History
A Corps Is Born
In February 1963, founders Roy Wong, Frank Lim, Thomas Fong, and Yuk Fong discussed the possibility of forming a drum and bugle corps for youth in the Sacramento Chinese community. With the numerous festivities and parades occurring in Sacramento and neighboring locales, the Chinese Community, with all of its traditions and ideals, would be represented with a youth drum and bugle corps to exemplify community interest, civic consciousness, and cultural pride.
One month later, a letter was sent to Sacramento’s Chinese community, requesting support to establish a boys and girls drum and bugle corps. The initial meeting was held on March 23, 1963, at the Sacramento Confucius Temple in Chinatown. On that rainy, dreary day, eleven youngsters attended, along with a few parents and others interested in the project. The goals seemed hopeless, but this group went to work regardless, using reconditioned equipment donated by the Capitol Lions Club. The Chinese Benevolent Association provided some instruments and allowed the temple to be used for rehearsals. The $5.85 makeshift uniforms featured short-sleeved dress shirts, white continental trousers, black shoes, black Chinese hats, and a magenta sash. By July 1963, the new 47-member Ye Wah Drums & Lyras Corps made their public debut at the Oak Park 4th of July Parade.
The Ye Wah established their motto, based on an acronym from the corps’ name:
- You and I
- Enriched in Friendship
- Willingness to Learn
- Ability to Do
- Have Fun
The corps’ staff was comprised of parent volunteers who handled everything from fundraising, to sewing, cooking, transportation, and music instruction. No music or marching experience was required of the corps members.

Expansion and Competition
By August 1964, the Corps had performed in over seventeen parades and official receptions. A Color Guard was added that year, bringing Corps membership to about 75 members. Staff and parents held a successful fundraiser for a new Ye Wah Drum and Bugle Corps, to keep pace with present trends, provide an activity for youth aged 16-20, and encourage competition with other drum and bugle corps. By December, the Ye Wah was on its way to becoming the “new Corps on the block.”
Gradually, the Corps improved in quality, and was highly regarded for fine performances. The Color Guard joined the California Color Guard Circuit in 1965 and became a worthy competitor, winning several awards including a Circuit Championship title. The organization’s name was changed to the Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps in 1967. The corps was well-recognized in local performances, and soon, the Northern California competitive drum and bugle corps activity as well. The Mandarins continued to progress, competing in Southern California in 1970, and the Pacific Northwest in 1975, 1976, and 1981. The Mandarins began competing nationally in 1985.

Awards and Recognition
Competitors and audiences admire the Mandarins as an example of a successful, disciplined organization. The Mandarins have received extensive media exposure, both locally and nationally. Sacramento City and County government have presented resolutions honoring the Mandarins, and the corps received the Best Of Sacramento award from Sacramento Magazine.
Significant achievements include:
• Drum Corps International World Class Finalist – 2018-2019
• Drum Corps International World Class Semifinalist – 2011-2017
• Drum Corps International World Class Quarterfinalist – 2008-2010
• Drum Corps International Division I Semifinalist – 2001, 2005-06
• Drum Corps International Division II World Champions – 2001
• Drum Corps International Division III World Champions – 1987, 1988, 1992, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
• Drum Corps International Pacific Division II California State Champions – 2000-01
• Drum Corps International Pacific Division III Champions – 1996-99
• Spirit Of Disney Award for outstanding achievement and excellence in educational and entertainment programs for youth – 1987, 2001
• DCI Hall of Fame – Ray Mar, 2013
• DCI Volunteer of the Year – John Chow, 2015
• DCI Director of the Year – Jim Tabuchi, 2017
• DCI Volunteer of the Year – Kathleen Bakergumprecht-Davies, 2022
• Drum Corps International World Class Finalist, 10th Place – 2018, 2019, and 2022
• World Class Corps Director of the Year – JW Koester, 2023
• Drum Corps International World Class Finalist, 6th Place – 2023

Administration
The Mandarins are proud and fortunate to have an all-volunteer Administrative Staff and Board of Directors since inception. These volunteers, along with many parents and supporters have contributed countless hours of service to fundraising, uniform management, food preparation, and other tasks to ensure the continued success of the organization and its many programs.
Notable directors
1963 – Roy Wong, Yuk Fong: Two founding members of the Ye Wah Drums & Lyras Corps and the Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps. In addition to director’s duties, they were brass and percussion instructors, respectively. Also, Yuk was quartermaster and the corps chef.
1969 – Warren Tom: Fostered the Mandarins’ participation in competitive drum corps. Warren also became a beloved Timing & Penalties adjudicator with the California Color Guard Circuit and the Pacific Coast Judge’s Association.
1972 – Helen Owyang: Led the first overseas journey to the Republic of China where the Mandarins performed in Taiwan’s Presidential Inauguration ceremonies.
1975: Jeff Lee: Coordinated the first out-of-state tour to drum corps competitions and performances in the Pacific Northwest and Canada.
1978 – Joe Chan: Helped the corps make its first appearance at the Drum Corps International Championships in Denver, CO.
1979 – Cory Chew, Joyce Yee: Continued the Mandarins’ competitive drum corps involvement while also helping the color guard section become a crowd favorite by introducing graceful, ballet-style elegance to the guard activity.
1983 – Ray Mar, Phyllis Mah, Nanci Jan: Began the Mandarins’ transformation into a nationally-recognized drum corps. The corps competed in national summer tours for the first time ever. Ray earned the corps a reputation for consistent quality and excellence as evidenced by the eight Drum Corps International Championship titles won under his leadership. He was inducted into the DCI Hall Of Fame in 2013. Ray was the Mandarins’ longest-serving Director at 31 years and is now Director Emeritus and Advisor for the corps.
2010 – Jim Tabuchi: Increased the Mandarins’ visibility, stature, and ties to both the local community and the drum corps arena. Today, the Mandarins are lauded for its programs which, besides the Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps now include the Mandarins Academy at Sac State, Mandarins Music Academy, Mandarins Entertainment, and Mandarins Academy Summer Camp — each offering youth unique music education and performing arts opportunities. Under Jim’s leadership, the Mandarins acquired an equipment and uniform semi-trailer, a mobile kitchen, and the Mandarins Music Center building. Jim was appointed Mandarins President and CEO in 2014, DCI Director of the Year in 2017, DCI Board of Directors Member in 2018, DCI Board Vice Chair in 2019, and DCI Secretary in 2020. Jim retired as President and CEO in 2021, and currently serves as Executive Advisor.
2015 – JW Koester: With over 30 years as a drum corps designer, instructor, and consultant, JW’s extensive experience helps corps members perform at their highest level possible. The Mandarins are now fielding a full 154-member drum and bugle corps. Under JW’s leadership, the Mandarins the Mandarins placed 13th at the 2017 DCI World Championships, and in 2018 placed 10th at the DCI World Championship Finals for the first time in the Mandarins’ 55-year history. The corps repeated its 10th-place Finalist finish in 2019. and 2022. In 2023, JW was elected to the DCI Board of Directors, and was also voted World Class Corps Director of the Year by his peers.
Funding and Philosophy
During its earliest years, funds were raised through individual and business donations, candy and bake sales, car washes, Monte Carlo nights, and food festivals. The Chinese Community Center (in Sacramento’s Chinatown) provided rent-free space for rehearsals and equipment. For funding, the Mandarins began Bingo games in 1984, participates in the annual Big Day of Giving, and seeks foundation grants.
To ensure future financial stability, the Mandarins purchased a building in 2019 and transformed it into the Mandarins Music Center to host bingo, special events, private music lessons, and other ventures.

The Mandarins are the only American DCI competitive junior drum and bugle corps with an Asian heritage and are in the Top 10 of all drum and bugle corps worldwide. 2021 marks their 58th year of providing a wholesome, worthwhile activity for young men and women. What makes the Mandarins endure, after so many years? Perhaps it is its philosophy — that the activity must be fun, as well as rewarding, and that the focus is not merely on winning, but on each member doing their absolute best. Perhaps it is the ideal balance of personal time, education, and drum corps activity. Perhaps it is the blending of Asian traditions with drum corps. Whatever the reasons, the Mandarins have taught thousands of young men and women the values of leadership, discipline, and good citizenship — values which are carried through school, careers, and back to the community — with a true sense of purpose.

Through the Years
COMING SOON
1978 | Repertoire unavailable | 43.250 | 12th Place Class A |
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1979–83 | Repertoires unavailable | Did not attend World Championships | ||
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1984 | Legacy by Bob James / Light on my Life by Bill Sharpe & Roger Odell / Loisita by Bill Sharpe & Roger Odell | |||
1985 | Ponteio by Edú Lobo & Jose Carlos Capinam / Rainmaker by Earl Klugh / Dark Orchid by Sammy Nestico | |||
1986 | Dark Orchid by Sammy Nestico / Rainmaker by Earl Klugh / Bossa Netti by Vic Cionetti / Copacabana by Barry Manilow, Jack Feldman & Bruce Sussman | 64.800 | 10th Place Class A60 | |
1987 | Storm at Sun-Up by Gino Vannelli / Celebration Suite by Armando Anthony “Chick” Corea / Voyager by Derrick Graves, Dexter Wansel, George Howard, Herb Smith & Steve Gold / Sweet Cheryl Lynn by Chuck Mangione | 85.300 | 1st Place Class A60 Champion | |
61.900 | 20th Place Open Class | |||
1988 | The Sorcerer and the Latin by Vic Schoen / In Her Family by Pat Metheny / Celebration Suite by Chick Corea / Voyager by Derrick Graves, Dexter Wansel, George Howard, Herb Smith & Steve Gold / More Than the Stars by Eddie Cole | 80.200 | 1st Place Class A60 Champion | |
53.700 | 19th Place Open Class | |||
1989 | Dreams of the Sirens by Russ Freeman / In Her Family by Pat Metheny / Minuano & The First Circle by Pat Metheny & Lyle Mays | 87.100 | 3rd Place Class A60 Finalist | |
64.700 | 18th Place Open Class |
1990 | The First Circle by Pat Metheny & Lyle Mays / Letter From Home & Third Wind by Pat Metheny / Minuano & Flight of the Falcon by Pat Metheny & Lyle Mays | 88.200 | 2nd Place Class A60 Finalist | |
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63.900 | 19th Place Open Class | |||
1991 | Let There Be Praise & In His Presence by Dick and Melodie Tunney / So Much 2 Say by Cedrick Dent & Mervyn Warren / Miracles Can Happen by Brent Henderson & Craig Patty / Make His Praise Glorious by Bill and Robin Wolaver | 85.600 | 2nd Place Class A60 Finalist | |
1992 | Joy (Traditional) / Jubilee Variations, Appalachian Spring & The Red Pony by Aaron Copland | 90.000 | 4th Place Division II & III Finalist | |
67.800 | 26th Place Division I | |||
1993 | Episode Five for Brass by Carl Hilding “Doc” Severinsen / Adagio for Strings by Samuel Barber / Rocky Point Holiday by Ron Nelson | 92.600 | 2nd Place Division II & III Finalist | |
67.200 | 26th Place Division I | |||
1994 | Voices of a Planet | Black Forest by Brian Slawson / Dance of the Hunter’s Fire by Airto Moreira, Babatunde Olatunji, Flora Purim, Sikiru Adepoju & Vikku Vinayakram / Minuano by Pat Metheny & Lyle Mays / Bones by Mickey Hart, Zakir Hussain, Babatunde Olatunji & Flora Purim / Udu Chant by Sikiru Adepoju, Mickey Hart, Zakir Hussain & Airto Moreira / Appalachian Morning by Paul Halley | 90.800 | 3rd Place Division II & III Finalist |
1995 | Cinematic Impressions | Theme Song (from Speed) by Howard Shore / The Wedding Night by Bernard Herrmann / A Perilous Direction, The Honeymoon & The Creation (from Frankenstein) by Patrick Doyle | 91.500 | 2nd Place Division III Finalist |
69.100 | 22nd Place Division I | |||
1996 | To the Edge | Taiko Drumming (Original) / Rhythm of the Saints by Paul Simon / Cirque du Soleil by René Dupéré | 94.000 | 1st Place Division III Champion |
69.300 | 21st Place Division I | |||
1997 | Passport | Ghost Train (from The Ghost Train Triptych) / The Ride (from The Ghost Train) / At the Station & The Motive Revolution (from The Ghost Train Triptych) / Bullet (from The Ghost Train) All by Eric Whitacre | 94.800 | 1st Place Division III Champion |
73.100 | 20th Place Division I | |||
1998 | Dragon Dance – Tan Dun | Dragon Dance by Tan Dun / Happy Valley by Vanessa-Mae / The Butterfly Lovers by Chen Gang and He Zhanhao | 93.800 | 1st Place Division III Champion |
71.500 | 23rd Place Division I | |||
1999 | Transformations | Overture & Make Our Garden Grow (from Candide) / Symphonic Suite (from On the Waterfront) All by Leonard Bernstein | 93.700 | 1st Place Division III Champion |
73.900 | 20th Place Division I |
2000 | Katachi: The Essence of Design | Heroes Symphony & V2 Schneider by Philip Glass / Anakin’s Theme, The Droid Battle, Panaka & Duel of the Fates (from Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace) by John Williams | 94.300 | 2nd Place Division II & III Finalist |
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74.350 | 18th Place Division I | |||
2001 | Festival of Music | Music for a Festival, Variations on an Enigma, Mountain Song & Partita All by Philip Sparke | 97.800 | 1st Place Division II & III Champion |
79.300 | 16th Place Division I Semifinalist | |||
2002 | Year of the Dragon | Year of the Dragon by Philip Sparke / Montage by Peter Graham / A London Overture & Diversions by Philip Sparke | 95.800 | 3rd Place Division II & III Finalist |
78.050 | 19th Place Division I | |||
2003 | Black Market Bazaar | Symphony No. 2 in B Minor, Polovetsian Dances (from Prince Igor) & In the Steppes of Central Asia by Alexander Borodin / Bacchanale (from Samson and Delilah) by Camille Saint-Saëns | 80.300 | 18th Place Division I |
2004 | Samurai | Red Warrior (from The Last Samurai) by Hans Zimmer / Ouverture Solennelle by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky / Tabidachi, Nishi he (Departure to the West) by Joe Hisaishi / Bullet by Wong / The Way of the Sword (from The Last Samurai) by Hans Zimmer | 77.750 | 20th Place Division I |
2005 | Loves Me… Loves Me Not… | Adagio (from Spartacus) by Aram Khachaturian / Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini (Variation 18) by Sergei Rachmaninoff / Vibraphonissimo & Nuevo Tango by Astor Piazzolla / Symphonic Dances, Mvt. III by Sergei Rachmaninoff | 78.100 | 17th Place Division I Semifinalist |
2006 | Rhythm Nation | Martillo by Luis Garay Percussion World / Egyptian Danza by Al Di Meola / Back Home by Nando Lauria / Din Daa Daa by George Kranz / Rhythm Nation by James Harris, Terry Lewis & Janet Jackson / Clapping Music by Steve Reich / Episode – Prelude by Nando Lauria / Tell it All & The Way Up by Lyle Mays & Pat Metheny | 77.875 | 17th Place Division I Semifinalist |
2007 | Dragon Dance | Tea in Chinese Camp, Call of the Mountain (from Gates of Gold) & Shadow and Light by Joseph Curiale / Battle in the Forest (from House of Flying Daggers) by Shigeru Umebayashi / Jubiliation Dragon Dance by Tan Dun | 75.200 | 21st Place Division I |
2008 | River | Wind River by Joseph Curiale / Cajun Folksong by Frank Ticheli / Sunrise (from Grand Canyon Suite) by Ferde Grofé / Inferno (from The Divine Comedy) by Robert W. Smith | 77.925 | 19th Place World Class |
2009 | ABSOLUTE | Absolute Fanfare: Festive Overture by Dmitri Shostakovich Absolute Passion: Libertango by Astor Piazzola Absolute Joy: Ode to Joy (from Ninth Symphony) by Ludwig van Beethoven / Joy (Traditional) / Christmas Anthem by Robert W. Smith Absolute Rhythm & Absolute Velocity: Partita by Phillip Sparke | 79.650 | 18th Place World Class |
2010 | To Dream of Far Away Lands | Meetings Along the Edge by Philip Glass and Ravi Shankar / The Mountain of Fruit and Flowers by David Buckley / Samudra Manthan by Shivkumar Sharma / Quiet by Sheila Chandra, Steve Coe & Martin Smith / Ever So Lonely by Steve Coe / Ambush from Ten Sides (Chinese Traditional) | 78.100 | 19th Place World Class |
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2011 | The Forty Thieves: An Ancient Tale of Spices, Toxins, and Perfumes | Octabones by Adi Morag / Spices, Perfumes, and Toxins by Avner Dorman | 75.700 | 21st Place World Class Semifinalist |
2012 | Prophecy | Prophecy by Key Poulan | 71.600 | 23rd Place World Class Semifinalist |
2013 | DESTINATION AMERICA: Journey of the Paper Sons | The Promise of a Better Life, Journey to America, Interrogation & Freedom All by Key Poulan | 79.750 | 18th Place World Class Semifinalist |
2014 | UnbreakABLE: The Human Spirit Is Limitless | UnbreakABLE: The Human Spirit is Limitless by Key Poulan, Tony Nunez & Kevin Shaw | 78.150 | 21st Place World Class Semifinalist |
2015 | RESURRECTION | I. The Awakening II. Warrior III. The Dynasty of the Emperor IV. Forever in Stone All by Key Poulan with Sean Womack & Mark Hunter | 76.425 | 20th Place World Class Semifinalist |
2016 | Forbidden Forest | I. Into the Forest II. The Calling (Inspired by Devilish Love from Hemingway’s Garden of Eden) III. Our Demons Within IV. Triumph of our Inner Self All by Key Poulan, Mark Hunter & Sean Womack / The Calling by Roger Julia | 81.200 | 17th Place World Class Semifinalist |
2017 | Inside the Ink | Flow by Key Poulan, Darren Van Derpoel & Bryan Nungaray / Drip by Key Poulan, Darren Van Derpoel & Bryan Nungaray / The Sound of Silence by Paul Simon / Crazy by Willie Nelson / Inside the Ink by Key Poulan, Darren Van Derpoel & Bryan Nungaray | 85.550 | 13th Place World Class Semifinalist |
2018 | Life Rite After | String Quartet No. 8 in C Minor, Opus 110 (Allegro Molto) by Dmitri Shostakovich / Spiriti by Thomas Doss / True Colors by Tom Kelly & Billy Steinberg | 88.150 | 10th Place World Class Finalist |
2019 | subTerra | Ritual and Discovery by Key Poulan & Ike Jackson / On the Shoulders of Giants by Peter Graham / Truman Sleeps by Philip Glass / Allure by Key Poulan / Run, Boy, Run by Yoann Lemoine & Ambroise Willaume / Sacrifice by Key Poulan & Ike Jackson | 89.300 | 10th Place World Class Finalist |
No season
- Repertoire:
- Stand Up
- Original Music
- Final Score/Placement:
N/A (Indianapolis, IN) - Notable Facts:
- The season was not scored due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
- Repertoire:
- Avi Kaplan
- Pink Floyd
- Stranger things
- Final Score/Placement:
10th Place, 90.013 (Indianapolis, IN) - Notable Facts:
- The first year the corps has ever scored above 90.
- The corps third year in a row in 10th place in World Class Finals.