Sacramento Mandarins Drum & Bugle Corps

Welcome to the Mandarins. We recently celebrated our 45th anniversary, and are looking forward to another 45 years of success. We are glad you have chosen to take a look at our program.

Auditions for the 2010 Season

Some brass and guard spots are available.

For prospective members from out of the immediate area, we will allow you to send us a taped audition (VHS or DVD). However, priority will be given to those attending rehearsals and camps. For detailed information as to what needs to be submitted on the tape, please contact the appropriate caption head.

If there are questions of a more general nature, or you wish to be put on our email announcement list (which will include updated audition information as it becomes available), please contact Ron Munekawa, Staff Coordinator.

Click here for detailed audition instructions related to each caption. Thank you for your interest in the Mandarins, and we hope to see you at auditions!

In 2010, the Mandarins have a full summer schedule planned. See our show schedule here.

Providing a quality experience both on and off the field is priority with the Mandarins. Last season, with 120 members, the corps traveled in four, 56 passenger busses. This provided for a comfortable and healthy travel environment. The food provided by the corps is among the best in the activity, just ask the corps members! Also, please note that your tour fees also include a flight back to Sacramento from the DCI Championships, as we do not bus home after the season.

• Early registration for camp is highly encouraged so the boosters can provide adequately for the meals. If you know you are attending, sign up now by emailing the caption head of the section you wish to audition. Include your name, email address, school, instrument of your choice, and musical or performance experience. Keep it simple.
• Check in at the beginning of camp and provide the $25 camp fee. This covers all the instruction for the weekend, lunch and dinner on Saturday and lunch on Sunday. You may still register at the camp if you don't register online.
• You do not need to pay the $25 camp fee if (1) you have already joined and are a current member, or (2) you are a current Mandarins Brass Academy or Guard Academy member who paid the $50 Academy fee.
• IMPORTANT!!! If you have been offered a position in the Corps and wish to join the Mandarins to secure your spot, bring the following to camp/rehearsal and complete the following forms:
  • Your completed 3 page Application Form and Permission Slip/Medical Release, with appropriate signatures;
  • Your original proof of date of birth - driver's license, passport, or original, certified birth certificate (no photocopies!)*;
  • Your initial payment (Membership Dues, Uniform Fee, and Marching Shoe Fee).
  • *If you marched with us in 2004 - 2009, we already have seen your proof of date of birth and do not need to see it again. Once you are a member, you will not be charged the $25 camp fee. 2010 Membership packets (including the updated Member Handbook and application forms) will be available at the pre-audition clinics, all camps and rehearsals, and are downloadable here. If you have any questions about the application process or fees, contact our Personnel Manager, Tanya Ross.

• A positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• All musicians: three ring binder with plastic sleeves and a pencil.
• Please see the Audition Music and Caption Instructions page for detailed information.
• Change of clothes for the weekend. Plan to dress in layers. It will be warm in the gym. Since we are in California, where the climate is good, we will also likely be outside, so you will need to have warm clothes for that as well.
• Comfortable marching shoes.
• Plastic drinking cup (note: all meals will be provided for the entire weekend).
• For overnight camps only:
  • Sleeping bag, air mattress (optional), pillow.
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, towel, etc.
  • Shower shoes or slippers.

Auditions will give the staff an idea of your music, marching, movement, and equipment handling skills. Think of your first rehearsal as a chair placement for an honor band rather than an "audition."

We will also be looking at several other factors, including:

• Positive attitude.
• Work ethic.
• Commitment to effort.
• Ability to focus and listen to directions.
• Ability to learn exercises.
• Ability to process information and instruction and apply it to exercises.
• Ability to handle constructive criticism in a positive manner.

In addition to an audition in a rehearsal setting, each prospective member will also be interviewed by the appropriate caption head.

Our marching member Code of Conduct can be found here. This will give you an idea of our organization's expectation for its members.

Oh yes, in case you think we forgot to mention this: enjoy yourself! Stay positive and don't lose sight of your goals and objectives. You are here because you enjoy doing this, and the staff does recognize your effort in coming to be here with us.

AUDITION CAMP FEE: What you need to know!

Everyone, including returning members, must pay the $25 camp fee at the beginning of camp. If you do not have the camp fee, you will not be allowed to participate. The camp fee can be paid by cash, check, credit card, or money order. The camp fee is waived if you are a current Mandarins Brass Academy or Guard Academy member who paid the $50 Academy fee.

The only other exception is if you have already been offered a definite spot for the 2010 season. If so, you must get the caption head to initial the first page of your application and you may join the Mandarins at camp. To do so, your applications forms must be completed legibly in blue or black ink, with parent signatures where indicated, original (not photocopied) proof of date of birth must be presented and membership dues, uniform and shoe fee must be paid. The application must be given to our Personnel Manager, Tanya Ross at the camp registration desk at camp check-in. If the application is incomplete in any way, you will have to pay the $25 camp fee instead.

If you are offered a definite spot at camp and join by the close of camp Sunday, your $25 camp fee will be applied to your membership dues. You must have all your application package complete, together with proof of date of birth and fee.

Commitment, dedication, and teamwork are the cornerstones of our organization. The Mandarins are rich with 45 years of tradition and pride. We encourage your participation, and look forward to seeing you soon.