Sacramento Mandarins Drum & Bugle Corps

Meet our drum majors for the 2012 season, Corey Jones and Rebekah Ellis. Both Corey and Rebekah are entering their 4th year of membership in the Mandarins. Jim Tabuchi, corps director stated, “All of our drum major candidates this year were well qualified, highly motivated and possessed a strong skill set. It was a very difficult decision given the high quality of all the candidates. We are looking forward to having Corey and Rebekah as our drum majors, and have discussed with the other candidates taking active leadership roles within the corps as well.”

Corey Jones is in his fourth, and ageout year, with the Mandarins, having been a member of both the brass line and cymbal section. In addition to his drum corps experience Corey was also a member of the award winning Beyer High School Marching Band (Modesto CA) and has extensive winter percussion experience. Corey has enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and will be reporting to boot camp this fall. Having had a successful audition with the Marine Corps, Corey will be playing euphonium for the Marine Corps Band. Corey summarized his experience with the Mandarins by stating, “Thanks to the Mandarins I'm happy with who I am today and know that I'm strong enough to handle whatever tomorrow has in store for me”

Rebekah Ellis Rebekah is a senior at Cosumnes Oaks High School, and has been drum major of the marching band for the past four years. This is Rebekah’s fourth year in the Mandarins having been a member of the trumpet section since the 2009 season. She is member of the National Honor Society and plans to attend the University of Nevada, Reno in the fall and study Music Education. Upon being appointed as one of the Mandarins drum majors Rebekah stated “I remember my rookie year in 2009 and looking up to people who seemed so much older and so much better than me, and I remember the positive example they set for the entire corps. I hope I can be the kind of example that the older vets were to me.”

Since the 1980s, the Mandarins have had overseas corps members march with us each year. Our new Mandarins USA Tour Package is an exciting new opportunity, offering performers from Japan to experience a season of marching in a DCI World Class drum corps. For more details, see the flyer and also the USA Tour FAQ describing this unique experience!

Our next Camp will be held the weekend of February 18-19. See audition details here, and or download our 2012 Membership Handbook and 2012 Membership Forms. New and returning members may pay the various fees by cash, money order, or online by credit card or PayPal. See you at Camp!

With several Mandarins' chefs in charge of the kitchen, the corps decided to forgo its traditionally-catered awards banquet this year. Instead, our chefs prepared a delicious, five-star feast of Baby Greens and Persimmon Salad, Roasted Butternut Squash, Mr. Chow's Meatloaf®, Mrs. Chin's Terikaki Chicken® and Dessert Cake®, Noel's Pasta w/Sauce, rice, and dinner rolls. The Mandarins are already known for having the best food in drum corps, and this meal was no different. Thank you to our volunteer kitchen staff of Dan & Diane Chin, John & Kitty Chow, Noel Lee, Mara DaPrato, Danielle Rodriquez, Al & Connie Ferreira, Ron & Karen Bowser, Yvette Ferreira, Rosy Wong, and Ray & Esther Mar. Except for Dan & Diane who have a daughter marching with us, all of the other volunteers are either parents of ageout members, or former marching members! The Mandarins would not exist without our dedicated volunteers. Thanks again!

At the Mandarins' annual Banquet, Chris Langton received the "Outstanding Corps Member of 2011" award. All marching members were able to submit nominations, and chose six-year veteran Chris as the person most representative of a Mandarins corps member having great leadership, dedication, character, and citizenship. Chris said, "Mandarins means an incredible deal to me and I'm really glad that I could be a part of something so powerful and so lifechanging." Congratulations, Chris!

The Mandarins are pleased to announce our 2012 show "Prophecy" - an original program composed and designed by Key Poulan (Design Coordinator and Brass Arranger), Tony Nunez (Music Coordinator and Percussion Arranger), Geoff Longo (Visual and Color Guard Caption Manager), and Drew Farmer (Visual Coordinator and Drill Designer.) Program Facilitator Dr. Dan Fong is excited about the Mandarins' production. "We have an extremely talented group of top-notch designers all working to produce an innovative and entertaining program. Watch for some interesting new design concepts, computer generated silk patterns, and an engaging theme with a definite cool factor!"

For 2012, the Mandarins' percussion staff includes new, as well as returning members.

Manny Deleon joins as a Snare Tech, previously having marched with the Santa Clara Vanguard and the Blue Devils, and currently teaching multiple high school ensembles. Blair Williams, Snare Tech brings a wealth of performance and teaching experience, including Band Director and a member of the Vic Firth education team.

Tenor Tech Colby Beers returns for his second year teaching the Mandarins, has several years of quad and tenor performance experience, and is currently teaching at Southern California high schools.

Bass Tech Nathan Ward majored and minored in Music at CSU, also returns for his second year on the percussion staff. Melannie Stakely is new to the Mandarins as a Bass Tech, and has performed with Black Knights, Mystkal, Pulse Percussion, and Blue Devils, along with teaching several drumlines. Bass Tech Josh Luedtke has several years of performing and teaching experience with the Mandarins, and is currently pursuing a music education degree.

Greyson Boydstun returns as our Front Ensemble Coordinator, having taught with various high schools for over eight years, and receiving a Percussion Degree from UNR last year. Front Ensemble Tech Michael Flores also returns this season, with past experience with high schools as an instructor, show designer, and caption head, and will graduate this year from CSU with music degrees.

Check our Staff Page for full biographies on the percussion staff.

The Sacramento Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps are excited and pleased to announce the Caption Manager Staff for the 2012 season. “The Caption Managers that we have retained and appointed represent a wonderful ensemble of talented, energetic and enthusiastic educators. Together with the recently announced program designers, we believe these caption managers will deliver a show that will be a real crowd pleaser”, stated Jim Tabuchi, Mandarins Corps Director.

New to the organization is Dennis Aquilina as the Brass Caption Manager. Dennis has an extensive resume where he has been a successful educator in both the drum corps and band worlds. He began marching in drum corps as a youngster with the New York Skyliners and the Cadets. He went on to teach brass at numerous drum corps including the Crossmen, Bridgemen and the Santa Clara Vanguard. He is currently a full time band director in the Pleasanton California School District where he was named the 2009 Teacher of the Year. He brings incredible knowledge, energy and enthusiasm to the brass staff for the 2012 year.

The percussion section will be run by Co-Caption Managers Tom Linder and Paul Curci. Tom Linder, our percussion caption head for the past two years, has recently encountered some health issues which require his attention. As a result, Paul Curci has graciously agreed to step in as co-caption manager. They will be job sharing with Tom doing the behind the scenes organization and logistics work, while Paul will be in charge of the percussion curriculum and all of the hands on-instruction. Paul is in high demand as a percussion educator and has taught some of Southern California’s most successful ensembles. As a performer, Paul has marched snare for numerous drum corps and indoor percussion ensembles, including the Santa Clara Vanguard (2006) and Pulse Percussion World (2005-2008). Paul was a Snare Technician for Pulse Percussion World from 2009-2010, and is now an Ensemble Coordinator for Pulse Percussion Open.

The Mandarins are pleased to announce that Geoff Longo will be stepping up as the Color Guard Caption Manager. Geoff began working with the Mandarins staff in 2011 season. He quickly demonstrated his positive approach to helping achieve great results with the color guard. He has accepted the position as Caption Manager to replace Greg Mar. 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 most recently, Arcadia High School. Geoff is also a professional actor, singer and dancer.

Ron Munekawa will return as Visual Caption Manager 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.

Please check our Staff Page for their full biographies. Also, as they begin to fill out their staff positions, those updates will be posted here.

The Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps is excited to announce its program design staff for the 2012 season. “This marks a new chapter in the history of the Mandarins program. We are pleased to assemble such a talented, energetic and collaborative design staff for the upcoming season” stated Ray Mar, 29-year veteran Executive Director for the Mandarins.

A cornerstone to the 2012 Mandarins design team is the addition of Key Poulan as Design Coordinator and Brass Arranger. In this role 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 almost needs no introduction because of his outstanding success in both the drum corps and marching band worlds. His impact in the world of marching music is legendary and we are pleased to welcome his talents and collaborative attitude in arranging the brass book for 2012. While Key will have limited touring availability this summer due to family medical commitments, he will be actively involved in the design process. “I am very excited about expanding my role with the Mandarins. We are looking forward to creating something exciting and special for the 2012 season! "

Key will be joined by Tony Nunez, who will serve as Music Coordinator in addition to continuing as Percussion Arranger for 2012. This is Tony’s third 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. This year marks an increased role for him in the Mandarins organization as Tony will oversee the ensemble sound of both brass and percussion.

Drew Farmer joins the Mandarins organization as the 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. “I am honored and thrilled to be the new Visual Coordinator and Designer for the Mandarins. The rich history, professionalism, and its’ family atmosphere are just a few of the many reasons why I know this will be an excellent organization for me to be involved with!”

Dr. Dan Fong takes on the role as Program Facilitator. Dan has an unparalleled history with the Mandarins after having marched and arranged brass over the past four decades. In his new role he will bring all of his drum corps and organizational expertise to lead this very talented team to deliver a spectacular 2012 show.

Click here for full bios and photos of the 2012 Mandarins music design team. Look for more announcements regarding the 2012 Mandarins in the coming weeks.

The Mandarins would like to take this opportunity to thank long time program coordinator and color guard caption head, Greg Mar for all of his outstanding contributions. Greg will be taking some time off and devoting his attention to his very successful graphic design firm, G.M. Art and Design.

On September 11, 2011, the Mandarins Brass Academy got off to a great start on the new season. This MBA looks to be one of the most advanced ensembles to date, with many new and returning members forming a perfectly balanced brass ensemble. Sporting their new MBA T-shirts, they have already begun rehearsing some original arrangements for two upcoming performances. At the end of the rehearsal the MBA played an emotionally stirring rendition of America the Beautiful in memory of all of those who lost their lives on 9/11. For those who are still interested in joining the MBA you can still join at the next rehearsal on October 2nd at Cosumnes Oaks High School at 1:00PM.

Camp dates are set for the Mandarins' 2012 season. See the schedule here and reserve the dates on your calendar now. The first camp will be the weekend of December 10-11 in the Sacramento area, and includes auditions. Specific details will be announced shortly. You can sign up here. We look forward to seeing you in December!

Calling all Brass Players! The Mandarins Brass Academy is an indoor, non-marching ensemble consisting of trumpets, mellophones, french horns, trombones, baritones, euphoniums and tubas. It is a fun, learning environment dedicated to helping brass players grow in their performance level. The Academy meets one Sunday monthly, from September through December 2011. For more information, see the Mandarins Brass Academy page, and the flyer.

Family, friends, and alumni filled the stadium at Cosumnes Oaks High School recently to catch a preview of the Mandarins' 2011 production, The Forty Thieves. Several corps members were awarded scholarships, funded by Mandarins Alumni and Niesei Ambassador alumni. During intermission, Raley's Corporation presented a $5,000 donation to the Mandarins for uniforms and instruments.

We are short on volunteers for our tours as well as assistance during our training camps. Our call for help with the last camp resulted in a strong response, and we're hoping that this plea will encourage more new and past volunteers to consider joining us! Contact director Ray Mar by email, or call 916-712-8987.

The Mandarins' most recent news is summarized in our May 2011 VideoLetter. See the video here. Mandarins Alumni Association member Jillene Sturgess-DaPrato brings us info about our recent Raley's Reach grant award, our performance at the Sacramento Kings' Fan Appreciation Night, and more.

The Mandarins performed as a Special Guest of the Sacramento Youth Symphony's Premier Orchestra, at their annual Veteran's Day concert, Patriotism & Peace. Held at the Memorial Auditorium, the full house included Veterans of the Tuskeegee Airmen, 442nd Regiment, and Navajo Code Talkers, who shared their histories. The grand evening concluded with a stirring performance of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. See the video 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!

The Sacramento Mandarins recently announced their 2010 management team. Ray Mar will assume the position of Executive Director, responsible for the overall operation, management and direction of the organization. Jim Tabuchi has been appointed to the role of Corps Director. In his new position he is responsible for member recruiting, staff development, facility management, development of alternate funding sources, the Mandarins Scholarship Program and alumni and community outreach. This arrangement will insure the corps' long term success and adherence to the corps' philosophy of "Celebrating Youth, Transforming Lives", while at the same time giving the necessary attention to all the daily tasks that come with running a DCI World Class drum corps.

Ray Mar stated. "I've known Jim for a long time now, and given his drum corps and management background, he is a perfect fit for his new role in the organization. He will do a great job in making sure we run smoothly and efficiently, especially as the corps continues to grow." Jim Tabuchi responded by saying "I have been involved with the Mandarins since the late 70s as a marching member, brass instructor and parent of kids in the corps. The Mandarins values have played a huge part in my life and I look forward to this opportunity to give back to those following in our footsteps. I am confident that Ray and I will make a great team as the Mandarins take the next step forward in our development as a World Class drum corps."

Ray Mar, or "Mr. Mar", as he is known to the marching members, enters his 27th year as the leader of the Mandarins. He started his involvement as a parent booster in 1982 and became corps director in 1983. At the time, the corps was in the midst of a rebuilding period and was functioning solely as a parade corps. Under Ray’s leadership, the Mandarins returned to the field in 1984 and made an appearance at the DCI Championships in 1986. While narrowly missing finals that year, the experience provided a base upon which to build for the future. The Mandarins went on to win eight DCI World Championships including seven in Division III and one in Division II in 2001. The corps was also twice awarded the prestigious Spirit of Disney award, signifying outstanding achievement in educational and entertainment programs for youth. Under Ray’s direction, the Mandarins entered the Division One ranks, making a successful debut in 2003.

Jim Tabuchi marched in the Mandarins and the Seattle Imperials as a lead soprano, mellophone and flugelhorn in the late 70s and early 80s and is known as one of the first non-Chinese members of the Mandarins. He went on to earn Electrical Engineering and MBA degrees from the University of California at Berkeley and the University of Washington, respectively. He then worked at Hewlett-Packard and Agilent Technologies and held numerous positions such as the Asia Region Manager, Business Development Manager, Worldwide Marketing Manager and Strategic Planning Manager. He then entered early retirement, which allows him to spend more time on his passion – the Mandarins. Jim continues to perform as a trumpet player and most recently was on the brass staff from 2005 until present. Jim is married to Jo Ann and has twin boys who are members of the Mandarins Brass line.

Look for more staff and program announcements in the coming weeks. For real time updates, check the Mandarins on Twitter here: http://twitter.com/dcimandarins

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 Mandarins' Strength & Conditioning guru, Christopher DaPrato, DPT, CSCS presents a series of conditioning and wellness tips for corps members and anyone else who is interested in his/her overall health. Download Christopher's monthly tips as follows, in Word format.

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 2012, 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 2012 Membership Packet 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!