clara Vanguard until 2005, contributing to the organization's growth. During this time, he also contributed to the activity by serving on Drum Corps International's Board of Directors from 2000 to 2005 and the DCI Executive Committee from 2001 to 2005. His peers honored him as "Director of the Year" in 2002.

In November 2005, he embarked on a new chapter, with a full-time role with the Phantom Regiment, initially as the Director of Development and Special Projects and then as Executive Director from 2007 to 2019. His dedication to the community led him to serve again on the Board of Directors for Drum Corps International in various capacities from 2008 to 2017. He was voted chairman of the DCI Voting Membership in 2019.

In January 2020, Rick's journey continued as he assumed the role of Vice President of Education and Special Projects at System Blue, including the Director of BDI (Blue Devils International), utilizing his three decades of experience in developing educational programs and projects. By September 2022, Rick's role evolved to Director of Education Events, Partner Relations, and BDI for BD Performing Arts/USBands. 

Rick resides in the Crystal Lake, Illinois area along with his wife, Lori. Lori started her pageantry career in the Star of Indiana drum corps and State Street Review winter guard. She also taught the Freelancers drum corps. Both of their children have been involved in the marching arts. Nick worked for Phantom Regiment and managed their summer merchandise program for several years. Taylor has marched winter guard with Allegiance and Elevate and drum corps with Blue Stars. Rick and Lori are avid cruisers and work with the Northern Illinois University Huskie Marching Band.