Remainder of Tour

To read about the remainder of the Mandarins 2010 DCI tour, check out our "virtual tour" here: http://bit.ly/drxtjn

August 1-2, Ohio

Our stay in Ohio continued with weather that was much better than what we had encountered in Texas and the south. We shared housing at Northridge High School in Dayton with Pioneer. However, the facility was very large and spread out, so we did not really see too much of each other.

Mr. Chow's meatloaf was the highlight of several fantastic meals served up by our ever working food crew.

Monday night's show was a good effort, and many parts of the show are starting to show significant improvement, although there was not quite the same energy as the Atlanta show. However, we continue to make improvement with every rehearsal block, every performance.

Next stop, upstate New York!

July 29 - 31 Atlanta

Our housing for the Atlanta show was at Temple Middle School, Temple GA. A very large school for a middle school. A great set up for us with a couple of fields, kitchen and cafeteria...and very good weather!

Nearly two full days of rehearsal was something we hadn't had in a while. Time was spent cleaning the show, with considerable emphasis on the opener. Frank Dorritie, a drum corps icon who is also very active in the recording industry spent time with the corps during our stay.

Saturday's show was a big one, with every world class corps in attendance. Our work in Temple paid off as it was the best show of the season, and both staff and members were very happy with the effort and the performance.

After our performance, a sudden downpour occurred as the members were walking back to the buses (it is about a 15 minute walk). As a result, much of the next day was spent drying uniforms and clothes that had been soaked in the downpour.

We are in Ohio for the next couple of days, with a show in Centerville on Monday.

July 27/28 Mississippi

Arrived at D'iberville High School for a two day stay. The first day was spent in rehearsal, the evening - laundry day!

The show Wednesday evening was held at the University of Southern Mississippi, home of Brett Favre. A good show, but plenty of things to work on in the coming weeks.

The corps will moving on to Georgia, where we will have 2 rehearsal days before the Atlanta regional. Looking forward to getting a lot accomplished!

July 26 - Louisiana

Had a great stay at Iowa High School today. Thank to the band and color guard, and band director for being such terrific hosts.

Thunderstorms throughout the day so we moved inside and under cover for the last couple of hours of rehearsal.

No rain at the show, in contrast to Monroe LA in 2008 when the corps got drenched on the starting line.

Show was a mixed bag, some parts showed greater clarity, others still needing work. Plenty to work on before Wednesday night's show in Hattiesburg MS, but we are moving forward!

San Antonio July 25

Today the corps started off with I and E - Individual and Ensemble. The corps was very well represented in a number of categories. You can see the results here: http://bit.ly/bbET5J

Then a well deserved free day down at the River Walk. Off to Iowa, LA , pronounced I-O-Way for housing and a show in Lafayette Monday night.

July 23/24 Dallas/San Antonio

Last two shows in Texas. The show in Dallas Friday night had a rough start but the corps went on to give a solid performance.

Our housing in San Antonio is terrific; St Mary's Hall, a private middle school on a very large, wooded campus. Plenty of field space, great facilities and very supportive hosts.

Saturday's show in San Antonio was the best of the season. Everyone's hard work this past week definitely paid off. A great way to cap off a week of shows here in Texas.

Today, I and E in the morning, then free day at River Walk!