1996 SCORES and REVIEWS

"Mandarins show "To The Edge" has only 16 measures of 4/4 count. This according to several members I met just prior to the show. And true to their word, the show -- based mostly on "Cirque du Soliel" -- is a mixture of odd meters and difficult tempos. They're smaller this year with just 16 percussion (3 snare/4 brass/2 tenor/7 pit), 6 guard, and 13 horns (3 contra/5 high/5 low) but they pack a wallop of sound. The opener is jazzy and that's about all I wrote. I was really enthralled w/the music and didn't write much else down. They have no drum major, but it appears that the center snare is in charge of tempo and starting them off. I find this quite amazing given the extremely difficult meters. The Cute Award: to the talented but youngish looking pit member who at one point carries out huge cymbals for a snare to cym-ride. Maybe Cute and Gutsy -- those plates were huge, relatively speaking." -- Christina Mavroudis, DCWorld Columnist

AUGUST 16 - DCI OPEN CLASS FINALS - ORLANDO, FL
97.4 - Blue Devils (tie)
97.4 - Phantom Regiment (tie)
96.9 - Cadets of Bergen County
93.8 - Cavaliers
92.3 - Santa Clara Vanguard
91.5 - Madison Scouts
86.3 - Bluecoats
85.5 - Crossmen (tie)
85.5 - Magic Of Orlando (tie)
82.1 - Carolina Crown
81.3 - Colts
80.7 - Blue Knights

AUGUST 15 - DCI OPEN CLASS QUARTERFINALS - ORLANDO, FL
98.3 - Blue Devils
97.2 - Cadets of Bergen County
94.6 - Phantom Regiment
94.5 - Madison Scouts
93.6 - Santa Clara Vanguard
89.4 - Crossmen
87.8 - Magic of Orlando
87.4 - Bluecoats
86.6 - Colts
85.6 - Carolina Crown
84.5 - Blue Knights
81.0 - Glassmen
80.3 - Kiwanis Kavaliers
79.3 - Les Etoiles
76.8 - Boston Crusaders
75.0 - Velvet Knights
74.9 - Acadamie Musicale
74.4 - Troopers
74.1 - Pioneer
69.3 - Mandarins
68.7 - Nite Express
68.0 - Spirit Of Atlanta
66.8 - Southwind
65.1 - Golden Lancers

AUGUST 13 - DCI DIVISION II/III FINALS - ORLANDO, FL
DIVISION III FINALS
94.0 - *** MANDARINS *** 1996 DCI DIVISION III CHAMPIONS
90.7 - Golden Lancers - Spirit Of Disney Award
87.8 - Blue Stars
85.5 - Patriots
84.0 - East Coast Jazz
80.0 - Northern Aurora
79.0 - Bayonne Raiders

"The remarkable Mandarins won their 4th Division III title, blowing the field away by taking all captions. Mandarins used thundering taiko drums to great effect, leading to two standing ovations (one at the end of the drum solo, the other at the end of the show). The smallest hornline of the seven contestants (13 performers) won brass performance by 0.3. Even more amazing-- DCI reported that a quarter of the Mandarins marching members are under the age of 12!" -- Mark Herzin, Fan

"This was Mandarins fourth Division III title, but the corps has been oh-so-close on any number of prior occasions. After winning the class by a stunning 3.3 points, the corps went on to quarterfinals and earned DCI member corps status for the first time ever (although in past years they've come close to accomplishing that a number of times as well).Ironically, this year's corps was the youngest one they've put on the field in 10 years and this year they marched only 13 horns. Forty percent of the members had never performed before and out of 39 marchers, 10 were only 11 or 12 years old. Despite this, the guard earned the highest guard score of the evening, besting units from much larger Division II corps.

"To the Edge" was based on music made famous by the not-easily-described performance ensemble Cirque du Soliel. A bass drum heartbeat was picked up by a number of oriental Taiko drums as disjointed horn snippets appeared from around the field in "Irna" (from Alegria).Despite their small size, when it got time to "cook", the horn line nailed the forward-propelled jazz to the wall."Alnitak" was full of odd meters that were a challenge to play, much less march to. The staff says there were nine different meters in the show -- quite a rhythmic vocabulary for any corps.

A taiko drum feature created a number of unusual percussive effects with unique methods such as the use of jingle sticks.Taiko drums pounded out an insistent rhythm that seemed to shake the stadium seats, also adding a unique visual dimension, since taiko playing is no passive act. The audience jumped to its feet in unanimous approval at the end.The odd-metered "Eclipse" (from Nouvelle Experience) brought the horns back into the picture. The repetitive rhythm and another pounding taiko beat put a final exclamation mark on the production and brought the audience to a standing ovation one more time.

This was a "take no prisoners" type of show and it left the audience euphoric and in a collected state of elevated blood pressure" -- Michael Boo, DCI Today

DIVISION II FINALS
95.5 - *** LES ETOILES *** 1996 DCI DIVISION II CHAMPIONS
95.3 - Pioneer
93.8 - Nite Express - Spirit Of Disney Award
89.5 - Spartans
87.6 - Dimension

AUGUST 12 - DCI DIVISION II/III PRELIMS - ORLANDO, FL
DIVISION II PRELIMS
94.1 - Pioneer
93.9 - Les Etioles
92.0 - Nite Express
89.7 - Dimension
88.0 - Spartans
86.6 - Seattle Cascades
84.1 - Jersey Surf
82.8 - Allegiance Elite
82.5 - Americanos
81.3 - Northshore
79.6 - Lone Star
77.3 - Tarheel Sun
73.7 - Capital Sound

DIVISION III PRELIMS
93.4 - Mandarins
92.1 - Golden Lancers
90.6 - Blue Stars
88.3 - Patriots
87.9 - East Coast Jazz
86.3 - Northern Aurora
85.3 - Bayonne Raiders
85.0 - Contemporary Youth Ensemble
84.1 - Royal Columbians
79.9 - St. Johns
76.2 - Marion Cadets
76.0 - Yokohama Scouts
72.1 - Spectrum
71.1 - Emerald Knights
66.7 - Lake Erie Regiment
66.7 - Phantom Regiment Cadets
65.1 - General Butler Vagabonds
63.0 - Citations
62.7 - Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club
59.1 - Ridge Raiders
57.5 - Phoenix
55.2 - Marquis
54.7 - Cadets of Dutch Boy
54.6 - Bandettes
54.1 - Illusion
49.5 - Mirage (Illinois)
48.4 - Racine Scouts
48.5 - Conqueror II
41.5 - Limited Edition
40.8 - Royal Cadets
39.5 - Northwind

AUGUST 10 - CLEARWATER, FL
Exhibition only, due to rain.

AUGUST 8 - NASHVILLE, TN
PRELIMS:
DIVISION II
91.8 - Nite Express
91.3 - Les Etoiles
86.2 - Americanos
82.1 - Jersey Surf
80.1 - Allegiance Elite
79.5 - Lone Star
78.7 - Tarheel Sun

DIVISION III
89.0 - Mandarins
85.4 - Blue Stars
82.9 - Patriots
81.8 - Contemporary Youth Ensemble
79.8 - Raiders
79.0 - Northern Aurora
77.4 - Royal Columbians
71.5 - St. John's
69.9 - Marion Cadets
68.2 - Kips Bay Knight Club
66.7 - Spectrum
64.1 - Phantom Regiment Cadets
62.2 - Emerald Knights
59.9 - Bandettes
59.3 - Marquis
55.0 - Ridge Raiders
54.5 - Phoenix
49.8 - Mirage
47.7 - Conqueror II
42.8 - Limited Edition
37.8 - Northwind
36.4 - 1st Defenders

FINALS:
DIVISION II
91.1 - Les Etoiles
90.4 - Nite Express
85.0 - Americanos
81.9 - Jersey Surf
77.2 - Allegiance Elite

DIVISION III
90.8 - Mandarins
86.1 - Blue Stars
82.1 - Contemporary Youth Ensemble
81.8 - Patriots
76.2 - Raiders

AUGUST 5 - ROTARY DRUM FEST - GREENVILLE, MI
DIVISION II/III
93.6 - Nite Express
90.6 - Mandarins
86.5 - Americanos
84.5 - Blue Star
74.0 - Phantom Regiment Cadets
73.2 - Coachmen
56.8 - Mirage

AUGUST 2 - COAST GUARD OPEN FINALS - GRAND HAVEN, MI
DIVISION II
92.9 - Nite Express
87.8 - Americanos
85.1 - Lone Star

DIVISION III
91.9 - Mandarins
90.4 - Golden Lancers
82.2 - Northern Aurora
80.6 - Contemporary Youth Ensemble
77.8 - Blue Star
76.9 - Royal Columbians
70.1 - Coachmen

AUGUST 1 - CANADIAN OPEN FINALS - KITCHENER, ONTARIO
DIVISION II
90.3 - Pioneer
87.9 - Nite Express
85.4 - Dimension
79.5 - Northshore
79.3 - Lone Star

DIVISION III
83.3 - Mandarins - won High Visual
83.2 - Golden Lancers - won High Brass and Color Guard
78.2 - Blue Stars - won High Percussion
77.1 - Contemporary Youth Ensemble
76.3 - East Coast Jazz

"Once again the Mandarins have proven that you can be small and be magnificent. The opening with the taiko drums is electrifying, and the overall performance of every individual in this corps is something that everybody in drum corps should see." -- Randy Gardner, Fan

JULY 13 - DCWest CHAMPIONSHIPS/MOONLIGHT CLASSIC- STOCKTON, CA
DIVISION I
89.1 - Blue Devils A - High Visual, Brass, and G.E.
86.6 - Santa Clara Vanguard - High Percussion
68.5 - Velvet Knights

DIVISION II
85.7 - Blue Devils B - Won all caption awards
75.8 - Vanguard Cadets

DIVISION III
84.7 - Mandarins - High Brass, Visual, and GE
75.3 - Pacific Crest - High Percussion
54.9 - Strutters

"Winners of Division III, Sacramento Mandarins took all captions except percussion with a score of 84.7. Let's talk numbers - they have six pit, ten battery, eight guard, and a mere thirteen horns. With the addition of a new drum major, this tiny corps of 38 puts out an extremely entertaining show. From musician and guard, to instructors and design staff, they're all extremely proficient in their craft." -- Christina Mavroudis, DCWorld Writer

JULY 12 - SANTA CLARA, CA
DIVISION I
87.9 - Blue Devils A - won High Visual and General Effect
86.7 - Santa Clara Vanguard - won High Brass and Percussion
68.9 - Velvet Knights

DIVISION II
84.5 - Blue Devils B - won all caption awards
82.8 - Mandarins
76.3 - Vanguard Cadets
76.1 - Pacific Crest
63.3 - Strutters

JULY 7 - SALEM, OR
87.1 - Blue Devils B
82.2 - Mandarins
75.0 - Seattle Cascades
72.6 - Vanguard Cadets
54.5 - Edmonton Strutters

JULY 6 - EVERETT, WA
84.9 - Blue Devils B - won High Brass, Percussion, Auxiliary, GE, and Drum Major
81.7 - Mandarins - won High Marching
74.1 - Vanguard Cadets
72.9 - Seattle Cascades
55.0 - Edmonton Strutters

"Mandarins: What a show!!! If you've enjoyed this corps in the past, you should love this year's rendition. Don't let the size of these guys and gals fool you. They only have 13 horns but the way they play and march, they don't need any more. All sections are very strong. Can't wait to see them in Orlando." -- George Ostrander, SCV Fan

JULY 5 - KELSO, WA
80.8 - Blue Devils B
73.7 - Mandarins
69.1 - Vanguard Cadets
68.4 - Seattle Cascades
55.0 - Edmonton Crusaders
58.5 - Edmonton All-Girl Ambassadors

JUNE 30 - CORPS AT THE CREST - GLENDORA, CA
DIVISION I
89.9 - Blue Devils A - won all caption awards
78.0 - Santa Clara Vanguard
63.3 - Blue Knights
62.3 - Velvet Knights

DIVISION II
75.1 - Mandarins - won High Brass, Visual, and General Effect
71.5 - Vanguard Cadets
70.3 - Pacific Crest - won High Percussion

JUNE 29 - GOLD COAST CLASSIC - FULLERTON, CA
DIVISION I
80.9 - Blue Devils A - won all caption awards
77.0 - Santa Clara Vanguard
66.7 - Blue Knights
63.5 - Velvet Knights

DIVISION II
73.2 - Mandarins - won High Brass, and General Effect
67.9 - Vanguard Cadets - won High Visual
67.3 - Pacific Crest - won High Percussion

JUNE 28 - CLOVIS WEST INVITATIONAL - CLOVIS, CA
81.3 - Blue Devils A
77.7 - Santa Clara Vanguard
72.4 - Blue Devils B
69.6 - Mandarins
66.6 - Blue Knights
63.5 - Vanguard Cadets

JUNE 22 - PRECISION WEST - CONCORD, CA
DIVISION I
78.9 - Blue Devils A - won all caption awards
73.4 - Santa Clara Vanguard
56.9 - Blue Knights
54.2 - Velvet Knights

DIVISION II
65.9 - Blue Devils B - won High Percussion, Visual, and General Effect
64.1 - Mandarins - won High Brass
57.6 - Vanguard Cadets
56.5 - Pacific Crest

"It just astounds me that they produce such an incredible sound with only 30+ folks. Syncopated rhythms, 9/8 counts, and difficult tempos -- the show has it all. There's a plus and minus for horn members: the good news is almost everyone gets a solo or feature part. The bad news is the whole show is practically a feature and every member must hold their own. Overheard: not only are they each excellent musicians, but they're in tune! As our lone Western Division III corps to Finals this year, we wish them the best." -- Christina Mavroudis, DCWorld Writer

JUNE 21 - SOUND EXPO - SACRAMENTO, CA
DIVISION I
76.7 - Blue Devils A - won High Brass, Visual, and General Effect
70.8 - Santa Clara Vanguard - won High Percussion
55.7 - Blue Knights
54.8 - Velvet Knights

DIVISION II
69.3 - Blue Devils B - won High Brass, Percussion, and Visual
67.5 - Mandarins - won High General Effect
63.3 - Pacific Crest
60.1 - Vanguard Cadets

"The Sacramento Mandarins are a small yet very impressive package this year. Don't let the numbers fool you, though -- the three-time DCI Division III champs need make no apologies. Their 14 horns sound like 24, the percussion line (even with 12-year olds in the pit) is on solid ground, and the 7-member guard moves well after their season of winterguard training. This year's presentation will definitely keep the Mandarins in top contention this season." -- Sue Johnson, DC World Writer

SOME COMMENTS FROM OUR FRIENDS ABOUT OUR WIN:

Wow! I am definitely impressed, to say the least. They deserved to win this year! -- Michael Wong

Congratulations to all the Mandarins! Taste and quality is always the by-line with your group. -- Shirlee Whitcomb, WGI Education Director

Congratulations on your fourth DCI title!!!!!! You guys earned it and deserve it. A fantastic job by the corps and staff alike. I thoroughly enjoyed this year's show. What a terrific way to end the season. Keep up the good work! -- Lee Carpenter and the Dublin High School Band and Colorguard

Congratulations!!! The kids and staff deserve a lot of credit for their hard work and for their entertaining show (especially when considering the size of the corps!) -- M. Yoshida

Congratulations to the corps! What a fabulous job with such a young group. I am truly amazed at what can be done by a group like yours. Bravo! -- Steve Powers, DCWorld Editor

Congratulations to all Mandarins staff and members. I had the opportunity to go to DCI this year as a spectator (I aged out in 1993) and it was great to see the Mandarins have such a successful year with the young and small group they had. The Mandarins are a very special group and I am glad to have been able to march with them during my drum corps years. Keep up the great work on the web page!!! -- Valerie Emperador

One of the highlights of my adventure in Orlando... Mandarins making the top 21 AND THE CD!! Yeah! -- Christina Mavroudis

Congratulations to both Blue Devils and Phantom Regiment as new World Champions, and also our Canadian corps Les Etioles, winner of Division II and Mandarins, Division III Champions! -- Friends Of Drum Corps Quebec

Once again y'all have put together another outstanding effort. In 1993, you inspired me to arrange "Adagio for Strings" for my brass quintet--did you notice the Blue Stars warmup this year? Keep up the outstanding work. I can't wait to see you next year! -- Mike Dubil, Boston Crusaders 81-82