Letter from the CEO

Are We Making a Difference?

Recently, I heard a true story about one of our Mandarins Music Academy students who practiced his trumpet every night — so much so that one evening, he fell asleep hugging his trumpet like a teddy bear. He didn’t just play music; he loved it.  

I also heard about a student with disabilities at the Jessie Baker School who was given an egg shaker to play along with his classmates. After a moment, he quietly asked, “Two?” When handed a second shaker, he joyfully waved both hands in time with the music, fully immersed in the moment. These moments answer an important question for us: 

Yes — we are making a difference.  

The Sacramento Mandarins’ mission statement is “Transforming Lives Through Performing Arts”. In a world still healing from the impacts of COVID-19, the role of music has never been more important. Research supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is actively studying how music interventions can help individuals with physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges — including those affected by long-term effects of the pandemic. 

A seven-year study conducted by USC found that students involved in music education developed measurable auditory and cognitive advantages over their peers, along with stronger executive function skills such as working memory and delayed gratification. 

Because of supporters like you, our mission is thriving: 

• Mandarins Music Academy classes are full, with waiting lists 

• Immortal Winds members are deeply engaged and transforming the Indoor Winds landscape across Northern California. 

• Pathways continues to engage youth in the Sacramento County Detention Center. 

And we’re not done. 

Looking ahead, the Mandarins are building with intention and accountability: 

• We are actively budgeting to pay down previous drum corps debt and are looking ahead to the 2027 season.

• The Mandarins Alumni Corps is reactivating for expanded activities in 2026, featuring a performance at the DCI Capital Classic.

• All pre-paid 2026 drum corps audition fees and audition packets have been fully refunded.

• A brand-new Mandarins Arts Academy is on the horizon, opening up the doors to music education for middle and high school aged youth in the Sacramento Area. 

• Our Board of Directors and Advisory Board continue to grow with committed leaders 

This progress is possible because of you. 

Thank you for helping us raise more than $75,000 during Giving Tuesday. With your continued support, we believe we can reach $100,000 by the end of the year. A gift of any size strengthens our foundation, expands access to music education, and ensures that the Mandarins continue to serve our community with integrity and impact. 

As we close out this year, I invite you to stand with us — to invest in young musicians, to support inclusive arts education, and to help the Mandarins shine even more brightly in the year ahead. 

If you feel inspired to give, to volunteer, or to learn more about how you can be involved, I would love to hear from you.  

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!  

With gratitude and optimism,

Daniel Fong

President/CEO

Mandarins Performing Arts