2010 Visual Design Team Announced

The Mandarins announce their 2010 Visual Design Team of Myron Rosander, Brian Mar, and George Armenta.

Read the entire story here.

Mandarins 2010 Caption Heads Announced

The Sacramento Mandarins are pleased to announce caption heads for the 2010 season. Mandarins Executive Director Ray Mar expressed that "we are fortunate to be bringing in caption heads who have a terrific knowledge of their craft and are great educators, motivators and managers as well. Their talent and expertise will be a great benefit to the marching members and the entire Mandarins organization."

The 2010 Mandarins caption heads include:

Sacramento Mandarins Announce 2010 Management Team

The Sacramento Mandarins recently announced their 2010 management team. Ray Mar will assume the position of Executive Director, responsible for the overall operation, management and direction of the organization. Jim Tabuchi has been appointed to the role of Corps Director. In his new position he is responsible for member recruiting, staff development, facility management, development of alternate funding sources, the Mandarins Scholarship Program and alumni and community outreach. This arrangement will insure the corps' long term success and adherence to the corps' philosophy of "Celebrating Youth, Transforming Lives", while at the same time giving the necessary attention to all the daily tasks that come with running a DCI World Class drum corps. Read the rest of the article here.

mandarins brass academy

The Mandarins Brass Academy (MBA) held their opening session for the new season on Sunday, September 6th at Cosumnes Oaks High School. Read the rest of the article here.

Another Look Back At The Season

Rob Stewart, of KVIE Public Television, produces "Rob on the Road", which discovers stories that capture the unique spirit of Northern California.

Rob visited the Mandarins at one of the last rehearsals before our DCI tour, and interviewed brass instructor and Mandarins Brass Academy coordinator Jim Tabuchi. Watch it here: http://tinyurl.com/mqcwb4

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.

Quarterfinals

DCI Quarterfinals day. Had a great rehearsal block in the morning. As is tradition, the brass line arched up around the ageouts to play the adagio section of "Year of the Dragon" to acknowledge their contributions and our respect for the 13 members of the Mandarins who will be aging out this season.

After rehearsal, some down time to prepare for our appearance at DCI World Class Quarterfinals. The staff felt that the corps members were ready to go, and well prepared for Championships Week.

Guard and pit warmed up at the stadium, while brass and battery bused to a nearby park for warm ups. Lucas Oil Field is a magnificent stadium; everything is state of the art and seemed to be by far our largest venue, even compared to stadiums such as Invesco Field in Denver and the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

Today's performance was by far the best of the season. A large standing ovation at the end of the show indicated the quality of the performance. The corps has overcome a few obstacles over the course of the season (as have all drum corps to be fair); however, this edition of the Mandarins can be very proud of their efforts and accomplishments.

After the performance today, the corps was treated to a bbq at the Star of America facility in Bloomington. Everyone had a great time, and it was a chance for the members, staff, parents and drivers to unwind.