Sacramento Mandarins Drum & Bugle Corps

From Highway 99 - Exit west on Elk Grove Boulevard. Turn left on Big Horn Blvd., then left on Whitelock Parkway. School will be on the left.

From Interstate 5 - Exit east on Elk Grove Boulevard. Turn right on Big Horn Blvd., then left on Whitelock Parkway. School will be on the left.

Welcome to the Mandarins. We have just celebrated our 48th anniversary, and are counting down to our 50th Anniversary celebration. We are glad you have chosen to take a look at our program.

Auditions for the 2012 Season, Handbook, and Forms

For prospective members from out of the immediate area, we will allow you to audition by submittal of a DVD or through a YouTube, Facebook or other online video site . However, priority will be given to those attending rehearsals and camps. For detailed information as to what needs to be submitted on the video, please contact the appropriate Caption Manager.

If there are questions of a more general nature, please contact Ron Munekawa, Staff Coordinator. Or, download and print our 2012 Membership Handbook and 2012 Membership Forms.

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!

Our 2012 program has a full summer schedule planned; details to be announced.

Providing a quality experience both on and off the field is priority with the Mandarins. Last season, with over 100 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!

Persons who are between 15 (as of December 1) and 21 (if you turn 22 on or after June 1, 2012, you are eligible for the 2012 season) are eligible to audition. Younger persons who would like to audition for the first time with us, please contact the appropriate caption head.

• 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 $40 camp fee. Fees may be paid in cash, money order, or online through PayPal. 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 $40 camp fee if (1) you have already joined and are a current member, or (2) you are a current Mandarins Brass Academy member who paid the $60 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 please!);
  • Your initial payment (Membership Dues, Uniform Fee, and Marching Shoe Fee).
  • * If you marched with us in 2005 - 2011, 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 $40 camp fee. 2012 Membership packets (including the handbook and application forms) will be available at the pre-audition clinics, all camps and rehearsals, and downloadable soon. 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).
• Sleeping bag, air mattress, pillow, toothbrush, toothpaste and other toiletries, towel, 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 $40 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 may be paid in cash, money order, or online through PayPal. Current Mandarins Brass Academy members who paid the $60 Academy fee will receive a voucher to cover $25 of the camp fee, leaving a balance of $15 to pay.

You will receive a voucher to cover $25 of this fee if you are a current Mandarins Brass Academy member who paid the $60 Academy fee.

The only other exception is if you have already been offered a definite spot for the 2012 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 $40 camp fee instead.

If you are offered a definite spot at camp and join by the close of camp Sunday, your $40 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 48 years of tradition and pride. We encourage your participation, and look forward to seeing you soon.