Final Days

On Friday, the corps members spent the morning checking in equipment and uniforms in preparation for sending the trucks and equipment back to California. Corps members also completed the annual member survey. This survey is based on the book "First Break All The Rules: What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently" by Marcus Buckingham. The results of this survey are used by the corps staff and administration as a tool to evaluate and improve our operations.

Corps members also cast their ballots for the Joe Fong Award, which is bestowed on the corps member who best exemplifies the values of the Mandarins. The winner of this award is announced at the annual corps dinner to be held later this year.

In the afternoon, the corps attended the opening day of the Indiana State Fair with Pacific Crest. Yes, competitors can be friends and supporters of each other.

That evening, the corps attended the Age Out Ceremony. The Mandarins would like to thank all of this year's ageouts for their tireless efforts and dedication. This year's Mandarins ageouts include:

• Mai Adachi, Brass
• Jon Boo, Percussion
• Juan Crespo, Percussion
• Michael Flores, Percussion
• Carson Gantt, Percussion
• Caleb Kondor, Brass
• Rick Mano, Brass
• Krobkal (Tami) Petborisooth, Color Guard
• Stuart Rosen, Brass
• Santiago Sabado, Drum Major
• Luis Sosa, Brass
• William Winston II, Percussion
• Akari Yanada, Percussion

Saturday was spent cleaning up and loading the trucks. The corps would like to thank the administration and staff of Avon Intermediate School East for their support and assistance in making our stay in Indiana a pleasant one.

After attending finals, the corps buses proceeded to the airport. The Mandarins tour fees include airfare to both the beginning point of tour (Denver) and the flight home from the DCI Championships. By Sunday morning, everyone had arrived home.

This has been a terrific season for the corps, and the staff is very proud of the performing members for their resilience and commitment.

While the corps is looking back on this past season with many fond memories, planning has already started for the 2010 season. Keep checking this space, and the corps website at mandarins.org for updates.

Finally, thank you also to all the families, friends, parents, supporters and alumni who have helped out in countless ways. The corps could not have done it without you. We hope you are as proud of the 2009 Mandarins as we are.