Our History

In February 1963, founders Roy Wong, Frank Lim, Thomas Fong, and Yuk Fong discussed the possibility of forming a drum and bugle corps for youth in the Sacramento Chinese community.  With the numerous festivities and parades occurring in Sacramento and neighboring locales,  the Chinese Community, with all of its traditions and ideals, would be represented with a youth drum and bugle corps to exemplify community interest, civic consciousness, and cultural pride.

One month later, a letter was sent to Sacramento’s Chinese community, requesting support to establish a boys and girls drum and bugle corps. The initial meeting was held on March 23, 1963, at the Sacramento Confucius Temple in Chinatown. On that rainy, dreary day, eleven youngsters attended, along with a few parents and others interested in the project. The goals seemed hopeless, but this group went to work regardless, using reconditioned equipment donated by the Capitol Lions Club. The Chinese Benevolent Association provided some instruments and allowed the temple to be used for rehearsals.  The $5.85 makeshift uniforms featured  short-sleeved dress shirts, white continental trousers, black shoes, black Chinese hats, and a magenta sash. By July 1963, the new 47-member Ye Wah Drums & Lyras Corps made their public debut at the Oak Park 4th of July Parade.

The Ye Wah established their motto, based on an acronym from the corps’ name:

• You and I

• Enriched in Friendship

• Willingness to Learn

• Ability to Do

• Have Fun

The corps’ staff was comprised of parent volunteers who handled everything from fundraising, to sewing, cooking, transportation, and music instruction. No music or marching experience was required of the corps members.