2025 Audition Camps & Update

It is late December and that means that the weather has gotten colder (even in the warm parts of the country), and lots of young people are out of school for winter break. Drum corps auditions have been taking place (Oh boy!). At the Mandarins, we have completed our in-person auditions and our first round of video auditions (color guard video auditions are still open). We held in-person auditions in Houston TX, Livermore (NorCal), Moreno Valley (SoCal), and Hartford CT.

I must say that we saw some pretty good talent and experience along with a good number of returning members in all sections. We have sent out many contract offers along with an equal number of acceptances coming back for those offers. We have also sent out many callback invitations for all sections.

So, suffice it to say that we are very excited with our mix of returning members and new members to comprise the 2025 membership. And, why would I say that? Well, because we have a very talented instructional team, and they are excited about the talent they saw at the auditions and the experience levels. I like what they like!

Upcoming Camps

January 17-19 - Rosemont High School, Sacramento for brass, percussion & drum majors.

 February 28 - March 2 - Higher Learning Academy, Sacramento for brass & drum majors.

 April 25 – 25 camp is for the full corps (woohoo!) in NorCal (site TBD).

We had some awesome volunteer help at the in-person camps, and I'd like to thank those folks for their amazing support. We also had some solid admin support including Jerry S., Phil A., Michael J., Tyler A., Jesus M., Nate B., Alice S., Maria M., Lorene H., Kevin, Keith S., Derek P., Diane C., Dan F., and many others!

The 2025 show design under the direction of Becca Anderson continues to come along with music having been selected and is in the process of being written. The team continues to work on the pacing and details of the show and I must say that I am very excited about the direction the show is taking.  I think that you will be as well.

The 2025 DCI (Drum Corps International) tour schedule has been released. We will be visiting some old favorites like Stanford, the Rose Bowl, San Antonio TX, Winston-Salem NC, and Allentown PA as well as some new locations like Albuquerque NM, and Waco TX. And, for the first time in many years, we will venture to the Pacific Northwest, visiting the Seattle WA, and Portland OR areas. So, keep an eye out for where we might visit close to you. Oh yeah, and our very own show, DCI Capital Classic will be held on July 5, 2025 (site TBD). It is going to be a great event with the The Academy (Tempe, AZ), Blue Knights (Denver, CO), Boston Crusaders (Boston, MA), and Santa Clara Vanguard (Santa Clara, CA) in attendance!

Last but certainly not least, we are still running our year-end annual fundraising campaign. If you haven't yet made your 100% tax-free donation - that's right, your donations are 100% tax deductible (Check with your tax professional to confirm if you are eligible) -  please do so by December 31, 2024. Your donations are what keep our amazing drum corps alive and successful year after year and we absolutely appreciate everything you do for us!

Well, I guess that wasn't the last thing because I need to say that I hope your holidays are wonderful and safe! Please be sure to spend a bit of time with family and friends as you enjoy a little break in the action. So, take care, be safe, be sane, and let's get ready for another rockin' new year! 2025 is going to be fun and exciting as well.

Till the next time.

Ciao,

JW

Corps Director