Tour Drivers Needed

The corps leaves for DCI Tour today, July 10th. We still need equipment truck drivers for the San Antonio-to-Indianapolis leg. Please contact Corps Director Ray Mar at (916) 712-8987 if you're able to assist.

Mid-Summer Update

The Mandarins depart for DCI Tour on July 10, having completed the final California competition the previous week in Stanford. For the latest progress see our Mid-summer Update Video here. Apple Quicktime 7 (free download) required to view the video. Best wishes to all corps members, instructors, and support staff on the way to Indiana!

Performances on the Mandarins Fan Network

If you're unable to attend some of our shows this season, selected performances will be available on the Mandarins Fan Network. DCI's broadcast schedule is as follows, for the shows we're performing in:

Both OnDemand and Pay-Per-View broadcasts are free to subscribers of the Mandarins Fan Network. Also, subscribers receive discounts on Audio Performance Download (APD) recordings to be produced for the Stanford, San Antonio, and Bloomington shows. Subscribe today -- it's the next best thing to being there!

Mandarins Perform at Family Day

The recent Family Day performance in full uniform was enjoyed by many parents and supporters who received a preview of our 2008 production, The River. The performance was followed by a scholarship presentation for recipients who received funds to offset their tour fees. Congrats to this year's winners -- Mercedes Trejo (Guard), Anna Polovin (Brass), and Ayaka Uchino (Percussion).

Mr. & Mrs Mar would like to thank all who also attended the Family Day Potluck and made it such a success. A special thank you goes to Karen Bowser for organizing the Potluck and to those who stayed behind to assist with cleanup.

Video Newsletter: Spring 2008

Get an update of what's been happening with the Mandarins, over the past few months. Meet our Drum Majors and some first-year members. Learn about our scholarship program, 2008 show, and more. For more information see our Spring video newsletter here. Apple Quicktime 7 (free download) required to view the video.

Mandarins Office "Open For Business"

For members, applicants, and parents, the Mandarins' "Office" is open for business at the end of almost every "whole corps" practice. Mr. Tashima or Ms. Purvis typically set up near the big Mandarins' truck on the trunk of their car. They are usually open from the beginning of announcements at the end of practice for about 30 minutes. If you have business to conduct--making a payment, dropping off a sponsorship, checking your account status, turning in your membership application, fixing a uniform problem, questions about the corps, etc.--please come to see them sooner rather than later!

2008 Drum Majors Announced

Santiago Sabado and David Mori

Santiago Sabado and David Mori will lead the Mandarins onto the field this season.

Santiago is a Sacramento native and graduate of Ponderosa High School. This is his third season with the Mandarins, his second as drum major after his first season in the trumpet line. Santiago is currently a student at Sacramento State University pursuing a degree in Music and has performed with such on campus groups including the Sacramento State Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Marching Band, Percussion Ensemble, and Brass Ensemble. He is the also drumline instructor for Ponderosa High School and the Winter Percussion Director for El Dorado High School. Santiago teaches privately at the

Sabado School of Music Inc. and is also the Band Director at Ellen Feickert Elementary School. Santiago has been involved with Elk Grove High School since 2007 where he started out as the Pit Instructor for the Winter Percussion Ensemble; he is now serving as the Assistant Band Director, where he assists with the Marching Band, Pep Band, Drum Majors, and directs the Jazz Ensemble.

David Mori is currently attending University of California, Santa Cruz as a Mathematics Education Major. David marched four years in the C. K. McClatchy High School Marching Band, the last year as the Drum Major. David also participated in two years of McClatchy’s Winter Drumline. This is David’s first year as a member of the Mandarins.

Anna Keck and Mr. & Mrs. Mar Honored at Awards Banquet

At the Mandarins' recent Awards Banquet, percussion member Anna Keck received the Outstanding Corps Member of 2007 award. Anna's fellow corps memebers selected her as the person most deserving of this award.

Ray & Esther Mar were also recognized for their 25 years of service to the corps. Ray has been the Mandarins' director for 25 years -- certainly a record, or close to it, in the drum corps activity. Under his leadership, the corps has won eight DCI Championship awards in Class A-60, Division III, and Division II, as well as three Division I Semifinalist placements. The corps was also awarded two Spirit of Disney awards, signifying outstanding achievment in entertainment and community programs for youth.

Marching in 2008? Do Your Bingo Now!

If your are marching with us in 2008, 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 2008 Membership Packet here. To schedule your Bingo, you must call or email our Bingo Manager, Janet Wong, BEFORE you work. Her email is janbucky@sbcglobal.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!

2008 Membership Packet Now Available Online

If your are thinking of joining us for the 2008 season, download our 2008 Membership packet here.

The Membership Packet contains the 2008 Member Handbook, the 2008 Application Forms, and a flyer with information about our Bingo Program. The 2008 Member Handbook contains a detailed description of our program, fees, and code of conduct. (Hardcopies of the Membership Packet will be available at Audition Camps)

In order to join the Mandarins, you must audition and be offered a spot by your caption head. Then fill in your application with appropriate signatures as needed, show us your original proof of date of birth, and pay your fees and join us for our exciting and challenging 2008 season!

For more information about our audition process, click here.

The Los Angeles Times newspaper featured the Mandarins, among other groups in a story, "The Drum Corps International World Championships is these musicians' Super Bowl" in Saturday's paper. See the story and photos here.

Immediately after the Quarterfinals performance, LA Times reporter Diane Haithman interviewed Yvette Ferreira of the Mandarins' baritone section. This season is Yvette's fourth in the Mandarins.

Mandarins Color Guard member Alexa Johnson is featured in an interview on DCI.org. She has been in the guard for two years. You'll notice her in this year's show, "Dragon Dance", as the person spinning the large pole.

Read the full article here.

Alexa's advice for new guard members is to push it to the limit, because then you'll honestly see if you can be the best that you can be.

DCI Southwestern Championship Montage

The Mandarins' music clips have been popular accompaniments for DCI's performance montage videos. In 2004, our drumsolo Bullet was used for the DCI West Coast Highlights. This year's montage from the DCI Southwestern Championships features music from our 2007 Dragon Dance production. See the video montage here.

Dragon Dance Cookbooks Available

The Mandarins' Dragon Dance cookbook is available for a $10 donation, plus $5 shipping & handling. The cookbook contains favorite recipes (including many enjoyed on Tour) contributed by corps members, family, and friends. Thank you to longtime Mandarins supporter Mara DaPrato for collecting recipes and assembling the cookbook! Email cookbook@mandarins.org to order a copy.

Mandarins alumnus and former Ye Wah Color Guard Instructor Jimmie Yee won election to the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors on June 6, 2006. Jimmie became involved with the corps at its very beginning, in 1963! The Mandarins Class of 2006 met Jimmie last week via video interview, during a history lesson at May Camp. In that interview, Jimmie credited the corps with getting him started in service to the community -- and he has continued that service through 12 years on the Sacramento City Council, and as Mayor, and now as County Supervisor.

Congratulations, Jimmie!

Attention Sacramento Area Band Directors and Students

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.

Raley's Quality of Life Card

The Mandarins are participating in the Raley's Quality of Life paperless scrip program. Present your Quality of Life Card to the cashier during your transaction, each time you shop at any Raley's, Bel Air, or Nob Hill store, and the Mandarins will receive a percentage of your purchases. To get your card, email us. We'll issue you a card which you will register at the Raley's website. The card is already assigned to credit scrip to the Mandarins. Corps members who picked up a card at the Awards Banquet, please register and start using it. Thank you for supporting the Mandarins!

B-I-N-G-O!

Are you planning to march with the Mandarins in 2007? If so, then start working Bingo NOW! All Mandarins families are required to work some Bingo sessions. If you are under 18 years old, recruit family or friends to sign up. Please email Bingo Manager Janet Wong, or telephone her at 916-421-4052 for more information and to schedule your sessions.

Help Wanted!!!

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!

The movie "Remember the Magic: 1963-2003" is now available! Produced by Mandarins alumni Scott Jow and Jillene Sturgess to commemorate the Mandarins' 40th Anniversary, this movie tells how the corps started and shows what it has accomplished in 40 years. Order your video today and own a copy of Mandarins history and relive the magic of the past 40 years. Runtime is 2 hours, 15 minutes. In DVD or VHS HiFi Stereo format. To order, or if you have any questions, email us.

The movie includes:

• Excerpts from nearly 30 years of performances, including the earliest known 1963 film of the Ye Wah Drum Corps parading at the old California State Fair on Stockton Blvd.; the Taiwan presidential inauguration concert; the shows which won the eight DCI Championship titles; the Winterguard's Joy Luck Club interpretative performance; and much more.
• Interviews with alumni representing decades past. How did former Sacramento Mayor Jimmie Yee become a color guard instructor in 1963? What does Fox40/KTXL reporter Lonnie Wong recall about his marching days? Why did Ray Mar become Corps Director 21 years ago? Learn the answers to these questions and discover many other interesting trivia like the West Sacramento Raiders D&B Corps' comments about the Mandarins in 1968.
• Slideshow featuring vintage photographs of long ago and up through current years. See the many uniform changes and performance details over the past forty years.

Q & A with Ray Mar