Sacramento Mandarins Drum & Bugle Corps

Our 2010 program is entitled "To Dream of Far Away Lands", and features the following music:

The Caravan
Meetings Along the Edge, Ravi Shankar/Philip Glass

To Dream of Far Away Lands
The Mountain of Fruit and Flowers, David Buckley

The Threat of Mongols / The Himalayas
Samudra Manthan, Shivkumar Sharma

Discovering India
Quiet, Sheila Chandra
Ever So Lonely, Monsoon

Arrival in China
Ambush from Ten Sides, Chicago Symphony Orchestra / Yo-Yo Ma

See the iTunes iMix below:

On a blustery but sunny morning, the Mandarins got into the spirit of the season by marching in the Sacramento Santa Parade. Part 27-year tradition and part Mandarins Family Reunion, the parade brought former and current corps members and Mandarins Brass Academy members together to spread holiday cheer along the parade route. Nearly 80 groups performed, with the best saved for last -- Santa Claus and his horse-drawn sleigh, led by the Mandarins performing Russian Christmas Music. See additional photos here.

The Mandarins held their annual end-of-year banquet on Friday, November 27 at the Dante Club. Corps members received their 2009 and DCI Quarterfinals patches, and a yearbook DVD. If you were unable to attend the banquet, contact Mr. Mar for your yearbook copy. Awards were presented to our ageouts: Tammy Petborisooth, Michael Flores, Mai Adachi, Johnny Crespo, Carson Gantt, William Winston II, Louie Sosa, Caleb Kondor, Santiago Sabado, Stewart Rosen, Akari Yanada, Jon Boo, and Rick Mano.

Corps Members voted Santiago Sabado as the Outstanding Corps Member of 2009. The Outstanding Member award, also known as the Joe Fong Award, is presented annually in memory of Joe Fong, our outstanding member of 1976 who lost his life in a car accident. Past award recipients are Mark Dong-1977, Karen Jong-1978, Ron Lam-1980, Dan Fong-1981, Felicia Louie-1982, Kim Wong-1983, Ken Yee-1984, Donald Yee-1985, Laurie Yee-1986, Greg Mar-1987, Curtis Mar-1988, Rodney Wong-1989, Bruce Fong-1990, Claudia Fong-1991, Vance Kitaoka-1982, Michael Yee-1993, Robert Yung-1984, Jason Jong-1995, Kevin Chow-1996, Sean Mar-1997, Jeff Buell-1998, Jill Sturgess-1999, Josh Vogelsang-1999, Jonathan Arevalo-2000, Fernando Vargas-2001, Courtney Ginn-2002, Amy Inouye-2003, Megan Munoz-2004, Andrew Heathman-2005, Jacquelyn Wong-2006, Anna Keck-2007, and Jessica Gonzalez-2008

We've announced our 2010 Visual Staff of Ron Munekawa, Caption Head and Staff Coordinator; Chris Baudino; Joel Ducore; Chris Huebschle; Santiago Sabado; Bryan Stroh; and Michelle Yamazaki. See links to Visual Staff bios here.

Our 2010 Percussion Staff consists of Caption Head and Tenor Tech Tom Linder; Eric Melson, Battery Coordinator and Snare Tech; Gary Smith, Front Ensemble Coordinator; Josh Luedtke, Bass Technician; Richard LeGerrette, Front Ensemble Tech; and Paul Curci, Battery Visual Tech. See links to Percussion Staff bios here.

The Mandarins are pleased to announce their Brass Staff for the 2010 season. Caption Head Robert Soto will be working with Adam Fernandez, Assistant Caption Head and High Brass Tech; Michael Jimenez, Trumpet Tech; Daniel Fernandez, Baritone/Euphonium Tech; Matthew Anderson, Mellophone Tech; Robert Murray, Tuba Tech; and Louie Sosa, Brass Equipment Manager. See links to Brass Staff bios here.

The 2009-10 Mandarins Guard Academy will begin Sunday, November 1, 2009. The MGA is dedicated to raising the skill level of color guard performers throughout the Northern California community. It is intended for color guard students in high school or college who are motivated to enhance their level performance through a careful study of equipment and movement techniques. The MGA is not a substitute for scholastic programs, rather is meant to be complementary and supportive of all area color guard programs. See the rehearsal schedule and other details here.

The Sacramento Mandarins are pleased to announce their 2010 music design team: Dan Fong, brass arrangements; Wayne Downey, music consultant; Tony Nunez battery and front ensemble arrangements.

"Dr. Dan" as he is known, has written every brass score for the Mandarins since 1982. In 2008, Dan Fong’s “Absolute” arrangements were enthusiastically received by both fans and judges from coast to coast. Dan is looking forward to working with the Mandarins design team in surpassing the success and popularity of last year’s program.

Wayne Downey will be actively involved in program development, will review and comment on draft music scores, and help shape the brass program once it is on the field.

Tony Nunez is new to the Mandarins design team, but is certainly no stranger to the marching music world as he is currently the percussion ensemble arranger and visual designer at South Hills High School, the 2008 WGI A Class Champions and also serves as battery arranger and visual designer for Arcadia High School Scholastic World Percussion. In addition, Tony was the tenor technician and percussion manager for the 2006 and 2007 Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps, and co-front ensemble arranger for the 2006 and 2007 Independent World Pulse Percussion Ensemble.

Greg Mar, program coordinator, stated, “We are glad to have Dr. Dan back on board to do the brass arrangements this year. Last year’s program was a huge success with audiences across the country. Having Wayne Downey serving in an enhanced role as our music consultant will help tremendously in our efforts to take this year's program up another couple of notches in terms of complexity and accessibility of show design. Tony Nunez was on board as a consultant last year and did a great job with his limited time with us. We are looking forward to his front ensemble and battery arrangements and ‘hands on’ approach to development of the percussion book. All of this combined with Myron Rosander's drill design and color guard choreography from George Armenta and company will provide a great vehicle for the 2010 Mandarins. We can't wait to get the show on the field!”

Detailed bios follow below:

Dan Fong. After marching with the Mandarins for nine years and the Seattle Imperials for the 1981 tour, Dan was the Mandarins’ brass caption head from 1982 to 1993, during which the Mandarins won three of their eight DCI World Championship titles. Dan returned as brass caption head from 2005 to 2008. He currently instructs and arranges music for the Mandarins Brass Academy, a program that teaches brass students in the Sacramento region. He has also worked with numerous brass sections in the Sacramento region conducting clinics for C. K. McClatchy High School, J. F. Kennedy High School, Sacramento High School, Elk Grove High School, Cordova High School and West Campus High School where he is also the program consultant. Dan is an optometrist in Sacramento where he resides with his wife Patty and two trumpeter sons, Kyle and Jared.

Wayne Downey. Wayne Downey is the Music Director of the thirteen time DCI Champion Concord Blue Devils Drum & Bugle Corps. Under his supervision as arranger and teacher, the brass section of the Blue Devils has been awarded the Jim Ott Memorial Trophy for "Excellence in Brass Performance" for an unprecedented 22 times, more than any other brass section in the history of DCI. In 1991 Wayne was inducted into the Drum Corps International Hall of Fame for his contributions to the Drum & Bugle Corps activity as the musical director for the Concord Blue Devils Drum & Bugle Corps.

Being distinguished as one of the finest brass teachers/clinicians and arrangers in the world, Wayne enjoys an active teaching schedule in the capacity of arranger and musical consultant with the Tony & Emmy Award winning show "Blast", the All Japan Marching Band Champion Soka Renaissance Vanguard, the DCA Champion the Syracuse Brigadiers, the DCI Division II Champion, the Magic of Orlando and the award winning RCC Marching Tigers, the Bands of America regional champion Northmont High School as well as many other fine high school and college programs.

Along with fellow arranger Jim Prime, the League of American Theatres and Producers nominated Wayne in the "Best Score" (Orchestrations) category for the National Broadway Theater Awards for the touring production of "Blast". Known for his work in educational music publishing, Wayne has served as an arranger/composer for Jenson Publications, Warner Bros./Columbia Pictures Publishing, Arrangers Publishing Co. as well as Barnhouse Music Publishing. Wayne co-authored the "State of the Art Ensemble Techniques for Marching Band" with his colleague Jack Meehan and co-authored the Yamaha Corp. of America's curriculum for the "Sounds of Summer" Music Camps with Jay Bocook, Tim Salzman and Jay Dawson.

Tony Nunez. Tony is entering his first year as the Front Ensemble/Battery Arranger for the 2010 Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps. He is currently the percussion ensemble arranger and visual designer at South Hills High School, the 2008 WGI A Class Champions and SCPA A Class Gold Medalist 2007, 2008, 2009. He also serves as the battery arranger and visual designer for Arcadia High School Scholastic World percussion ensemble, and is a clinician/arranger and visual designer for Unik Star Percussion Ensemble, from Hellemmes, France.

In addition, Tony was the tenor technician and Percussion Manager for the 2006 and 2007 Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps, and co-front ensemble arranger for the 2006 and 2007 Independent World Pulse Percussion Ensemble. Tony was also a member of the percussion staff at Yamato Drum and Bugle Corps in 2008, and served as an audio/synthesizer arranger and consultant for the Boston Crusaders and Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps in 2009.

Tony was formerly a tenor line member of the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps, Riverside Community College Winter Line, Patriots Drum and Bugle Corps, and Black Knights Drum Corp. He is currently a member of the Vic Firth Education team, a WGI Percussion Advisory Board member, and is a volunteer for the Southern California Percussion Alliance (SCPA). He is a proud supporter of Yamaha, Evans, and Vic Firth products.

Greg Mar. Greg is a graduate of the Academy of Art University, Gregory was the Art Director for Santa Clara University for most of the nineties. He is currently the creative director of G.M. Art & Design, a commercial design firm in San Francisco. He has won seven National and West Coast Region CASE Awards for Excellence in Visual Design and two Telly Awards for animation in television. Greg is also a lecturer of New Media Design at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.

Greg has worked extensively with the Oak Grove High School Marching Band and winter guard, and most recently WGI Scholastic World finalist Leigh High School and WGI Scholastic World medalist Arcadia High School.

He has choreographed for the WGI Medalist Concord Blue Devils Open Winter Guard and been a movement technician for the Blue Devils hornline. His adjudication resumé includes Winter Guard International, California Color Guard Circuit, Southern California Color Guard Circuit, Western Band Association, and the Northwest Association for Performing Arts. In his spare time Greg designs custom t-shirts.

Look for more staff and program announcements in the coming weeks. For real time updates, check the Mandarins on Twitter here.

The Sacramento Mandarins are pleased to announce their 2010 visual design team:

Myron Rosander will be the corps’ 2010 Visual/Drill Designer. Myron is also currently a Performance and Design Consultant for the 6 time DCI World Champion Santa Clara Vanguard of Santa Clara, California. From 1976 through 2005, Myron was a performer, instructor, Principal Visual Designer and Assistant Director for the Vanguard, spanning over 30 years of involvement with the SCV organization.

Myron's other DCI credits include designing for the 2 time DCI World Champion Madison Scouts in 2006, and the 2002 DCI World Finalist, Seattle Cascades from Seattle, Washington. Myron has also recently designed for the highly respected DCA "all age" corps, the Bushwackers from Harrison, New Jersey.

In 2005 and 2006, Rosander was Visual Designer for the L.D. Bell HS Marching Band from Hurst, Texas. During those 2 years, L.D. Bell finished with the bronze and silver medals respectively at the BOA Grand Nationals Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana.

His other marching band design credits include the BOA Grand Nationals Semi Finalist, Bellbrook HS from Bellbrook, Ohio. Also included are The Kamehameha Schools from Honolulu, HI; Dobyns Bennett High School from Kingsport, TN; Oak Grove High School from San Jose, CA; Maui High School from Kahului, HI.

In other aspects of Myron's life, he is an artist featuring oil paints with focus on impressionistic landscapes, as well as modern abstract concepts. Currently, Mr. Rosander operates his design studio, MyronRosander.com and resides in beautiful South Lake Tahoe, California.

Brian Mar will continue with the corps as the Visual Coordinator. “Omar” as he is known to the corps, will work with Myron in implementation of the visual design and will assist in coordination of the visual program. Omar was drum major for the Mandarins in the late seventies/early eighties before diving into the world of drill design. Omar has designed the visual programs for numerous California marching programs in addition to the Mandarins, notably Fairfield High School Winter Percussion and Merced High School Marching Band.

George Armenta will handle design of the color guard program. A native of Southern California, George has been involved in the activity for 18 years as an instructor and adjudicator. George is an active color guard designer, instructor and clinician in the Southern California area and has been a performing arts educator at Arcadia High School for the past 14 years. Under his direction, the Arcadia High School Color guard has advanced from the Scholastic A division to consistent Scholastic World finalist. George has been involved in the Mandarins guard design since 2007, and will also serve as color guard caption head during the 2010 season.

For more information, please visit the corps' website regularly. Look for more announcements regarding instructional staff, additional guard design contributors and program in the coming weeks. For real time updates, check the Mandarins on Twitter here.

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:

George Armenta, color guard. A native of Southern California, George has been involved in the activity for 18 years as an instructor and adjudicator. George is an active color guard designer, instructor and clinician in the Southern California area and has been a performing arts educator at Arcadia High School for the past 14 years. Under his direction, the Arcadia High School Color guard has advanced from the Scholastic A division to consistent Scholastic World finalist. George has been involved in the Mandarins guard design since 2007, and will continue in the capacity as well.

Tom Linder, percussion. Tom is in his final year as a returning student to Fresno State, majoring in music education. Tom has extensive teaching experience with Fresno area schools including Tulare Union High school (Tulare), Mt. Whitney High School (Visalia), Hoover High School (Fresno), and Bullard High School (Fresno), as well as Modesto Fever and Fresno State University. In addition to having performed with the Fresno State band, Tom also marched in the tenor line of the Velvet Knights under the direction of Tom Float. This is Tom’s second year with the Mandarins.

Robert Soto, brass. Robert is a native of El Paso, TX, and has performed internationally across the United States, Mexico, Canada, England and Brazil. Robert has performed with such artists as Sir Neville Marriner, Anatoly Levin, Sarah Ioannedes, Anthony Newman, Jan Van Der Roost and Eric Nathan, Dave Steinmeyer, Dave Leibman, Brad Leili, Bill Reichenbach, and Dave Brubeck. Robert served as trombonist for Fuego Latino Salsa prior to moving to Los Angeles, and has recorded/performed with a variety of groups such as Sobredosis, Sonido Unidad, The Eklectic Jazz Group, the Yale Jazz Ensemble, Connecticut Master Chorale, the El Paso Wind Symphony, the Yale Concert Band, the Yale, Eastern Connecticut, Roswell, Juarez (Mexico), and El Paso Symphony Orchestras. Robert served as a faculty member for the 2008 Texas Tech Big XII Trombone Conference, and performed with the Yale Philharmonia at the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Hungarian Revolution at Carnegie Hall in NYC (2006). In addition, Robert has performed at the Birmingham and Wigan Jazz Festivals in England with the UTEP Lab Band, the International Association of Jazz Educators convention (IAJE), and at the Texas Music Educators Association convention (TMEA).

Robert holds a Bachelor’s in Music Education degree (Cum Laude) from the University of Texas at El Paso, and a Master’s in Music degree from Yale University, School of Music. He has studied trombone performance with Scott Hartman, Steve Norrell, Joseph Alessi, John Lofton, Steve Witser, Dr. Steve Wilson, Dr. Allan Kaplan, Mr. Robert Melendez, and conducting with Maestro Toshiyuki Shimada and Dr. Ron Hufstader. Robert has served on the music staff for Salvador Sanchez Middle School (El Paso, TX), Fairfax, HS (Hollywood, CA), Giano Intermediate School (West Covina, CA), Ruben S. Ayala High School (Chino Hills, CA), Orange County High School of the Arts (Orange, CA), the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps (Denver, CO), and is the brass caption head for the Mandarins drum and bugle corps. (Sacramento, CA). Robert currently resides in the Los Angeles area where he is bass trombonist of the Orange County Symphony/Wind Symphony Orchestras, and is adjunct professor of trombone at Fullerton College (Fullerton, CA). To hear Robert and groups he has worked with go to: www.myspace.com/rsotomusic

Ron Munekawa, visual. Ron started as a member of the Mandarins' winter guard staff in 1991 and moved to the marching caption in 1997. He has also worked with Live Oak High School Marching Band, Fairfield High School Winter Percussion Ensemble and South San Francisco High School Color Guard. Ron also has extensive performing arts experience and has most recently appeared in productions of Crazy for You, West Side Story, the Bay Area premiere of David Henry Hwang’s version of Flower Drum Song and Miss Saigon. Ron will also continue in his role as staff coordinator.

The Mandarins would also like to express appreciation to Blair Williams for his work as percussion caption head as he takes on new responsibilities as Band Director at Lodi High School, and to Tiffany Braniff for her hard work and dedication as a staff member and guard caption head. The Mandarins would also like to send their best wishes to Chris McCoy who will be pursuing his career in law enforcement.

Further information will be forthcoming regarding the Mandarins 2010 educational and design staff. Keep checking the corps website for more details. Auditions for the 2010 Mandarins will take place on December 12 and 13 in the Sacramento area. For real time updates, check the Mandarins on Twitter here.

The Mandarins Brass Academy (MBA) held their opening session for the new season on Sunday, September 6th at Cosumnes Oaks High School. The turnout was strong with 33 musicians attending. For most of the attendees, this was their first exposure to playing in a purely brass ensemble in a drum and bugle corps type setting. One of the most amazing things about this opening session was the absolutely perfect balance of musician across all sections of the brass ensemble, from high brass, middle voices and low brass.

The MBA began with introductions by the instructional staff including Dan Fong, Milt Gee, Bryan Stroh, Michelle Yamazaki, and Jim Tabuchi. The MBA members were then introduced to proper breathing techniques and articulation methods. From there they worked on some exercises and were introduced to a couple of this year's performance pieces. One of the anomalies of the MBA is that their first performance is in December, which means the MBA had to begin rehearsing Christmas music in September in the hot Sacramento sun (only 110 shopping days left!).

The MBA is intended to be complementary to the musical education that the students are receiving in school. By focusing purely on brass performance techniques, the aim is for the students to apply their newly learned skills back at their school music programs. Through this joint cooperation the Mandarins hope to give back to the Sacramento area community that has supported the corps for over 46 years.

The next session of the MBA will be held on Sunday, October 4th with even greater attendance. Additional MBA information can be viewed here.

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.

Ray Mar stated. "I've known Jim for a long time now, and given his drum corps and management background, he is a perfect fit for his new role in the organization. He will do a great job in making sure we run smoothly and efficiently, especially as the corps continues to grow." Jim Tabuchi responded by saying "I have been involved with the Mandarins since the late 70s as a marching member, brass instructor and parent of kids in the corps. The Mandarins values have played a huge part in my life and I look forward to this opportunity to give back to those following in our footsteps. I am confident that Ray and I will make a great team as the Mandarins take the next step forward in our development as a World Class drum corps."

Ray Mar, or "Mr. Mar", as he is known to the marching members, enters his 27th year as the leader of the Mandarins. He started his involvement as a parent booster in 1982 and became corps director in 1983. At the time, the corps was in the midst of a rebuilding period and was functioning solely as a parade corps. Under Ray’s leadership, the Mandarins returned to the field in 1984 and made an appearance at the DCI Championships in 1986. While narrowly missing finals that year, the experience provided a base upon which to build for the future. The Mandarins went on to win eight DCI World Championships including seven in Division III and one in Division II in 2001. The corps was also twice awarded the prestigious Spirit of Disney award, signifying outstanding achievement in educational and entertainment programs for youth. Under Ray’s direction, the Mandarins entered the Division One ranks, making a successful debut in 2003.

Jim Tabuchi marched in the Mandarins and the Seattle Imperials as a lead soprano, mellophone and flugelhorn in the late 70s and early 80s and is known as one of the first non-Chinese members of the Mandarins. He went on to earn Electrical Engineering and MBA degrees from the University of California at Berkeley and the University of Washington, respectively. He then worked at Hewlett-Packard and Agilent Technologies and held numerous positions such as the Asia Region Manager, Business Development Manager, Worldwide Marketing Manager and Strategic Planning Manager. He then entered early retirement, which allows him to spend more time on his passion – the Mandarins. Jim continues to perform as a trumpet player and most recently was on the brass staff from 2005 until present. Jim is married to Jo Ann and has twin boys who are members of the Mandarins Brass line.

Look for more staff and program announcements in the coming weeks. For real time updates, check the Mandarins on Twitter here: http://twitter.com/dcimandarins

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 their last rehearsals before DCI tour, and interviewed Brass instructor and Mandarins Brass Academy head Jim Tabuchi. See Rob's video here.

The 2009-10 Mandarins Brass Academy will begin Sunday, September 6, 2009. The MBA is dedicated to raising the skill level of brass playing for brass students in high school or college, who are motivated to enhance their level of brass performance. Get the full schedule and flyer here.

DCI interviews Brass member Louie Sosa after the Houston show, to get an update of how the Mandarins are doing thus far. See the interview here.

In the July 9th issue of DCI Field Pass, Dan Potter interviews drumline members at the Rose Bowl, where the corps performed in the Americafest Independence Day celebration. Juan, Jackie, David, Maryellen, and Jeremiah share their thoughts about this year's show.

The Mandarins' Family Day performance was held on Thursday, June 18, at Antelope High School. An estimated 300 people came out to see the Mandarins perform in full uniform with its largest corps ever. Many stayed to purchase the latest Mandarins clothing or other souvenirs, as well as enjoy a dessert potluck. Family Day was the highlight of the corps' week-long training camp at Antelope, before they head out to Southern California for the first competitions of the season. The Mandarins extend a special Thank You to Principal John Becker and his staff, for use of the beautiful, first-class school facilities.

Get the latest Mandarins updates in our Spring video newsletter here. The corps is progressing well with Absolute. Meet Team Hawaii. Learn about our new blog, which provides on-the-road updates during summer tour. Quicktime 7 (free download) required to view the video.

The Mandarins presented their 2009 production, ABSOLUTE, at the 2009 Pacific Rim Street Fest, in Old Sacramento on Sunday, May 17th. This annual event celebrates the heritage and traditions of Sacramento's diverse Asian Pacific Islander communities. Event organizers estimated a crowd of 20,000. Many said that the corps' performance was as hot as the 100+ degree temperature that afternoon!

The Mandarins' Strength & Conditioning guru, Christopher DaPrato, DPT, CSCS presents a series of conditioning and wellness tips for corps members and anyone else who is interested in his/her overall health. Download Christopher's monthly tips as follows, in Word format.

The World Class ensembles of Drum Corps International have come together to bring new options, new features and new digital content directly to fans, adding to the largest collection of online drum corps media anywhere!

Drum Corps International and the Mandarins are incredibly pleased to announce the return and expansion of one of the most ambitious Web-based undertakings since DCI's founding some 37 years ago. The Mandarins, along with the other DCI World Class corps have come together in a collaborative effort to take the wraps off of the totally redesigned and wildly expanded “Fan Network,” which now gives fans of drum corps across the world the chance to enjoy a spectacular, dizzying array of media options unlike anything ever offered before. Featuring unlimited and exclusive access to ALL of the action from the Mandarins and ALL of the World Class corps on the 2009 Drum Corps International Tour, great new features will help you catch every note of the excitement. But that's just the beginning!

Giving you ultimate access to the Mandarins and the other World Class corps of DCI… At your fingertips… 24 hours a day…

Organized into several different content sections, the Fan Network is set up for easy viewing and direct access to all available digital assets from the Mandarins and the other participating corps.

Spotlight ’09 & Off the Field (FREE viral videos) • Daily features, with up-to-the-minute exclusive drum corps news and entertaining glimpses from the 2009 DCI Tour • Exclusive backstage features posted from “embedded” corps video crews crisscrossing the country as they take to the road with the Mandarins and other corps. Now offered absolutely FREE to all drum corps fans for 2009!

On Demand ’09 & On the Field (subscription based) • Webcasts from select 2009 DCI Tour events tentatively scheduled for Annapolis, MD; Stanford, CA; Denver, CO; San Antonio, TX; Atlanta, GA and Indianapolis, IN … subject to change with the addition of more events • Post-show replay available for on-demand viewing of complete corps performances from select locations – including all Webcast events and more • Unlimited access to the entire Drum Corps International audio/video vault – including all of the Top 12 World Championship performances since 1974 • Audio and Video downloads of your all-time favorite performances – from “the classics” to the current day

Your favorite Fan Network features in a new user-friendly interface…

Fan Network programmers have been hard at work during the off-season developing a new user-interface to give fans the ultimate online drum corps experience. Among some of the new features you'll see: • A streamlined browsing experience to access and switch between your favorite corps channels with ease • Improved video filtering and search functionality • BIGGER and better video quality

Now available in two affordable subscription options…

The $39 Fan Network Subscription will give you access to Video on Demand of corps performances from select 2009 events, access to all current-year and historical video archives, discounts on audio and video downloads, in addition to all of the free content provided by your favorite corps.

The $59 Fan Network Plus Subscription will give you all of the great features of a regular subscription, PLUS access to all live Webcasts of some of Drum Corps International’s biggest events, and more!

The new Mandarins Fan Network gives you complete access to this impressive display of media content for 365 days a year. Can't get enough drum corps action? Well, NOW is the time to join! And, when you subscribe through the Mandarins Website, the corps receives a percentage of the subscription fee.

Check it out -- and subscribe today to some incredible drum corps content, while helping the Mandarins at the same time!

If your are marching with us in 2010, you and/or your supporters can work your required three Bingo shifts now, even before you join!

To support the Corps, all members are required to work 3 bingo shifts within 60 days of joining the corps. Bingo is our main fundraiser. Remember that to put you on the field will take several thousand dollars beyond what you will pay. Bingo provides that money.

Our bingo sessions are every week on Saturday afternoons and Monday evenings. A shift is about 5 hours long, and you work with other members and volunteers. You must be 18 or older to work in the Bingo Hall. If you are under 18, family members and friends who are over 18 can work for you.

After you work your required 3 sessions, you can earn travel credits for each full session that you or your supporters work that will help defray your Tour and Participation Fee.

To get more information, download the 2009 Membership Packet here.To schedule your Bingo, you must call or email our Bingo Manager, Janet Wong, BEFORE you work. Her email is janbucky@comcast.net, and her phone number is (916) 421-4052.

Most of us find working bingo to be an enjoyable time. And the more sessions you work, the more credit you earn! Call or email now!

Our 2010 Membership Packet will be available soon for download.

The Membership Packet contains the Member Handbook, the Application Forms, and a flyer with information about our Bingo Program. The Member Handbook contains a detailed description of our program, fees, and code of conduct. (Hardcopies of the Membership Packet will be available at Audition Camps).

In order to join the Mandarins, you must audition and be offered a spot by your caption head. Then fill in your application with appropriate signatures as needed, show us your original proof of date of birth, and pay your fees and join us for our exciting and challenging 2009 season!

For more information about our audition process, click here.

Sacramento Magazine hosted the Best of Sacramento Party in November at the Sacramento Convention Center, showcasing subscribers' picks for best local restaurants, entertainment, personalities, specialty shops, service providers, and more. The Mandarins won the Best Bang for Your Buck award. Over 7,400 attendees sampled various foods, drinks, and the Mandarins' performance. The corps was featured as one of the evening's highlights and were pleased to participate in this event, where $235,000 was raised for the March of Dimes.

If you wish to have a visit at your school by our Mandarins Recruitment Team, contact Dan Fong at dkfongod@yahoo.com. A short video presentation followed by a question and answer period is available to all students in your performing arts program. Arrangements can be made to best suit your school schedule.

The Mandarins are participating in the Raley's Quality of Life paperless scrip program. Present your Quality of Life Card to the cashier during your transaction, each time you shop at any Raley's, Bel Air, or Nob Hill store, and the Mandarins will receive a percentage of your purchases. To get your card, email us. We'll issue you a card which you will register at the Raley's website. The card is already assigned to credit scrip to the Mandarins. Thank you for supporting the Mandarins!

We need the help of parents, alumni, and supporters to help staff our Bingo games. Bingo funds the expense of operating a world-class, touring champion drum and bugle corps. Even with our all-volunteer Administrative Staff, it takes lots of money to support the Mandarins' winter training and summer competition programs.

Please volunteer to help at our Monday evening and/or Saturday afternoon games, held at the Mayhew Bingo Center, 9333 Tech Center Drive, near Folsom Blvd, and Highway 50. It's fun, plus you'll get the satisfaction of knowing your participation helps sustain our unique youth activity. Friends and alumni are welcome to help, too! No experience necessary, because we will train you.

Please contact Bingo Manager Janet Wong for times and scheduling. Thanks in advance, for your help!