Advisory Board
Mandarins Performing Arts is seeking seasoned professionals to join our Advisory Board!
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Mandarins Performing Arts (MPA) is seeking qualified professionals to join its Advisory Board. The new board year will begin with a kickoff meeting in November 2026.
Established in 2024, the Advisory Board includes senior executives and professionals representing a broad range of expertise and backgrounds. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Advisory Board provides strategic guidance and insights on organizational priorities, operational effectiveness, youth development initiatives, and fundraising efforts.
Over the past year, the Advisory Board assumed responsibility for identifying, evaluating, and nominating candidates for the prestigious Outstanding Community Contributor Award, presented annually at the Sacramento Performing Arts Recognition Gala (SPARG).
In just two years, the Advisory Board has played a significant role in advancing the organization's evolution from the Mandarins brand to Mandarins Performing Arts. Its contributions include strategic counsel on youth programs, premier events such as the DCI Capital Classic, fundraising initiatives, the creation of a career mentorship program, and leadership of SPARG event programming.
MPA's programs are inclusive and accessible to all. These programs include the Mandarins Music Academy, which serves more than 1,500 students annually, as well as specialized programs supporting individuals with special needs and youth facing at-risk circumstances. MPA is working vigorously to return its nationally acclaimed drum and bugle corps to world-class competition in 2027.
We are looking to add experienced senior leaders and professionals from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about shaping the next generation and strengthening our community through performing arts.
Questions may be directed to Ron Lam at ron.lam@mandarins.org.
Meet the Team
Ron Lam
Advisory Board Chair
Saori Choulos
Advisory Board
Perry Ghilarducci
Advisory Board
Dr. Anna Keck
Advisory Board
Patrick Kennedy
Advisory Board
Jeniene Knight
Advisory Board
Marty Louie
Advisory Board
Betty Low
Advisory Board
Dennis (Denny) Mangers
Advisory Board
Dr. Sheree Meyer
Advisory Board
Coby Pizzotti
Advisory Board
Scott Rosenzweig
Advisory Board
Andy Roth
Advisory Board
Phillip Vermont
Advisory Board
Dr. Marvin Reed
Advisory Board
Bridget Smith
Advisory Board
Dr. Steven Winlock
Advisory Board
Thank you for your interest in the newly created Advisory Board for Mandarins Performing Arts!
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The Mandarins are known for its nationally acclaimed Drum & Bugle Corps; but the Mandarins are much more than that, serving the greater Sacramento community through its numerous programs and initiatives. Mandarins have provided the gift of music to thousands of youth during the past 60 years! The programs are inclusive and open to all participants, exemplified by its special needs program, at-risk initiative and drum and bugle corps, which is known as one of the most, if not the most, diverse corps in the nation.
Mandarins are launching an Advisory Board of qualified members, from a variety of diverse backgrounds and experiences, to provide input on strategic initiatives, including community programs and fundraising activities. The selected board members will meet four times a year and be ambassadors of the Mandarins in fundraising and community programs.
In addition to providing input and assisting in getting the “word out” on various initiatives/events, Advisory Board Members are expected to attend quarterly meetings and at least one event (e.g., golf tournament, corps show, etc.) annually and meet an annual fundraising commitment, via member self or referrals.
As a preview for prospective Advisory Board candidates/members, there are three special
event options this Spring/Summer, including the Dragon Golf Classic Tournament, Sneak Peek Friends & Family Show, and the DCI Capital Classic Drum Corps show.​​​
The Mandarins are nationally celebrated for its stellar achievements on the field of competition, routinely one of the very best drum & bugle corps in the world. Their achievements have provided recognition to Mandarins, which has allowed the organization to establish and extend the gift of music throughout the great Sacramento youth community, via these programs:
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Mandarins Music Academy–providing the “gift of music” to over 1,300 students in the 2023/4 academic school year, in partnership with the Elk Grove Unified School District, KHS America and Alfred Music. Looking to expand this program.
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Pathways (At-Risk youth program)–dedicated to enriching the lives of incarcerated youth within the Department of Justice, with a music curriculum based on leadership skills, social-emotional support and teambuilding, preparing them for re-entry into society.
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Special Needs Program–enhancing the lives of over 100 special needs students at the Jessie Baker Elementary Schook in Elk Grove thru music education. Looking to expand this program.
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Immortal Winds (indoor competition)–Mandarins newest competitive ensemble for brass and woodwind musicians, providing an opportunity for local youth musicians to showcase their talents and push their artistic abilities. The 2023 ensemble went undefeated in its inaugural season.
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Mandarins Entertainment–an all-inclusive professional music ensemble, performing throughout the Northern California Community, including grand openings, dedications, social celebrations (weddings, birthdays, etc.) and professional sporting events.
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Incubator for Music Professionals–through these programs and the drum & bugle corps, Mandarins provide training, development and a foundation for the next generation of music professionals–performers, educators and instructors.