Thanks to all family, friends, and fans for coming to Family Day to see the Mandarins' debut of their 2013 production, "Destination America - A Journey of the Paper Sons." It was great seeing everybody in the stadium as well as at our pre-show pasta dinner.
The corps'outstanding performance came at the end of a week-long training camp. Many thanks to Harris Middle School and Cosumnes Oaks High School for hosting us. And, congratulations to Kalei Cablay, recipient of our 2013 Ageout Scholarship provided by the Nisei Ambassadors, and to Vyvian Perez, who received out 2013 Felicia Louie Memorial Scholarship.
The Sacramento Mandarins and Drum Corps International hosts the DCI Capital Classic show on Saturday, July 6. Showtime is 6:30 pm at Cosumnes Oaks High School, 8350 Lotz Parkway, in Elk Grove. Come enjoy an outstanding evening of drum and bugle corps performances from the Mandarins, Vanguard Cadets, Impulse, and more.
If you're a Mandarins Alumni member or parent who'd like to help make this year's show another successful event, please sign up here. We have available several opportunities such as parking lot attendant, clean-up crew, security, etc. Thanks for your help!
Read the Press Release here. Download a flyer of the event and distribute to family and friends. You can order tickets online, here. We'll see you in the stadium!
Thank you for giving where your art is, and supporting the Mandarins with $16,000 in donations during the 24-hour Arts Day of Giving Campaign. Of 88 arts organizations receiving donations, we are in the top 5. Additionally, the Mandarins won the Giving Edge, the Morning Meeting, and the Early Bird Challenge Prizes totalling $3,000.
The Sacramento Mandarins join the first ever 24-hour online giving challenge to support the arts. Donating starts on Monday, April 29th at 4:30am and ends on Tuesday, April 30th at 4:30am. Go to givelocalnow.org and donate to Mandarins of Scramento Inc.
GiveLocalNow, in partnership with the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission, and For Arts' Sake, will bring to our community the first ever 24 hour giving challenge to support the arts in our region. Day of Giving challenges are being held across the country and are wildly successful, not only in raising much needed dollars, but in increasing the visibility of participating organizations and exposing them to potential new supporters. For donors, this is the perfect day to give, as their donation will be eligible for a match! Truly a win-win.
On April 29, at 4:20 a.m., givelocanow.org will be transformed for 24 hours into a dynamic event day website. The Sacramento Mandarins will ask you to visit givelocalnow.org to donate. In addtion, over 20 restaurants, coffee houses and other venues will be providing a special gift to those that donate, and free arts and cultural performances will be happening throughout the region.
The Sacramento Mandarins profile can be viewed here.
The GivingEdge is a gift to our community, which has been made possible by the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, Sierra Health Foundation, Bank of America, Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission and the RCA Community Fund.
For more information about the GivingEdge contact the Sacramento Region Community Foundation at 916.921.7723 or info@sacregcf.org.
The Sacramento Mandarins are thrilled to announce that Executive Director Ray Mar was inducted into the Drum Corps International Hall Of Fame, Class of 2013. Ray and his wife Esther have been involved with the Mandarins and the drum corps community for thirty years. In 1983, the Mandarins were struggling to recruit both marching and staff members. Under Ray's leadership, the corps returned to the competition field, winning eight Drum Corps International World Championship titles and two Spirit of Disney awards, recognizing outstanding achivement in educational and entertainment programs for youth.
Prior to the Mandarins becoming a Division I corps, Ray was Vice Chairman of the DCI Division II/III Advisory Committee, where he worked with new corps and advised them about setting realistic goals and building their organizaitons. Indeed, many then-A60 and Division II/III corps looked to the Mandarins as an example of "how to do drum corps right."
Few Directors stay with an organization for 30 years, especially for no compensation. But Ray says his reward is in seeing young people succeed and take through college, professions, and adulthood the life skills learned in the Mandarins. It is fitting that the Mandarins 50th Anniversary events include the addition of Ray "Mr. Mar" to the DCI Hall of Fame, where he and the Mandarins are in good company with the best of the best.
The Sacramento Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps announce its 2013 production, “DESTINATION AMERICA: Journey of the Paper Sons.”
In China, as in many foreign lands, America was seen as the land of hope. People willingly left their families, risked dangerous travel, faced prejudice and harsh conditions, all for the promise of a better life.
After the San Francisco earthquake of 1906 and subsequent fires that destroyed numerous public records, many Chinese claimed to have been born in San Francisco in order to gain American citizenship. Some families even reported having a child, often a son, although none ever existed. “
This opened up a ‘slot’ for a child with no family relationships to emigrate from China to America and have a family. The boys who immigrated in this way were referred to as ‘paper sons’ and our show tells the story of that adventure,” said the Design Coordinator and Brass Composer Key Poulan.
The Mandarins 2013 show is an ambitious project that brings this complex, emotional story to the drum corps field. The music will develop from Asian to American scores as the audience follows a “paper son” on his journey to the United States.
“The Mandarins were originally founded for the Sacramento Chinese-American community, so we are excited for the opportunity to share the history of our Chinese heritage with our audience,” said Program Facilitator Dr. Dan Fong.
The Sacramento Mandarins are the only American DCI competitive drum and bugle corps with an Asian heritage. The Mandarins blend Asian traditions with drum corps to teach thousands of young men and women the values of respect, leadership, discipline, and good citizenship with a true sense of purpose. 2013 marks the Sacramento Mandarins’ 50th year of providing a wholesome, worthwhile activity for community youth.
For more information about the story, contact Luis Sosa at (530) 409-5571 or email him at ldsosa@gmail.com. You may also download a copy of the press release here.
We've launched our Year of the Golden Dragon Fund Drive, to help ensure the Mandarins continue to provide a legacy of excellence and to shape our young people into responsible adults. We invite you to participate in this worthy campaign by donating today. See more information on the flyer here. Thank you for your support!
At our March Camp, local Chase bank representatives presented the Mandarins with a $20,000 check -- part of the Chase Community Giving program. Chase donated $5,000,000 to 196 charities, based on the number of Facebook votes from family, friends, and supports. We thank Chase for the generous donation, which will go towards new uniforms for the Mandarins.
Kitchen volunteers are needed to help prepare, serve, and clean up during camps and on the road. We serve four meals per day to a very appreciative group of great kids. No experience necessary. Please email Booster Manager Cathy Sackett or call 916-799-4953 for more info.
The Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps are pleased to announce their Drum Major staff for the 2013 season.
Jim Brennan returns for his 4th and age-out year in the Mandarins. He is an “in-line” drum major in that he will be taking on major leadership responsibilities while he is performing as a mellophone player in the brass section. Jim is currently a bioengineering student at Santa Clara University with a minor in music. In Jim’s “free time” he is a 3rd year varsity rower on the Santa Clara University Men’s Rowing Team. He is also a graduate of Franklin High School in Elk Grove, California.
Barrett Juhrend returns this year for his 3rd season with the Mandarins. In Barrett’s first two years in the corps he was a lead trumpet and soloist. He is currently studying at the California State University at Fresno, where he is pursuing a degree in recreation administration. At Fresno State he was a member of the Bulldog Marching Band. Barrett is a graduate and former drum major from Ponderosa High School. In his words, “I am very excited and optimistic for the upcoming Mandarins 50th Anniversary performance season.”
Please join us in welcoming our Mandarins 2013 Drum Major Staff.
Truck driving is a critical part of supporting the Mandarins. The trucks and trailer carry all of the members' performance equipment as well as food supplies and cooking equipment. You will always be driving with another volunteer driver, and you usually will be in a convoy of trucks and buses. Your valid class C driver's license and an 18th birthday is all that is required to apply. A transportation staff member will give you an orientation to the pleasures of driving. If you are interested in being certified as a transportation volunteer or need more information, contact our Transportation Coordinator, Jerry Sackett.
To our Glassmen brothers and sisters: If you have auditioned for the Glassmen this fall or have marched in 2012, we would like you to join our Mandarins family for the 2013 season. Your audition fee will be waived. Contact the appropriate Caption Head here. You will be warmly welcomed!
The Sacramento Mandarins are pleased to announce the 2013 season Color Guard Staff. On staff are familiar faces from our 2012 season. Continuity of staff has been a key theme for the Mandarins Golden Anniversary and the color guard is no exception. On staff this year we have an experienced crew of very familiar faces. Leading the staff is Geoff Longo, who will once again serve as the Caption Head and Lead Choreographer. Geoff has done a fantastic job in maintaining his staff and is eager to begin another year with the Mandarins.
Jackie Wong is a Sacramento native and has marched eleven DCI summers, two WGI winters, and four prep guard seasons with the Mandarins organization since 1991. She aged out in 2006 and has since been working with the color guard. In 2006, she was the recipient of the Mandarins Joe Fong Memorial Award for Outstanding Corps Member as voted by her peers. She received her B.S. in Civil Engineering from UCLA and while in Los Angeles she was also a member of NSU Modern, a competitive dance team in Southern California’s reputable hip-hop circuit. Jackie is a Construction Engineer for the California Department of Transportation on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.
Kayne O'Brien has his Bachelors Degree in Secondary Education-Social Science with a Middle School Endorsement from Eastern Illinois University. He is originally from Columbia, Illinois and has been involved with the color guard activity for many years. Kayne Has worked with multiple groups throughout Illinois and Indiana at many different levels. He also devotes some of his time to as a Head Instructor for the Flag/Rifle section at Smith-Walbridge Marching Band Clinic, His marching experience includes 3 years with the Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps. Kayne is currently the head color guard director at Mahomet-Seymore High School, the Color Guard Caption Head for the University of Illinois Marching Illini Color Guard as well as the Head Director for Independent A Blue Horizon Winter Guard. This is Kayne's second year working with the Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps and he is extremely excited to be a part of the team again and to see where the season will lead us.
Allexis Holland began dancing at the early age of three. Throughout her dance career she has studied, trained, and performed several styles of dance including Ballet, Pointe, Hip Hop, Modern, and Jazz. She had the privilege of being able to study dance in various states and countries including Germany, and Japan. Allexis was a member of The Misawa Unique Ballet Company in Misawa, Japan. While dancing with the company during the 2004 annual performances, she was honored to become the first American in the company’s history to be given a solo. She has also been involved with color guard and winterguard for 8 years. She was a member of the 2010 and 2011 DCI World Champion Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps. She was also a member of Avidity Independent Guard from 2011-2012. She is currently a member of Pride of Cincinnati World Guard in Cincinnati, OH.
Miguel Duarte started his color guard career in 2002. He has performed with numerous programs and taught with various organizations up and down the California coast, ranging from A class to the independent world classification. He currently resides in Southern California where he is the caption head of the Alhambra High School Color guard and is pursuing his Career in Makeup Artistry. This is his second year with the Mandarins organization where he looks forward to bringing a fresh creative outlook through his Artistry while continuing to educate young performers in the color guard activity. As well as sharing his passion with the Mandarins Family!
You can read full biographies here.
At the recent Mandarins Awards Banquet, corps members chose Corey Jones as their Outstanding Member of 2012. Recipients must know enough about the Mandarins and the drum corps activity to provide leadership, set good examples, demonstrate maturity, and encourage and maintain Esprit de Corps, among other tasks. Prior to his Drum Major role during his 2012 ageout season, Corey marched in the brass and percussion sections. We wish Corey well, as he takes to the Marines the lessons and skills he learned in the Mandarins.
The Sacramento Mandarins are proud to announce their percussion staff for the 2013 season. This accomplished percussion staff has been assembled under the leadership of recently appointed Percussion Caption Head Robert Bowen, Music Composer Tony Nunez and Front Ensemble Arranger Kevin Shah. “This staff has been put together with the mindset of taking the Mandarins Percussion to the next level. Each of these staff members were selected for their exceptional performance and teaching experience”, stated Robert Bowen.
We are pleased to welcome back the following instructors who will be returning to the Mandarins from previous seasons:
Nathan Ward - Bass Tech
This will be Nathan’s third year teaching the Mandarins Bass Line. He currently teaches at Arcadia HS and a few other programs and has performed with Pacific Crest and Pulse Percussion.
Emmanuel De Leon - Snare Tech
This will be Manny’s second year teaching the Mandarins Snare Line. He also teaches multiple high schools in Bakersfield, CA and has performance experience in Santa Clara Vanguard, Blue Devils and Pulse Percussion.
Sean Gordon - Co-Front Ensemble Coordinator
This is Sean’s second year instructing with the Mandarins. He has also taught at Academy Drum and Bugle Corps, Ayala HS and Pulse Percussion. He has performed with the Ayala HS, Pulse Percussion, Riverside Community College, Impulse and the Blue Devils.
Arturo Nunez - Cymbal Tech
This is also Art’s second year instructing with the Mandarins. He has been teaching throughout California for nearly 15 years and has worked with numerous ensembles from elementary students to independent. He is currently the Caption Head at Tulare Union HS, and works with Valley Independent Percussion.
We would like to welcome the following instructors who are new to the Mandarins this season:
Wesley Hernandez - Snare Tech
Wesley started off his drumline career in high school and continued his experience with Mystikal, Vanguard Cadets and the Troopers. He has also performed with Valley Independent Percussion, Pulse Percussion and Oregon Crusaders Indoor.
Jonathan Wicks - Tenor Tech
Jonathan began his rudimental percussion journey with the Yamato and then Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps. He then performed with Pulse Percussion. Since then he has been teaching several percussion ensembles, including Pulse Percussion.
Caleb Gasteiger - Bass Tech
Caleb began his percussion career at Chaparral High School and then performed with Riverside Community College, Mystikal and Bluecoats Drum Corps. He is currently on a professional contract as an international entertainer in Japan.
Ernie Mclaurin - Cymbal Tech
Ernie is currently an instructor for Ayala High School Percussion and has worked with various drum corps including Impulse and Velvet Knights. He also has past teaching experience with Pulse Percussion, John Muir, Simi Valley, Garfield, Kennedy and San Gabriel High Schools. He was a performer with the Sacramento Freelancers and with Cal State Northridge.
Rudy Arzaga - Co Front Ensemble Coordinator
Rudy has been an active percussion designer and instructor in Southern California for the past 11 years where he has taught groups ranging from Junior High to Independent World. He is currently teaching at Valencia, Trabuco Hills, Chino and Upland High Schools. He also was on staff at Pulse Percussion. He has performed with Pacific Crest Drum & Bugle Corps, Black Knights, Cascades Drum & Bugle Corps, Riverside Community College and Blue Devils Drum & Bugle Corps.
Marie Sato - Front Ensemble Tech
Marie is an associate band director at Diamond Bar High School. She has performed with numerous symphonies and wind ensembles, the Black Knights Independent Winter Drumline, Yamato, Seattle Cascades, and with the Santa Clara Vanguard. Marie has worked previously as the front ensemble tech at Pacific Crest.
Phil Idell - Front Ensemble Tech
Philip is an active performer and educator based out of Los Angeles. His performance experience includes Blue Devils, Pacific Crest and Riverside Community College. He graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in Music Education, where he was a member of numerous ensembles, including the UCLA Marching Band. Please check our website for their full biographies on the Mandarins website at http://mandarins.org.
You can read full biographies here.
The Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps are pleased to announce Chris Nalls as the newest addition to the Mandarins educational staff. Chris is considered a master of the marching arts with many years of experience leading performing groups of all kinds. His show designs have won championships and the enthusiastic applause of audiences across the country. He has been the Director, Musical Director and soloist for the San Francisco Renegades, where he was also named 2003 Director of the Year. As a performer, instructor and executive board member, Chris Nalls has worked with the World Champion Concord Blue Devils and has instructed the Santa Clara Vanguard, Freelancers and Velvet Knights. He is currently the Director of Bands at Leigh High School and is a member of both the Blue Devils and Buglers Hall of Fame. “Chris brings to the Mandarins a wealth of drum corps and performing arts experience. He has worked with the top drum corps and bands in the nation and we are pleased to have him as part of the Mandarins team”, stated Dr. Dan Fong, Mandarins Brass Caption Head.
In addition to Chris, the Mandarins are pleased to have the following returning brass instructors from the 2012 season:
Santiago Sabado – has been with the Mandarins for over seven years a as a lead trumpet player, drum major, Joe Fong Outstanding Member, Brass, Visual and Drum Major Instructor. He has a Bachelors degree of Music from California State University, Sacramento in Music Education and Trumpet Performance. He has worn many hats as drill designer, music arranger, visual caption head, percussion caption head, director, consultant and adjudicator. He is currently the Director of Music in the Pioneer Union School District.
George Miles – was previously the Mandarins Brass Caption Head for 11 years. He has marched with the Phantom Regiment and the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps as a baritone player. He has also instructed brass at Phantom Regiment, Salem Argonauts and the River City Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps. He has taught bands in Illinois, Montana, Oregon and California, where he has been the Band Director at John F. Kennedy High School in Sacramento for the past 26 years.
Milt Gee – is returning for his 14th year as a member of the Mandarins brass staff. He has been instructing off and on since 1990 and has also been an instructor for the Mandarins Brass Academy since 2008. He is a trombonist and baritone player, where he marched as a lead baritone and Rookie of the Year with the Sacramento Freelancers Drum and Bugle Corps. Milt has been a guest trombonist with the Sacramento Youth Symphony and currently performs with the Elk Grove Community Concert Band.
Mark Trulson – is returning for his second year on the Mandarins Brass Staff. He has marched with the Melrose Explorers and Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps and has been on the brass staff at the Royal Columbians and East Coast Jazz Drum and Bugle Corps. He has also been a marching member of the UMASS Minutemen marching Band, where he earned his BA in Music Education with a Tuba concentration. Mark is currently the Instrumental Music Director and Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair at Alhambra High School.
Taylor Haughland – has been member of the Mandarins brass and percussion and is in her second year instructing brass, primarily with the mellophones. She has broad musical experience in brass, percussion and wind instruments. She has taught at several high schools including McClatchy and Del Oro. She is pursuing a bachelors in music education at California State University of Sacramento and has completed a certification course in band instrument repair at Renton Technical College.
Chris Langton – has been with the Mandarins since 2006 as a marching member, soloist, section leader, Joe Fong Most Valuable Member Award winner, horn sergeant and brass instructor. He has taught for several years at Northern Nevada bands such as Reed, Reno and Damonte Ranch High Schools. He is currently the director of Coral Academy of Science’s Middle School Chorus and will complete his Music Education Degree from the University of Nevada, Reno. Please check our website for their full biographies on the Mandarins website at http://mandarins.org.
You can read full biographies here.
The Sacramento Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps are pleased to announce the Caption Heads for the upcoming 50th Anniversary season. Nearly all the caption heads from the 2012 season will be returning for the 50th year celebration season. Earlier the Mandarins announced that the 2012 Design Staff would remain intact. Today’s announcement ensures that a nearly continuous staff has assembled to form a solid team. “In the drum corps world it is becoming rare to see year-to-year continuity in staff. We appreciate the dedication, talent and creativity that our caption heads and designers have brought to the Mandarins and we look forward to an exciting 50th Anniversary season," said Jim Tabuchi, Mandarins Corps Director.
The newest member to the Caption Head staff is Robert Bowen who will take the reins as the Percussion Caption Head. Robert has been working as a highly sought after percussion designer and instructor since 1998. In his 14 years, he has worked with more than 30 percussion programs at the High School, Independent, and Drum Corps level. Robert currently teaches at four high schools in the Southern California area including Nogales (5 years) and Trabuco Hills (13 years). Most recently he helped to start the Pulse Open percussion program in 2011 where he was the ensemble coordinator and drill designer for the past two years. Robert also writes drill and consults for numerous percussion ensembles across the country. His most influential teacher in his performance upbringing would definitely have to be Mike Jackson. Robert marched under Mike Jackson all through high school and Black Knights Indoor 2002 and 2003 where they won an Independent World silver medal.
Dr. Dan Fong heads up the Brass Caption. Dan has been involved with the Mandarins beginning in the 70’s as a member, instructor, musical arranger and caption head. Last year Dan returned as the Brass Caption Head and continues on in this capacity. After marching nine years with the Sacramento Mandarins and the Seattle Imperials, Dan was the Mandarins’ brass caption head for 17 years from 1982 to 1993 and from 2005 to 2008, during which the Mandarins won three of their eight DCI World Championship titles. He currently instructs and arranges music for the Mandarins Brass Academy, a program that teaches brass students of all skill levels in the Sacramento region. Dan has written every Mandarins field show from 1982 until 2011. He has also worked with numerous high school brass sections in the Sacramento region such as McClatchy, Kennedy, Sacramento, Elk Grove, Cordova and West Campus High Schools. He has also been a guest conductor for the Sacramento Youth Symphony. His teaching influences include Rick South, Wayne Downey, Scott Pierson, Key Poulan, Mike Duffy, Roger Breakfield, Ben Fong, Ritchey Hodges and Billy Collins. In his spare time he enjoys playing with the Jim Ott Brass Ensemble under the leadership of Bonnie Ott and Billy Collins.
Geoff Longo returns for his second year as the Color Guard Caption Head. Geoff began working with the Mandarins staff in the 2011 season. He quickly demonstrated his positive approach to achieving great results with the color guard. In addition to being the Guard Caption Head, Geoff also works as a member of the design team. Geoff marched in the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps and Corona Winter Guard. Geoff has extensive instructional experience, including several high schools in Colorado and currently with Arcadia High School and Alhambra High School in Southern California. Geoff is also a professional actor, singer and dancer.
Ron Munekawa returns as Visual Caption Head and Staff Coordinator. Ron has not only produced outstanding results with the visual caption but also coordinates schedules, lesson plans and program implementation. Ron has been involved in drum corps and color guard activities for nearly four decades and continues to bring his experience to bear in all corps matters. During the off-season, Ron has also performed in many musicals in the San Francisco Bay Area.
You can read full biographies here. Also, as our Caption Heads begin to fill out their staff positions, updates will be posted on our website.
The Sacramento Mandarins will provide a number of audition opportunities for those looking to march with the Mandarins in 2013, the corps’ 50th Anniversary season. General information follows below; additional details are here.
The principal audition weekend will be November 24 & 25, 2012 in the Sacramento area. This will be an overnight, full corps audition camp. The weekend will consist of instruction sessions and auditions for all three sections: brass, percussion and color guard.
On Sunday, December 9, the Mandarins will host a one day workshop/audition for brass and color guard in Southern California at Alhambra High School, 101 S 2nd St, Alhambra, CA 91801. This one day event will include a workshop/clinic with Mandarins staff in the morning, with auditions held in the afternoon.
The Mandarins will also hold a number of video/Skype auditions at satellite locations. The corps intends to have a live Skype connection to allow for real time viewing and feedback. The auditions sessions will also be videotaped to allow for full staff viewing. These video sessions include:
-- Hawaii video audition for brass and guard in early December. Mandarin alum Erik Kubota, band director at Moanalua HS, will be setting up and managing with the assistance of Wyatt Nagao (Mandarins age out and University of Hawaii student).
-- Kentucky video audition brass and guard camp is tentatively set for December 1 or 2. Drew Farmer, Mandarins drill designer, will be setting up and managing.
-- A Dallas, TX video audition session is tentatively planned for early January.
A full day Southern California workshop/audition day for percussion is also planned.
Jim Tabuchi, Corps Director, stated “We are casting a wide net in search of the best talent for our 50th anniversary celebration season and are embracing video/Skype technology as a means of opening up audition opportunities across the country. However, this is intended to augment the standard audition camp process, as nothing can really replace a live, face-to-face session.” Look for details to be posted on the corps website. You can also keep up to date by pressing “like” on the Mandarins Facebook page.
The Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps is pleased to announce that their 2012 design team will be returning for the 2013 season, with one significant addition. “We were very pleased with last season’s program put together by our design team and look forward to the direction they will take us in 2013, our 50th year anniversary!” stated Ray Mar, 30 year veteran Executive Director for the Mandarins.
Key Poulan will serve as Design Coordinator and Brass Arranger. Key will be responsible for the total show design and integration of the visual and musical aspects of the show. He will also be writing the entire brass book. Key is well known for his outstanding work in both the drum corps and marching band worlds. “We had a great experience working together this past season, and I am really looking forward to working with this creative team once again. Look some creative and exciting concepts to be on the field as part of the Mandarins golden anniversary program.”
Key will be joined by Tony Nunez, who will serve as Music Coordinator in addition to continuing as Battery Arranger for 2013. This is Tony’s fourth year on staff with the Mandarins. He began in 2010 as the percussion arranger for the Mandarins and has quickly established himself as one of the most creative minds in drum corps. Tony has an extensive resume working with Vanguard, Blue Knights, Phantom Regiment and numerous successful band programs.
New to the Mandarins design team is Kevin Shah, who will serve as Front Ensemble Arranger. Kevin is an active freelance percussionist and educator in Southern California specializing in orchestral percussion, marimba, marching percussion and composition. Kevin earned a B.A. in Music from UCLA and an M.M. in Percussion Performance from the Juilliard School. Kevin currently, he teaches and composes music for several high school marching percussion ensembles including WGI World Class Finalist Arcadia High School.
Drew Farmer will continue as Visual Coordinator and Drill Designer. Drew has extensive experience in both the drum corps and band worlds. He is an alumnus of the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps and has a background in both the visual and musical sides of performing arts. Since 2005, Drew has collaborated on many successful shows with Key Poulan. Drew has designed for many successful marching bands, winter guards, and indoor percussion ensembles throughout the United States, most notably the 500+ member Allen High School marching band from Allen, TX. In addition to drill design, he has also been a guard designer for multiple boa regional, state finalists, and a WGI competing units. He is excited to return for the 2013 season!
Geoff Longo will return as Color Guard Designer and Caption Head. This is Geoff’s third season with the Mandarins. He has worked with many successful programs in the southern Colorado region including Rampart High School, Mesa Ridge High School, and Sand Creek High School. Geoff has performed for with the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps and Corona Winterguard. Geoff is presently on the guard staff of Arcadia High School.
Dr. Dan Fong will continue as Program Facilitator. Dan has a long history with the Mandarins after having marched and arranged brass over the past four decades. Dan will serve as a bridge between the design and technical staffs. Look for more upcoming updates on the corps website at mandarins.org. You can also keep up to date by pressing “like” on the Mandarins Facebook page.
The 2012 Mandarins Brass Academy will commence on Sunday, September 9 at Cosumnes Oaks High School, 9850 Lotz Parkway, Elk Grove, CA. All brass players ages 15-21 years old are invited to participate in the sessions that "raises brass performance to an art form." Mandarins Brass Caption Manager Dr. Dan Fong says, "Many of our current brass players started with the Mandarins Brass Academy. It is an excellent avenue for students to grasp the basics to proper brass playing."
You may pay the $60 MBA fee online here. See the flyer here.
The Yamaha Corporation is pleased to announce an exclusive partnership with the Mandarins, with Yamaha becoming our sole provider of percussion instruments.
"Over the years, the Mandarins have come to rely on Yamaha for the sound, quality, durability and reliability of their instruments," says Troy Wollwage, Percussion Marketing Manager, Yamaha Corporation of America, Band and Orchestral Division. "We look forward to strengthening our relationship and continuing to provide the level of excellence they enjoy."
Read more in the Press Release, here.
The Sacramento Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps is pleased to announce a creative partnership with Field and Floor FX. As the exclusive provider for the visual elements of the Mandarins show “Prophecy”, this partnership includes the co-design and manufacturing of all the color guard flags and for the first time in drum corps history, a Mayan pyramid. The pyramid, which stands over 13 feet tall and 30 feet wide is an actual printed, one-seventh scale digital replica of the actual pyramid in Chichen Itza.
In creating this year’s show, it became immediately apparent to Key Poulan, Mandarins Design Coordinator, that the visual elements of the show were critical to telling the story of the Mayan prediction of the end of the world. Thus began the search for a partner to help bring the story to life. “We selected Field and Floor FX specifically for their excellence in detailed design and manufacturing. Through their unique digital printing process we are able to bring our most intricate and creative design ideas to reality”, said Poulan.
“When the Mandarins brought this project to Field and Floor FX, we were initially intrigued as to how we could apply our expertise to help the Mandarins tell their story. The close collaboration enabled us to showcase our designs on the biggest of all stages”, said Doug Gardner, Field and Floor FX Director of Organizational Development.
Jim Tabuchi stated, “As the Mandarins Corps Director it is always intriguing to witness the creativity that can be brought to the drum corps world. Initially, I was skeptical about telling the epic story of the Mayan prediction of world destruction and rebirth. By bringing these visual elements to the field and working with such a collaborative and responsive partner, my skepticism has been put to rest. We hope that all of our fans enjoy our story as much as we have enjoyed creating it”, said Tabuchi.
To see the masterful work done by Field & Floor FX, watch the Mandarins 2012 show “Prophecy”, appearing in a city or video broadcast near you. For more information about the Mandarins and Field & Floor FX, please see their websites at http://www.mandarins.org and http://www.fieldandfloorfx.com or their respective Facebook pages.
Download a copy of this Press Release here.
The Mandarins held their first annual DCI Capital Classic drum and bugle corps show on July 7. Thanks to the Planning Committee and many volunteers, we were able to present a quality and entertaining evening for a great audience. Some comments to our Facebook page: "One of the best run shows I've ever attended" • "The show was super DOPE! love it!" • "Wonderful food!" • "Way to go!!!! Absolutely loved it!"
We hope to see everyone again at next year's show.
Did you know that the Mandarins have hosted Bingo games for over 28 years? For nearly 25 of those years, our dedicated Bingo Manager Janet Wong has administered our games. Thanks to Janet, plus our volunteer Bingo workers and patrons, the Mandarins are able to field a Drum Corps International World Class corps!
Come play a few games and help support the Mandarins. We have two sessions -- a 12:30 pm Saturday Matinee, and a 6:30 Monday night session. We are located at 9333 Tech Center Drive, Suite 200, in Sacramento. Download a flyer here.
The Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites in Elk Grove, CA is the Preferred Hotel of the Sacramento Mandarins. Perfect for our out-of-area staff, members, and parents who travel to Sacramento for camps and other Mandarins events.
The rooms have two queen-size beds and a complementary breakfast is included, all for only $69 plus tax ($77 per night) room rate. Mention that you are with the Sacramento Mandarins, to enjoy this special rate.
The hotel is located at 9175 W. Stockton Blvd., right off Highway 99 and the Laguna Blvd. exit in Elk Grove, CA. Restaurants, shopping, and theatres are close by. You can reach the Hotel Front Desk at (916) 478-9000.
Thank you to the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites - Elk Grove, for supporting the Mandarins!
Rob Stewart, of KVIE Public Television, produces "Rob on the
Road",
which discovers stories that capture the unique spirit of Northern
California. Rob visited the Mandarins at one of their last rehearsals
before DCI tour, and interviewed Brass instructor and Mandarins Brass
Academy head Jim Tabuchi. See Rob's video here.
The World Class ensembles of Drum Corps International have come together to bring new options, new features and new digital content directly to fans, adding to the largest collection of online drum corps media anywhere!
Drum Corps International and the Mandarins are incredibly pleased to announce the return and expansion of one of the most ambitious Web-based undertakings since DCI's founding some 37 years ago. The Mandarins, along with the other DCI World Class corps have come together in a collaborative effort to take the wraps off of the totally redesigned and wildly expanded “Fan Network,” which now gives fans of drum corps across the world the chance to enjoy a spectacular, dizzying array of media options unlike anything ever offered before. Featuring unlimited and exclusive access to ALL of the action from the Mandarins and ALL of the World Class corps on the 2009 Drum Corps International Tour, great new features will help you catch every note of the excitement. But that's just the beginning!
Giving you ultimate access to the Mandarins and the other World Class corps of DCI… At your fingertips… 24 hours a day…
Organized into several different content sections, the Fan Network is set up for easy viewing and direct access to all available digital assets from the Mandarins and the other participating corps.
Spotlight ’09 & Off the Field (FREE viral videos) • Daily features, with up-to-the-minute exclusive drum corps news and entertaining glimpses from the 2009 DCI Tour • Exclusive backstage features posted from “embedded” corps video crews crisscrossing the country as they take to the road with the Mandarins and other corps. Now offered absolutely FREE to all drum corps fans for 2009!
On Demand ’09 & On the Field (subscription based) • Webcasts from select 2009 DCI Tour events tentatively scheduled for Annapolis, MD; Stanford, CA; Denver, CO; San Antonio, TX; Atlanta, GA and Indianapolis, IN … subject to change with the addition of more events • Post-show replay available for on-demand viewing of complete corps performances from select locations – including all Webcast events and more • Unlimited access to the entire Drum Corps International audio/video vault – including all of the Top 12 World Championship performances since 1974 • Audio and Video downloads of your all-time favorite performances – from “the classics” to the current day
Your favorite Fan Network features in a new user-friendly interface…
Fan Network programmers have been hard at work during the off-season developing a new user-interface to give fans the ultimate online drum corps experience. Among some of the new features you'll see: • A streamlined browsing experience to access and switch between your favorite corps channels with ease • Improved video filtering and search functionality • BIGGER and better video quality
Now available in two affordable subscription options…
The $39 Fan Network Subscription will give you access to Video on Demand of corps performances from select 2009 events, access to all current-year and historical video archives, discounts on audio and video downloads, in addition to all of the free content provided by your favorite corps.
The $59 Fan Network Plus Subscription will give you all of the great features of a regular subscription, PLUS access to all live Webcasts of some of Drum Corps International’s biggest events, and more!
The new Mandarins Fan Network gives you complete access to this impressive display of media content for 365 days a year. Can't get enough drum corps action? Well, NOW is the time to join! And, when you subscribe through the Mandarins Website, the corps receives a percentage of the subscription fee.
Check it out -- and subscribe today to some incredible drum corps content, while helping the Mandarins at the same time!
If your are marching with us in 2013, you and/or your supporters can work your required three Bingo shifts now, even before you join!
To support the Corps, all members are required to work 3 bingo shifts within 60 days of joining the corps. Bingo is our main fundraiser. Remember that to put you on the field will take several thousand dollars beyond what you will pay. Bingo provides that money.
Our bingo sessions are every week on Saturday afternoons and Monday evenings. A shift is about 5 hours long, and you work with other members and volunteers. You must be 18 or older to work in the Bingo Hall. If you are under 18, family members and friends who are over 18 can work for you.
After you work your required 3 sessions, you can earn travel credits for each full session that you or your supporters work that will help defray your Tour and Participation Fee.
To get more information, download the 2013 Membership Handbook here.To schedule your Bingo, you must call or email our Bingo Manager, Janet Wong, BEFORE you work. Her email is janbucky@comcast.net, and her phone number is (916) 421-4052.
Most of us find working bingo to be an enjoyable time. And the more sessions you work, the more credit you earn! Call or email now!
Sacramento Magazine hosted the Best of Sacramento Party in November at the Sacramento Convention Center, showcasing subscribers' picks for best local restaurants, entertainment, personalities, specialty shops, service providers, and more. The Mandarins won the Best Bang for Your Buck award. Over 7,400 attendees sampled various foods, drinks, and the Mandarins' performance. The corps was featured as one of the evening's highlights and were pleased to participate in this event, where $235,000 was raised for the March of Dimes.
If you wish to have a visit at your school by our Mandarins Recruitment Team, contact Dan Fong at dkfongod@yahoo.com. A short video presentation followed by a question and answer period is available to all students in your performing arts program. Arrangements can be made to best suit your school schedule.
We need the help of parents, alumni, and supporters to help staff our Bingo games. Bingo funds the expense of operating a world-class, touring champion drum and bugle corps. Even with our all-volunteer Administrative Staff, it takes lots of money to support the Mandarins' winter training and summer competition programs.
Please volunteer to help at our Monday evening and/or Saturday afternoon games, held at the Mayhew Bingo Center, 9333 Tech Center Drive, near Folsom Blvd, and Highway 50. It's fun, plus you'll get the satisfaction of knowing your participation helps sustain our unique youth activity. Friends and alumni are welcome to help, too! No experience necessary, because we will train you.
Please contact Bingo Manager Janet Wong for times and scheduling. Thanks in advance, for your help!
Mandarins has influenced and nourished all aspects of my life. Nothing can come close to replicating the kinds of values, experiences, and friends that have become a part of my life.
~ Michael Kwong
