Jo Ann Tabuchi — a parent’s perspective

Hi, my name is Jo Ann Tabuchi. I am a parent/chaperone/cook and I went on tour for the first time in 2008 for 10 days. I wanted to see what it was like, since my two boys had expressed interest in the Mandarins. This year, it is Nick and Tim's first year as members and I am excited for them as they embark on this wonderful life changing experience that I've seen other young men and women go through. Although I have seen the Mandarins perform at different times in the past, this year will be wonderfully different for a number of reasons. By volunteering at the camps, I have been lucky enough to see the start and forming of the 2009 Mandarins from the Fall of 2008. It will be exciting to see the corps progress all the way to championship week. It is such a rewarding experience being able to support such a fantastic group of kids and staff. Working in the kitchen to help provide nutritious meals during the camps is a lot of work, but it is soooo rewarding when the corps members and staff come through the food line with big, grateful smiles on their faces, after a full and hard day of rehearsal. I look forward to helping Mr. and Mrs. Mar out where and whenever I can.

Emily Tsunekawa — guard captain

My name is Emily Tsunekawa, I am the colorguard captain, and this is my fifth year with the Mandarins. I am excited for the show this season because it is just so fast and fun and I can't wait untill we get it all on the field. It is going to be a challenge and it will definitely take a lot of endurance and stamina. 

I really like all the new people that I met this year and I thought Memorial Weekend camp was a great way to get to know new people. I felt we got a lot done and I am excited to have finished opener and the libertango drill. I can't wait to learn more and I think family day will definitely be an exciting one this year.

ABSOLUTE

ab⋅so⋅lute  [ab-suh-loot, ab-suh-loot]

–adjective

total; boundless; ultimate; unconditional

The Sacramento Mandarins present the purest and most unrestricted brand of entertainment for their 2009 production entitled, "ABSOLUTE.".

"Absolute Fanfare"—Dimitri Shostakovich's Festive Overture, proclaims the corps' regality and brilliance, while "Absolute Passion"—Astor Piazzolla's Libertango legitimizes the Mandarins as a sultry, sexy tour de force. "Absolute Joy" is delicately yet dramatically combined and portrayed through Beethoven's Ode to Joy. Closing with the playful and quirky Partita by Philip Sparke, the Mandarins reprise their 2001 performance and wrap up the show in a whirlwind of flair with "Absolute Velocity". Without a doubt, the Mandarins' 2009 production of "ABSOLUTE" will be undeniably and absolutely entertaining.

ABSOLUTE

Absolute Fanfare

Festive Overture, Op. 96 - Dmitri Shostakovich

Absolute Passion

Libertango - Astor Piazzolla

Absolute Joy

Ode to Joy (from Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125, "Choral") - Ludwig van Beethoven

Absolute Rhythm

Ode to Joy (from Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125, "Choral") - Ludwig van Beethoven

Absolute Velocity

Partita - Philip Sparke

Memorial Day Camp Report

Friday May 22/Saturday May 23

The corps settled down for a long weekend of work at Grace Davis High School in Modesto, CA. While we have number of corps members who will be arriving late over the course of the weekend due to graduation, the corps is moving forward with music, drill equipment work and choreography.

By the way, congratulations to all of our graduates, we are very proud of you!

Our corps members from Japan arrived on Wednesday and will be here for the rest of the summer: Akari Yanada, pit: Mai Adachi, trumpet; and Nanami Ida, bass drum. Welcome! The Mandarins have had members from Japan since 2001, in fact, Akari is returning to the Mandarins after having been a member of the pit in 2007.

In addition, Kallen Asao, a guard member from Hawaii is in camp. The remainder of our quite sizeable Hawaii contingent will be arriving in June.

Saturday morning was spent on the completing the opener drill, and the afternoon reviewing the earlier portions of the drill. We are fortunate as the temperatures are quite moderate, especially compared to the 100 degree weather we had in Sacramento last weekend.

Much of the evening hours were spent in music sectionals as work was completed on Partita, the piece being used for the “Absolute Velocity” portion of the program.

Sunday May 24/Monday May 25

Sunday morning started with a conditioning session lead by Chris DaPrato. Chris is a former Mandarins marching member and also served on the percussion staff. In his present job, Chris currently works with NCAA Div. 1 athletes at Cal Berkeley in their Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy departments.

Over the course of the weekend, the corps completed the drill and staging for the second number, Libertango, which is used to portray “Absolute Passion”. As a result, the corps now has the first 5 minutes of the show on the field.

The evening ended with a music ensemble run of the entire 2009 program Absolute. While much work remains to be done, and the inevitable changes yet to be made, the soundtrack for this year’s show should certainly have widespread crowd appeal.

You can see video of the entire weekend at the corps’ website, mandarins.org And yes, the Mandarins do tweet: http://twitter.com/dcimandarins

Coming Soon

Our next rehearsal will be on May 31 at Florin High School in Sacramento. The day will be spent tightening up the opener drill and sectional time will be devoted to refinements of the music book.

June camp will be June 5 -7 at Oakmont High School in Roseville. We presently have a tuba and guard opening, so if you’re thinking about marching, now is the time to make your move. See our audition page for details: mandarins.org/auditions/detail.html

¿las trompetas, el superhombre, y el plátano?

what's for dinner?

Louie Sosa— horn sergeant

My name is Louie Sosa and I'm the trumpet section leader and horn sergeant for 2009. 

As a returning member, it's always exciting to see a large turn out in numbers and talent, both of which we have seen this season. The hornline is bigger than Mandarins has ever seen, and it's a privilege to be a part of this special year. The design team has created a fascinating concept, Absolute, and the brass members are very enthusiastic about seeing it come together. So far, we have our opener and production piece on the field and we're lovin' it. The show is so energetic and enjoyable! I am proud to march my age out year as a Mandarin, and look forward to a fun last season which has already pushed our limits and set new standards.

After a pretty successful camp, it's funny how much I still learn from Mandarins. Not that I don't expect to (it's a constant learning experience), but it's the content, timing, and delivery of those lessons that ground me. I left this camp more confident as a marcher, as well as a leader, yet am humbled by how much I have yet to discover.

*Absolute 09*

♪♬♪♬ Louie '\\\

welcome to our 2009 summer blog