The Mandarins Alumni Corps has been rehearsing since March for two exciting performances this summer.
Our first “gig” was at the invitation of the corps director, JW Koester, at Family Day on June 18. Under perfect weather conditions (It’s usually super hot!) the Alumni Corps, including guard, percussion and brass, entertained the corps members, family, and friends at Rio Linda High School. The performance of “Prosperity” from the 2013 Mandarins show, “Destination America”, composed and arranged by Key Poulan, was executed with energy and excellence! Special thanks to guard section leaders Kim Wong and Joyce Fukuchi, percussion section leaders Adam Grant, Shekhar Khedakar, and Ben Prima, and brass section leaders Chris Langton and Dan Fong.
After the drum corps wowed us with the debut of THE OTHERSIDE (Becca Anderson – Creative Director), the combined Mandarins Dragon Brass and Alumni Brass played a stirring performance of our corps song – Year of the Dragon (Philip Sparke). The emotion of 116 brass players was something very memorable.
The next performance of the Alumni Corps is at our home show, DCI Capital Classic, on July 8 at Sac State’s Hornet Stadium. You don’t want to miss this fantastic evening! If you wish to join the percussion or brass, it’s NOT too late!
Contact:
Adam at adammgrant@gmail.com
Dan at Dan.Fong@mandarins.org
COLOR GUARD ALUMNI TREATS
FAMILY DAY FEAST
The Mandarins Alumni-Hosted Dinner returned for its 7th year in 2022. Appreciative members and staff raved about the meal which featured fried rice, chow mein, grilled teriyaki chicken, stir-fried veggies, lumpia, vegetarian dishes, homemade cookies, and cupcakes.
This tradition is another opportunity to connect current corps members with alumni members, some of who marched in the Ye Wah corps over 59 years ago.
After dinner, alumni, families, and fans were treated to a preview of the corps’ production, THE OTHERSIDE.
Thanks very much to the 2022 meal sponsors Mike & Nanci Jan, James Chew, Michael Gammill, Robert Lew, Mark Dong, Holly Ong, Kimi Chow, Elliott Lim, Les Wong, Kevin Fong, Joyceline Fukuchi, Lisa Icard, Alice Swift, Laurie Moy, Liane Watanabe, Kevin Bowlson, Cristina Flores, Doreen Yee, Scott Jow, Karen Wu, Marilyn Chin, William Lubina, Steve Wong, Chris Thorntona, and Tony Antonelli.
MANDARINS DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY
The Mandarins will be celebrating their Diamond Anniversary in 2023 and we need your ideas! We plan to use this upcoming year to intentionally build and develop the cohesion of all Mandarins alumni through activities and events which celebrate you and your families!
What events do you want to see in 2023? Fill out the form here to submit your ideas! (This is not a commitment to anything, we just want your ideas.)
DCI TOUR KITCHEN CREW
Several decades after they marched in the Ye Wah Color Guard, Jennie and Joyce returned to the Mandarins as Kitchen Crew members for the 2014 DCI Summer Tour.
Word has it that they thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and the hard work didn’t slow them down at all!
Booster Club and kitchen crew manager Cathy Sackett said it was a blast having Jennie and Joyce on her team.
Alumni, here’s your chance to give back to the corps by volunteering for kitchen crew duties. Inquire here for more information.
50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
We celebrated our Golden Anniversary on September 21, 2013, with over 360 alumni corps members, instructors, and family.
The Planning Committee did a great job with location, souvenirs, entertainment, and more.
Many thanks to Marilyn Chin, Roxie Tom, Diana Gin, Jim Tabuchi, Steve Wong, Alan Chinn. Karen Wu, Scott Jow, Jillene Sturgess-DaPrato, Kim Wong, Chris Thorntona, Jennie Fong, and Lonnie Wong for a magical evening.
Alumni Stories
Since 1963, the Ye Wah and the Mandarins organization has offered young men and women a rewarding activity combining the Performing Arts with discipline, pride, good citizenship and sportsmanship, Asian traditions, and other important values. Adding friendships, travel, common goals, and more makes the “Mandarins Experience” a unique one, unlike any other youth program.
We hope this has helped our Alumni throughout their teenage, young adult, and adult years. Indeed, many have become doctors, teachers, dentists, lawyers, engineers, and parents, among other successful careers. But what has the “Mandarins Experience” meant to them, and what have they gained through it? Select the names below, for stories. We sincerely thank Alumni Members who have graciously allowed us to share their thoughts with you.
Mandarins Alumni Association
Alumni Spotlights
Click each image to learn more about their story!
Bruce Reyes-Chow
1987 must hold something special for those of us now in our late twenties who have experienced the effects of high school in the 80s and adulthood in the 90s. What has influenced our lives? What drives us in work and family? What is our role in the leading of the world?
As I continually reflect on these questions, I always think back to my seven years in Mandarins and the 1987 DCI Championship. This first Championship is especially poignant for me because not only was this a great event in Mandarins history, but it was also my final year of marching, last year of high school, the year I moved out, etc.
We were a decent, good, all-around A-60 Drum and Bugle Corps — a group of young people who worked hard, had great leadership, and approached our task with Passion, Integrity, Balance, and a sense of Identity. These four traits, even more than the actual ’87 championship, are central parts of my Mandarins experience.
PASSION: Drum corps people are by nature passionate about the art of Drum Corps. Who else would give up the summers to travel thousands of miles by bus (yes, we used to do that), perform in Rodeo Arenas, spend hours of practice in 100-plus degree weather, and more? Does the fun ever end? This kind of dedication has always stayed with me because for many of us it was our last year. This created a feeling of “If we’re going to do it, let’s do it right!” This intensity, even beyond that of your run-of-the-mill drum corps freak, epitomizes the passion of the Mandarins.
INTEGRITY: I often remember saying to myself as we watched other corps that year, “I sure am glad we’re not playing that!” I say that not because those corps were bad, but because many corps didn’t seem to want to push the edges of what a small corps could do. If we were going to put anything on the field with the Mandarins name, it was going to be classy, intriguing, and it was going to be done well. We were challenged to try things that were complex, engaging and, once it came together, powerful. As far as I can tell, Mandarins has never and will never have it any other way.
BALANCE: Despite those hours spent in the sun at Kennedy, the camps at Cosumnes, and the continuous practice, there was a good balance of fun and work; and more than not, they were the same thing. I can admit it now, but I am sure that if Don Yee and I were first-year members in 1987, we would not have gotten away with as much goofing off as we did. After hearing stories of the many more hours that other corps put in and the strictness of their regiment, the time we spent on the practice field working and laughing together was even more special. I think it came down to knowing tht we were there to have fun, be part of a community, and to put together a show we could be proud of. This levity — not only on the field, but throughout all aspects of our time together — showed everyone, inside and out of Mandarins, that we enjoyed what we did and our shared enthusiasm made us better when we hit the competition field.
IDENTITY: By far the biggest impact on me was the community built around our common Asian American roots. I can only say that it has been a vital part of my own understanding of identity as an Asian American. Mandarins connected me to a deep history rooted in Sacramento’s Chinatown, we because connected to Asian American churches and community groups throughout our travels, and we learned that it is okay to acknowledge and be proud of the distinctness of our culture. Mandarins showed the reality that lines between peoples are there; we can pretend they don’t exist, or we can be proud of our uniqueness within a larger community. As I look forward to the many opportunities my own daughter will have to be part of communities that help to build her own character, I hope that she will find ones that nurture her in her identity as Mandarins nurtured mine.
My continued thoughts and prayers are with everyone whose lives Mandarins touches. The rich history, experience, and foundations that Mandarins shares with young people is invaluable. Let’s remember and celebrate the amazing impact that this special group has had on those who have been, who are now, and who will become part of the Mandarins’ family.
Bruce Reyes-Chow
Laurie Moy
What is the significance of 1973 and 1980, and what do they have in common? They are the years that the Mandarins Color Guard were the Circuit Champions! I have always proudly held in my heart the fact that I was the only person to participate in both championship guards. Although many years have passed and my rifle is old and dusty, the memories are as fresh to me as the morning dew. There’s nothing quite like winning.
1973 was my first season marching in the competitive guard, and I didn’t know what to expect. We were competing in “A” Class, with a uniform of the traditional shocking pink satin tops, white sashes, shakos and plumes, black skirts, and low calf length boots. Guard Captain Diana Gin gave commands in Chinese. Being it was before the days that music was allowed, the sound of intricate rhythms made by poles, rifles, and boots made the Mandarins show very interesting to watch. The box step, the guillotine turns, the accelerating pass-in-review, and the flowing flag work were all highlights of the championship show. After having performed a controlled and near-flawless show, it was time to wait for retreat. The Blue Devils were winning all caption awards, and then the Mandarins won “Best Flagline”. This was an honor, since the average age of our flagline was 13! Now for second place…a hush came over the gym…with a penalty of 4.0 points, the Blue Devils! The crowd went wild. The Mandarins won their first championship by two points!
In 1980, the Mandarins, the Blue Devils, and the Royal Sabres, each with their different styles, were all contenders for the Open Class Champion title. Color guard had undergone many changes with the shedding of military requirements and the addition of music and theme variations. This time, our uniforms were pastel pink cowl neck tops with black gauchos and velvet vests. Instead of boots, we wore tights and ballet slippers. A black braid hairpiece with pink satin ribbon replaced the shakos. Performing to the music of Glinka’s “Ruslan and Ludmilla”, the guard performed flawlessly as they leaped over flags, caught tosses under their legs and behind their backs, did a rifle exchange, and ballet-danced. The show came to an emotional close as the guard proudly marched to “We are the Champions”, doing their trademark half-split in pass-in-review formation. Once again, we waited for retreat. With the Blue Devils in third place, I knew our chances of winning were still very high. A tie was announced for first place. The Mandarins and the Royal Sabres shared the championship title! It was an exhilarating moment of accomplishment, and a night to remember as we celebrated with our friends and families that yes, we were truly the Champions!
There is nothing like the glorious feeling of winning and the ecstatic thrill and pride that comes with it. The sweet taste of victory was indeed special and unique each time. But when I pause to reflect, I realize it is actually the sense of family, the wonderful experiences traveling and working together as a team, and all of the valuable things that I learned that I am truly grateful for. The years have slipped by, but I will always treasure the memories and friendships I made during my years with the Mandarins.
Laurie Moy
Karla Marquez
Find a true passion, because it can change your life and the life of others.
Through my participation in color guard, I have had the privilege to meet many people who were passionate about the activity. Some may have a hard time understanding why people are so passionate about marching. I tell them my story.
I have always loved the activity. It gave me the opportunity to set aside insecurities and gave me a place where personal problems did not exist. The idea was simple: leave all your problems off the field; right now your responsibility is to learn the work and get it right! Joseph Garcia (former high school guard instructor & director of Axxis Winter Guard) kept me working hard. As a freshman, he would pick on me ALL THE TIME, even as I improved and started learning faster than the older members. But there was a reason why: he believed in me. He knew he could push me more than anyone else and told me that some day I would march a Division I drum corps. He taught me a kind of work ethic and sense of responsibility (when I helped the new members) that I needed to learn at a critical point in my life. As I improved, he became my motivator and even a friend. When he left us for personal reasons, it was hard. But if I learned one thing from him, it was to move on and never give up! Two years passed when I found out that my last chance to see Joe would be at his funeral. I was surrounded by his friends and family when I realized that I wasn’t the only person who was touched by his passion and dedication. I stood up at the podium and told everyone how important he was in my life and how much I would miss him. People smiled as they seemed to agree that he had contributed to their lives as well. I almost took time off from guard, but thanks to Chad Kohlmier, my second high school instructor, I continued to march drum corps and teach at my former high school.
When it came time to keep my promise to Joe and march at a Division I drum corps, I looked around in search of a corps that exemplified the spirit of the activity and would help me grow as an individual. I decided to attend a Mandarins Drum & Bugle Corps camp to check it out. I was leaving my high school guard, friends, and family for the first time. But as soon as I stepped into practice, I could feel the intensity, the dedication to excellence, and sense of tradition which I had heard was characteristic of the Mandarins. My worries and doubts about leaving home disappeared as I realized that there was no place that I wanted to be at more than the Mandarins Drum & Bugle Corps.
I marched with the Mandarins for only two years, and dedicated my last season (2005) to Joe. After the semi-finals performance, I cried, hugged Greg Mar, and thanked him for also believing in me. I will forever be thankful to Greg and the rest of the Mandarins staff for welcoming me the way they did. I aged-out knowing that I had found a passion which added to my collection of life skills. I will always cherish my Mandarins experience, and hope that some day I will motivate others to find something they love — even if it isn’t drum corps — because passion, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with it, is contagious and can change the life of others.
Karla Marquez
Donald Yee
I first remember seeing the Mandarins when I was eight or nine years old. Three of my older siblings were marching at the time. I couldn’t wait to march. The corps was marching more than 70 members at the time, the hornline number about 36. Although their tour was only down to Los Angeles, that was the big tour to look forward to. Disneyland was the main attraction with a couple of shows thrown in as a world class sound contributing to a championship. But during the winter season, the staff and the 54 members dedicated themselves to putting together the best corps possible with whatever was available. The quality product turned out by the Mandarins is very labor and time-intensive, requiring a certain dedication and discipline that only a few can muster.
Aging out after ten years of membership, I left my shoes on the field after retreat at the 1987 DCI Championships. I remember waiting in the tunnel at Finals. I looked around and saw members, some focusing on their own silence, isolating themselves from any other distractions. Others were hugging and wishing each other good luck. And then there were those who were crying uncontrollably, realizing that hours of practice and hard work would finally come to pass in 11 short minutes. We finally got the call by Greg Mar to get set and move. After being announced, we were “off the line” and sweating like crazy. Everyone was trying to perform the most technically correct they knew with as much emotion as possible.
The scores and placements were announced. My heart was racing as the only two corps left were us and the Emerald Knights. There really aren’t any words to describe the feelings one has when second place is announced — and it isn’t you! Especially since we came from second place to win by more than a point. We were under strict orders not to become disorderly in celebration or disappointment when we were announced. As we stood at attention, we could see and hear all of our staff and boosters screaming and yelling in the stands.
It was truly a great experience to win our first championship when I aged out, but championship or not, the great friendships that were forged through the corps were the most important to me. The championships will always give me great memories, but that is all they will ever be. The friendships I made in the corps continue to provide me with laughter and happiness everyday. Thank you Mandarins and everyone involved, members, staff, parents, and friends of the corps, for making my life such a great experience!
Donald Yee
Andrew Amistoso
Trying to put your Drum Corps experience into words is a task that’s much easier said than done. For me, it truly was a roller coaster ride the five years that I was a member of the Drum Corps activity. I gained a better understanding about many things: tolerance, patience, the value of teamwork, co-operation, making sacrifices and getting along with others. Of all the groups I had the fortune of being a part of there is one that stands out. My favorite and most memorable time was when I had the privilege of being a member of the Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps; an organization that truly became my family away from my family.
Many people who age out from Drum Corps reminisce about the last time they marched and performed. It wasn’t hard for me to recall my most memorable time. It was when I marched off the field after our Final performance the summer of 1997. That performance put my entire Drum Corps experience into perspective. The feeling I had sought for so long to experience was no longer a dream: the feeling of knowing you have put all your will, drive and energy into a performance, laying it on the line and walking away with no regrets. That was the feeling of a lifetime. Cold showers, long bus rides, gym floors, hot & humid summer days, “Cut!”, “Reset!”, running blocks, mile long runs, running laps backwards, crunches, Horns bopping this time, Drum Line full out. These are some of the things that I will miss doing and hearing on those looooong summer days.
Even now, it’s so weird to be working at a job during the summer and you can’t help but feel like you should be somewhere else. A place where the grass is green, the yard lines are white, the horns shine in the sun and the drums roll away. That’s where I should be — it’s where I had some of the greatest times of my life. If I had the opportunity to march one more season, I would never turn it down. I will always have a special place in my heart for the Mandarins organization. Thank you for the chance of a lifetime and for accepting me as a part of the Mandarins’ family. Thanks to everyone in the organization. You’ve all touched my life and I am thankful to have met each and every one of you. Take care and good luck to all of you in all your future endeavors.
Andrew Amistoso
Melissa Gong
In the beginning of the 1995 season, the Mandarins Winterguard had high hopes of marching a fifteen-member colorguard. As usual, we ended up with a fairly small guard. Eight, to be exact. However, the amount of rehearsal time, camps, bonding moments, ice cream, flag flips, tears, and frustrations were enough for twenty girls. Nothing sums up a season more than the week we were privileged enough to spend in Dayton, Ohio. We were all pretty thankful to have a show where we could emote, display our weapon skills, and use the famous bamboos once again. Once we stepped off the airplane and into the cold Dayton air, that “Oh, my God!! We’re in Dayton!” feeling overcame us all.
Practicing at the YMCA was somewhat of a ritual. After a few rehearsals, lunch at Friendly’s Diner, sitting in the hot tub, mental runthroughs, and pep talks, the time to perform our prelims performance arrived. The rookie of the colorguard was nervous enough for all of us.
The Winterguard International (WGI) preliminary competition was held at the Dayton Arena. The instructors and chaperones had already taken us to the Arena the day before. We expected the high press box. We memorized the position of the lights. We knew we had to move quickly to set up our props, perform our five-minute show, and leave the floor.
I would love to say that our prelim performance was flawless. Truthfully, the eight of us performed much better shows at rehearsals. After exiting the floor at prelims, we were pretty bummed. After learning that we had placed sixth, going to the “Y” to practice was the only thought in our minds.
After a good night’s rest and a few hours of practice, the colorguard went to the preparatory tent to warm up for the final performance. We were all positive that our best show awaited us.
Stepping onto the arena gym floor was the scariest and most exhilarating feeling. The crowds covered the front seats and even extended into the side seats encircling the performance floor. The crowd was shouting and yelling, to wish us luck. That night, our wonderful five-minute show didn’t seem to click. Exiting the Arena the second time around was probably worse than the first. Our season had not come to an end with a spectacular “bang.” Instead, it left most of us desiring a second chance. In fact, we were all instantly reminded of our two future performances — Markofer Elementary, and Concord Pavilion.
The 1995 Winterguard season will never be forgotten. Though we didn’t arrive home with medals around our necks, we all wanted another season to grow as performers and “redeem” ourselves. The summer that followed, the colorguard became stronger and more consistent performers. We ended our season with the honor of winning HIGH COLORGUARD at the Drum Corps International Championships. I was just so proud of the award because we all poured our hearts into our performance. Together, we can climb mountains!!
Melissa Gong
Rodney Wong
The 1987 corps season was one that seemed to just continue from the previous. One year before in ’86, we performed first in DCI prelims, then watched our Finals hopes drop slowly down the scoreboard until we rested, disappointed, at tenth. Even worse, estimates from judges during the season had picked us to finsh around fourth. I don’t recall a single person who experienced ’86, who didn’t rejoin in ’87 with something to prove.
The desire born of 1986, translated into a methodic and dedicated following season with things mentally and musically falling quickly into place. Pre-championship competition went well, with quotes from Drum Corps World calling us “The biggest little kid on the block!” and “A Boston Crusaders for the 80s.” Performances, although not flawless, were rich and exciting because we were doing things that we had never accomplished before, and we were reaching those goals together.
These times on and off the field were ours. Equally memorable were friends made along the way and where we became the “good guys” and were cheered on my everyone. I remembered that year we were sure to return our DCI application early to avoid the dreaded 8:00 a.m. first slot in Monday Prelims. Everything was right yet comfortably tense, but then on that day for some reason the upper drum battery was… well… tired and drained. We knew that we were in trouble and finally on the way to Badger Stadium, found a dose of energy to squeak through. Squeak we did into Finals, but we were dangerously close to flopping that Prelim show.
Finals, on the other hand, wasn’t another tense job. Out of that gate we meshed, or sold, or sang, or whatever it was, it was right. For the first time for me the performance felt effortless and sweet. It wasn’t about notes and drill, it was about what the music meant and felt like. Yes, it felt good! Usually after a good show, you sense the exhaustion as you leave the field. After Finals ’87, the feeling carried off the field, out the gate, and long after hearing “parade rest” and “relax.”
As if things weren’t good enough, we won that night, too. Long after the encore and the stadium emptied, I remember staying there to march some yards, because on that night we owned that Astroturf. Finally out of the stadium, much later, we still met cheers, applause, and smiles.
I continued four more years and volunteered one, and although skills and shows peaked in later years, that one win — the feeling — was never better than that one time. We had done something we didn’t know we could do. If constant reminiscing is a sign of age, then I guess I’m getting up there because I talk old times every so often and never get tired of it. Although I don’t play much anymore, I acquired a snare, and am pretty sure my old ’84 uniform and white bucks are up in my closet. Gee, am I wierd?!? I guess so…
Thanks to everyone whose path I crossed along the way, and thanks to everyone who remains to support, direct, and teach Mandarins and what we stand for. You are all very special to me.
Rodney Wong
Jilene Sturgess
(By Michael Boo, Reprinted with permission from DCI.org)
Jillene Sturgess is aging out of Mandarins after marching nine seasons with the corps. Her first season was 1994, when the corps had only 35 members (and ten in the horn line). She picked up a baritone because the corps needed horn players, and spent seven years on the instrument.
She spent one year in the guard, prior to taking off a year for summer school last year. (She had to make up some credits after changing her major to biological science.) She came back to age out in 2003 as drum major.
Jillene’s older sister Shannon marched as drum major in 1993 and 1994, then came back in 1997 and 1998, aging out as a baritone player. Her younger sister Jessica has been in the corps seven years. She started in the pit and now also plays baritone. Her dad goes on tour with the corps, carting water bottles. He is an elementary band teacher and gave his kids a solid musical foundation.
Jillene says that much of what Mandarins stand for today can be traced to its heritage.
“The corps was founded 40 years ago as Ye Wah Drum and Bell Corps, an outlet for the local Chinese community to come together. It brought a lot of families in and the alumni have gone on to provide much support.”
“Before, the corps used to be mostly Asian-based. Now it’s more diverse. We had to look elsewhere for more people, and reached out to more cities. Only about 20 percent of the corps is now Asian-American, but the Asian-American values are still the same. Our show is tied in with that heritage.”
“I used to think it was crazy for someone to be in the corps for so long, as it’s such a huge time commitment. The years flew by and I didn’t realize how long I had been in. I’ve been a part of it for so long that I knew if I didn’t do my last year I’d have regrets.”
“I remember that at the Division III World Championship finals in 1998, I saw my older sister standing next to me in the retreat arc. She had this look of satisfaction that something was completed. It made me feel good to have a chance to march with her and it made the season that much more enjoyable.”
“Still, I’m kind of scared about not having anything to do next summer. I’ll probably finish up my education. Even now at shows, the feeling of it slipping away is overwhelming. Sometimes I get teary-eyed looking at stadiums, realizing I won’t be able to march anymore.”
“This year, the stories of each person in the corps came flooding back. I’ll remember a story from years ago when I look at someone and I’ll get this overwhelming adrenaline rush. I take a deep breath and realize I have no regrets for giving as much time as I have to the corps, that all my years were spent doing something I enjoy.”
Jillene Sturgess
Amy Inouye
I would never be the person that I am today if it wasn’t for the Mandarins.
Being around fellow corps members, staff, the parents and the many people who devote their hard work, time, and dedication to this corps has taught me social skills, responsibility, being able to work as a team, passion, dedication, loyalty, and of course pride.We all make an impact on each other’s lives, whether we realize it or not, no matter how big or small it may be.
I wish to thank you for that and for giving me the opportunity to participate with such a fine group of people.
To the returning members and new members, don’t ever take this for granted and always remember to thank the people around you. Your parents, the other parents that are always around helping, the staff and the administrative staff — remember that they are there for YOU!
Take the time to get to know them and appreciate them because that’s what they are there for. Mom and Dad, thank you for letting me do this for five years; I love you. Mr. and Mrs. Mar, I couldn’t have done this without you; you were my parents away from home! There are so many people who have helped me through the years, it would be impossible to name them all, but I am sure you probably know who you are.
Always remember, you do the things you do because you love it, you have passion for it, and it’s a part of you.
This is what Mandarins has been to me for the past 5 years and it will always remain a fond memory in my heart. It has been an honor and a pleasure; thank you so very much.
Amy Inouye
Michelle Yamazaki
On December 1, 2005, a group of 98 distinguished members from 30 various Division I, II and III corps flew into Orlando, Florida to participate in the first DCI Honor Corps appearance in the Disney World Christmas Day Parade. The parade will be aired Sunday, December 25, 2005 from 2:30-4:30pm, pacific standard time, on ABC (in Sacramento, that’s channel 10).
The DCI Honor Corps consisted of 36 girls and 62 boys, who flew or drove in from 29 different states, as well as Japan. Along with color guard members Mickey Fong and Jackie Wong, I had the pleasure of representing the Sacramento Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps on baritone.
The event was the experience of a lifetime, and what made it even more amazing was that it happened over the course of only a few days. Most of us flew in Thursday evening, December 1st and returned home on Sunday, December 4th. That was my original plan as well, but due to several ‘mishaps’, I missed my flight on Sunday and had to fly out on Monday. Luckily, I was able to stay over with one of the other participants from Boston Crusaders, right there in Orlando.
Although we did have to pay for our own air fare and about $350 for a package that included 3 nights’ lodging, transportation, meal vouchers, park entrance, etc., it was WELL worth every penny. We were each awarded souvenirs that included a “DCI HONOR CORPS” sash, which we wore during the parade, the 2005 season DCI audio CDs and DVDs, t-shirts, a DCI lanyard with a laminated name tag, and best of all, fun memories!
During the weekend we named this the “accelerated tour”, with Thursday being June, Friday being July, Saturday being Finals week and Sunday being Awards Banquet, and it’s been referred to that ever since. It was amazing how quickly we all got to know each other, and feel like we were a family.
After arriving at the airport, there was a shuttle to pick us up and take us to the hotel to check in. That evening, we all boarded three busses and were hurried off to a rehearsal site.
We started out by getting into sections and practicing J.D. Shaw’s arrangement of “Sleigh Ride”, the music we’d be playing for the parade, which was going to be filmed on Saturday. We rehearsed from 11pm to 1am and then went back to the hotel where we, instead of sleeping, hung out and got to know other members from the other corps. In the room next to ours was a room of four guys from Pacific Crest. They joined us along with our roommate, Erin Braxel, from Esperanza, in watching TV for a few hours and then we finally went to sleep.
The next morning we ate breakfast and then got back onto the busses for some more rehearsal. When we got to the practice site, we lined up and they gave us numbers for the drill. We spent the next hour and a half learning the drill, and soon we were able to put the music with it. After a few more hours of practice, we loaded the busses again and they took us to the Magic Kingdom. We had four hours to explore the park and then at 6pm we met at a back entrance to change into full uniform and set up an arc to warm up. The DCI staff helped put our “Honor Corps” sashes on and soon it was time to set up in the parade block. We marched the “pre-taping” parade throughout the Magic Kingdom and then after that we went back to the hotel rooms where we again chose to hang out with everybody instead of sleeping. By this time it felt as if we had known these other marchers the entire summer, and this was just a reunion.
After getting only about 3 hours of sleep, on Saturday we woke up an hour earlier than planned to get some more rehearsal in for the taping later that day. It was a short rehearsal block, I think less than four hours, and soon we were on our way to the Magic Kingdom once again. We pulled around to the back entrance, got into our uniforms, warmed up, and then marched to the starting line of the parade. We stood there for what seemed like forever, watching the color guard do a million drop spins while parade hosts Regis Philbin and Kelly Rippa did their opening lines. Finally it was time to actually march the parade, but even then it was mainly stop and go. We arrived at the camera spot, played the music, marched the drill, and then we marched right back into the behind-the-scenes of Disney World. We changed out of uniform, ate lunch with the TV crew, hung out for an hour or so, got back into uniform, and then we marched the parade one more time.
After the parade, we took full corps and individual pictures (which we haven’t received yet), changed out of uniform, loaded the truck, loaded the busses, and then we were on our way to MGM Studios. We had a few hours to spend there before we had to meet up again at a back entrance. From there, they took us around a “secret passage” to a very nicely set up dessert table in front of a great view of Fantasmic (the most amazing Disney show I’ve ever seen).
Waiting for us at the entrance of this soirée, there he was, standing tall, the DCI Santa! Dan Acheson, DCI Executive Director, decked out in a Santa hat, handed each of us a white DCI bag.
Inside we found the 2006 DCI calendar, and the full set of CD’s from 2005. They told us that we would be receiving the full DVD set as well, but they were on back-order. It was amazing. CD’s, DVD’s, chocolate covered strawberries, Fantasmic, and hanging out with some of the most incredible young men and women I’ve ever met, what could be better?
Well, it turns out Pleasure Island is, if not better, at least just as much fun. After we left MGM Studios, we went to the hotel rooms, changed, and then most of us caught a shuttle to Pleasure Island, which is the Disney World for the 18 and older crowd. We were surrounded by clubs and the group I was with soon found a 1980’s club called “8Trax”. We walked in and spent most of the night dancing to The Jackson Five, Madonna, Ace of Base, and even Devo. Pleasure Island closed at 2AM, and we caught the last shuttle back to the hotel.
Only 30 minutes after we got back, slowly, one by one, everybody, and I mean everybody, showed up in our room. Mickey, Jackie and I just started laughing because our room was so tiny and we had about 35 people in there. Around 5am, everybody decided to sleep, and then when we all woke up a few hours later, we packed up and checked out of the Disney All Star Music Resort.
We all had different flights to go back to our own states so we separated into smaller groups for the day. Stu (the drum major of both Boston Crusaders and the Honor Corps) and I went back to MGM Studios and then left to get dinner. Skipping over what would make this long story even longer, I ended up missing my flight that evening, but eventually, the next day (after traveling 13 hours) I arrived home at the Sacramento International airport late Monday night.
That weekend was almost four weeks ago and I still talk to my new friends daily. We are still in close contact with each other and we are all looking forward to meeting up throughout tour this summer. In fact, those of us on the West Coast are currently planning a reunion trip to Disneyland. How very appropriate, I know 🙂
Of all the things I gained from that weekend, it’s the friendships I’ve made that I cherish the most. Thank you, Mr. Mar, Jim Tashima, Mary Purvis, and the Mandarins organization for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the most wonderful weekend I could’ve imagined.
(Note: you might want to check out dci.org and do a search of honor corps to read more and see some of the corps members’ photos.)
Michelle Yamazaki
Courtney White
Now it’s over. Two-tenths of a point dropped to third place, but it is all right because I am now a stronger performer and a stronger person. In June, we started a show 16 counts late… we were going nowhere and now here we are (at DCI). I’m not sure that anyone knew what we were capable of back then, or now for that matter, performance-wise or when you put us together in a miniscule locker room and say “Get clean and get along.”
The total meaning of Tour fails to hit you when you are on your first practice field in Greenville, or buying 75-cent Klondike Bars in the town store. The first show passes by in a flurry of frenzy and excitement. The East Coast weather is both a rush and an inhibitor. A performance in the rain is exhilarating — the water isn’t just on you, but seeps into you and energizes the performer. Endless running and walking, jumping and dancing, and no one lets down.
In Marion, we faced a car lot and performed to the telephone wires above it, and by then most of us still weren’t sure exactly what we were doing this for. The only chance to be lonely is a long bus ride, but the call for company is heard often enough. Friendships are coming up everywhere, growing all the time. The hornline member you have barely greeted twice becomes a trusted confidante. For the most part, it is brother and sister, and by unspoken agreement you can turn to anyone, anytime. Whatever the problem, there will always be someone to listen, because everyone has their days, and our days are all the same.
On a beautiful beach somewhere in Maine, we all go our separate ways, and there is content in the way he touches a shell, or in the way she carves her name in the pier. I cross the bridge of hopes and dreams and add my wish to the lot. Staring at the pool of shiny coins, my mind wanders back, picking out the highlights of our trip’s trials and triumphs, and stops on a scene that took place just this morning, on that beautiful beach somewhere in Maine.
Through the haze of rain and mist and tears, individuals are beginning to say goodbye to the last two and a half weeks. We are standing on a rock posing for the moment, creating one more memory. And soon we will be walking away from it, far, far away. Walking back to family and school and laughter and problems just as before, but this time with the knowledge that we are outstanding — we are successful, and it wouldn’t be so if we didn’t have each other.
In 1999, Courtney wrote:
“I haven’t been back to Sacramento in the longest time, but with graduation right before me and all that sentimental reflection that goes with it, I thought of you and want to say Thank You.”
“At a recent conference, I was asked to define the single most life-shaping experience in my past. Without hesitation, I responded, Mandarins. I proceeded to tell tales of 10-hour rehearsal days, tour, discipline, self-discovery, individuality and teamwork, talent, strength, accomplishment, confidence, and ambition. The will to strive toward excellence. It shaped my very being and has fueled my success here at school.”
“I hope the kids are milking Mandarins for the many things it has to offer them!! Most importantly, thank you for perpetuating a tradition that has a lifelong impact on the kids that pass through it. I am so grateful!”
With Aloha, Courtney
Courtney White
Rita Chan
I can’t believe it’s over. I half-expect someone to ask me if I’m going to join again, or tell me what great music “we” will be playing this year. But that’s not going to happen…and right now I can’t decide if I’m more relieved or more regretful.
I’m surprised to find that it’s actually kind of hard to let go. I think there will be many things I will miss. I’ll miss the smell of bus exhaust on warm summer nights…having someone map out my whole day for me, meals included…the rush of adrenaline right before we step off the line… playing in the pit…holding hands in an arc as we wait to hear our score on finals night. I think I might even miss being drum major.
Of course, there are a lot of things I know I won’t miss — cold showers in slimy stalls…cramped bus seats…getting sunburned three times a year. I definitely won’t miss the running block.
Now that it’s finally over, though, I know that I appreciate all the memories — the good as well as the bad. I think I’ve grown up a lot since I first joined at the age of 14. I’ve gone from thinking I knew everything to knowing that I don’t know anything. I think that’s a pretty good sign of maturity…or at least the beginning of it.
As I leave my life with the Mandarins behind, I almost feel like I’m starting a new era of my life in a world that is a little rougher and not quite as well mapped out. It’s kind of exciting and scary at the same time… kind of like when I first joined the Mandarins. I guess things really do come full circle.
Thanks for the opportunities, the experiences, and the laughs. And thanks for those memories and the friendships. I think I’m going to hang on to those just a little longer.
Rita Chan
Michelle Tong-Choyce
There have been several occasions where I found myself wondering what I would have been doing with myself if I was never in Mandarins. Maybe I would have spent my summer days, and Wednesday and Friday nights slumped on the sofa watching hours of brainless television. Or maybe I would have been running the streets of Sacramento wreaking havoc, hanging out with Greenhaven punks.
In fact, that is what I did, after I quit Mandarins! I also wonder how Mandarins may have contributed to shaping me into the person I am today. I do not necessarily know the answer to that question and I am still trying to figure that out today. But, I am able to boil the Mandarins influence down to four things: the physical effect, the subconscious effect, the parental effect, and lastly the social effect. As you read on, you’ll understand.
The physical: Physically, the muscle above my left shoulder blade (trapezius) tightens up whenever I am under stress. I realized the pain dates back to the frigid nights we spent awaiting our scores during the awards ceremonies, where I would crunch my shoulders up in the cold. Then, there is the incessant habit I have whenever I lay hands on a long tubular item, like a roll of wrapping paper, of attempting doubles and triples by tossing the roll in the air. And then, just a few weeks ago, I was crossing the street and I smelled a waft of exhaust from a bus, and suddenly, the nostalgia of the running buses outside Jumbo as we loaded up went whizzing through my mind.
The subconscious: Mandarins affects my life because I still have random dreams about trying to learn a new combination that Greg Mar was trying to teach me. More recently, I had a dream that I was doing horizontals, which were not done with the precision I once had in the past.
The parental: Also, Mandarins saved my parents countless hours of driving me around (because I had friends that could drive!) and worrying about me falling into the wrong crowd during the most important formative years of my life.
The social: However, what I found most influential about Mandarins was the strong sense of community and the sharing of my individual space with others. That has definitely carried over to my life today, such that I have committed my career endeavors to community work and have a personal interest in providing legal assistance in areas that affect low-income Asian communities.
In addition, I love to travel and I love taking the bus! And, I also know that for five years, I was part of a disciplined environment that fostered and encouraged Asian American youth to entertain a competitive team spirit.
In closing, I quote the priceless words of my brother Bruce Lee, “when tea is put in a teapot, it becomes the teapot.”
Michelle Tong-Choyce
Yuk Fong
I am one of four people who founded the Ye Wah Drum Corps. It all started one winter evening when I received a phone call from Mr. Roy Wong, a good friend of mine. He told me he and a few others needed my help. Initially, I had no idea what he meant. During the conversation, it was decided that a meeting would be set up at Mr. Wong’s house; also attending would be Mr. Frank Lim and Mr. Thomas Fong. We were about to discuss and plan what would later become the Mandarins.
At this meeting, we talked about the possibility of creating a drum corps. The others asked if I would be willing to involve and commit myself to this idea. They further said that if I gave my support and said yes, that the drum corps could and would be created. I thought to myself, “What contribution could I possibly make that would be so important to this drum corps?” When I asked the others this question, the answer was simple: “Your responsibility is to teach the kids how to drum.”
Don’t get me wrong, I am not a professional drummer. During my years as a teenager, the Chinese school I attended had many activities, one of which was a drum corps. Although my experience was limited, I told the others at this meeting that I would promise to do my best in teaching kids. I was also what you might call a jack-of-all-trades. Not only did I instruct, I also designed and made the flags and uniforms that first year.
I recall the many, many parades in and around Sacramento that the Mandarins took part in. Once, we marched in three parades in three different towns all in one day! It was during this very busy time that we wanted to further expand our experience by competing in drum and bugle competitions. We joined the circuit and made the necessary changes to compete seriously.
After devoting ten years of hard work, dedication, and an unfailing commitment to the corps, I decided it was time for me to step down. In 1974, I officially “retired” from the Mandarins. As one of the founding members of the Ye Wah Drum Corps, I’m very proud of how the corps has evolved and what the corps has accomplished. I am extremely happy to have been a part of such a successful corps and I hope the Mandarins continue for another 35 years.
Happy Anniversary and congratulations!
Yuk Fong
Joyceline Fong-Fukuchi
“I’m taking my bows, my curtain calls…” Whenever I hear these words from the popular Queen classic, I always think back to the most exciting years while growing up. As a marching member of the Mandarins in the late 1970s and early 80s, I was fortunate to be a participant in a very successful winterguard program that ultimately brought us the Northern California “A” Championship and a Top Ten placement at WGI in 1980. Although these events took place long ago, I’m sure that for those of you who were part of the organization during these years, many memories remain fresh in our minds.
With our 1978 Star Wars theme and Mark Dong “Darth Vadar,” the Mandarins color guard made a spectacular return to winterguard competition by competing in “A” class. Our style was bold and traditional and we got a big thrill wowing the crowds with our flag exchange and headchopper. This was also the first season that “We are the Champions” was used as our closing song. How many hours did we spend practicing the “lean back” before passing review? This song became our signature throughout the next four seasons.
In the winter of 1979, Greg Morgan had a vision. Lose the shakos and knee-high rubber boots, recruit Irene Bouris, prima ballerina, and teach 21 girls how to ballet dance with flags and rifles. We learned how to feather-kick in Sam Brannan’s cafeteria, chane turn at Confucius Hall, and point, point, point our toes. There were other changes too, some not as obvious as our new uniforms or softer style…
The B-class color guards began to look up to us and suddenly we felt the responsibility of representing the Mandarins and the Sacramento Chinese Community in a positive manner. Do some of you remember seeing the Sailorettes practicing while proudly wearing Mandarins T-Shirts? How about hearing the other color guards and fans alike enthuiastically stomp-stomp-clapping as we took the floor in competition? We never wanted to let our fans down that year…we earned a very respectable 2nd place at Circuit Championship behind Blue Devils “A.”
Some believe 1980 was our year to peak. With two years of competitive experience and our confidence levels high, we worked as hard as ever polishing our ballet styles. We added horizontal aerials, exchanges, and quads, and perfected our splits and “headchopper.” Prior to each show, we assembled into our relaxation circle, focused on our performance, then marched our hearts out! It all came together as we proudly earned the championship and the respect of the drum corps community. We couldn’t have done it without the support of the instructors, Booster Club, and fellow corps members. I still remember the faithful Greg Morgan carrying around his boombox and beat-up rifle; Joyce Yee, Color Guard Director, chaperoning weeknight practices while wrapping pink ribbon roses. Kurt, Ron, and Les, our drumline, carpooling to every show. Then there was Ken, Marty, and Danny yelling “Bravo, little sisters” from the stands, the Ernie Fong van, and all of you who came to support us week after week, year after year.
Sometimes I wonder how I was dedicated to the Mandarins for seven years of my life. Then I think of you, my fellow alumni. Those friendships we established through corps are the ones that remain close to my heart today. We worked hard together, performed together, relaxed together, and grew up together. We relied on each other for support and encouragement, celebrated our accomplishments, and comforted one another in our defeats. I am grateful for those years we shared. The next time you hear “We are the Champions,” think back to those years. I hope your memories are as cherished as mine.
Joyceline Fong-Fukuchi
Todd Fong 
