Sacramento Mandarins

Sacramento Mandarins The Sacramento Mandarins was formed in 1963 and is a member of Drum Corps International.

Founded in 1963, the Sacramento Mandarins provide the ideal balance of education, family values, personal time, and the blending of Asian traditions with drum corps. The Mandarins are committed to the growth of the lives of young people through a commitment to youth development and performance excellence while providing enjoyment for the Sacramento community and audiences worldwide. The Mandarins have been DCI World Championship Finalists in 2018 and 2019, having finished in the Top 10 amongst all World Class Drum Corps. The Mandarins are two-time recipients of the prestigious Spirit of Disney award, signifying outstanding achievement in educational and entertainment programs for youth; Drum Corps International Division III World Champions in 1987, 1988, 1992, 1996, 1997, 1998, and 1999; Drum Corps International Division II World Champions in 2001; Drum Corps International Pacific Division III Champions in 1996, 1997, 1998, and 1999, and DCI Pacific Division II California State Champions in 2000 and 2001; and Drum Corps International World Class Semifinalist in 2001, 2005, 2006, 2010 - 2017 and Top 10 Finalists in 2018 and 2019. Look for the Mandarins to appear in a full slate of West Coast shows and a nationwide tour, including appearances at the DCI regionals in San Antonio, Atlanta and Allentown on the way to Indianapolis for the DCI World Championships. The President and CEO is Dr. Dan Fong and the Corps Director is JW Koester.

We’re thrilled to officially announce our design team for 2027.This season, we welcome a team of experienced design prof...
09/27/2026

We’re thrilled to officially announce our design team for 2027.
This season, we welcome a team of experienced design professionals:

• Ryan Ellis - Creative Director
• Fred Smith - Music Director, Brass Arranger, Front Ensemble Arranger, Sound Designer
• Ezekiel Lanser - Battery Percussion Arranger
• Sarah Abdulal - Color Guard and Visual Designer
• Mason Daffinee - Drill Writer

Learn more about this team and check out their full bios at: https://mandarins.org/staff

We’re excited to announce the Mandarins administrative leadership team for the 2027 season! 🐉JW Koester returns to the c...
09/26/2026

We’re excited to announce the Mandarins administrative leadership team for the 2027 season! 🐉

JW Koester returns to the corps in the new role of Executive Director; Santiago Sabado returns as an Administrative Consultant; and we’re excited to welcome Tom Linder in the newly created role of Drum Corps Business Manager.

Together, this team will lead the administrative efforts behind the Mandarins’ return to the DCI Tour, helping ensure a successful, efficient, and sustainable 2027 season.

Please join us in welcoming our 2027 administrative leadership team!
🔗 Read more at mandarins.org

The Mandarins join the entire drum corps community in mourning the loss of Steve Vickers, a great friend and dedicated s...
09/25/2026

The Mandarins join the entire drum corps community in mourning the loss of Steve Vickers, a great friend and dedicated steward of our activity’s history.

For more than five decades, Steve served as editor and publisher of Drum Corps World. His lifelong contributions to the activity were recognized with his induction into the DCI Hall of Fame.

As Steve ensured the stories of Drum Corps were always told and archived, we will make sure to continue your legacy and share the history. Thank you, Steve; you will never be forgotten.

Our thoughts are with Steve’s family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. He will be deeply missed.

09/25/2026

Brass | Woodwinds | Percussion | Visual
November 8, Save the Date.
♾️

09/24/2026

When your summertime hang out is a little different. 🤩

Get on the field for ➡️ dci.fan/MarchDrumCorps

Mandarins Performing Arts is proud to announce the Sacramento Mandarins' return to the Drum Corps International stage in...
09/24/2026

Mandarins Performing Arts is proud to announce the Sacramento Mandarins' return to the Drum Corps International stage in 2027. With the approval and support of the Drum Corps International Voting Membership, the organization is prepared to take the next step forward and return to competition. The Mandarins are returning stronger, more focused, and more committed than ever to our mission of transforming lives through performing arts.

The Mandarins' return represents a significant step forward for the organization and reinforces its long-standing commitment to excellence, education, and the transformative power of the performing arts. The organization is assembling an experienced staff of educators and professionals who will support the development of performers both on and off the field throughout the season. Leading the Mandarins into the 2027 season will be Executive Director JW Koester, who will guide the corps and its leadership team as preparations for the upcoming season continue.

Executive Director JW Koester stated, "The Mandarins are honored and thankful that the DCI voting membership has approved the corps to return to the field in 2027. We realize we need to back our words with actions as we share our plans for restructuring and sustainability with DCI, and we are prepared to do so. 2027 will be a transformational year for the drum corps as we build our teams to provide an exceptional experience for our corps members."

Mandarins Performing Arts extends its deepest gratitude to the alumni, families, volunteers, donors, fans, partners, and supporters who have continued to stand behind the organization throughout this journey.

2027 season information is coming very soon, so stay tuned to mandarins.org!

DCI Houston on Film, Circa 2022 🎞️🐉
09/23/2026

DCI Houston on Film, Circa 2022 🎞️🐉

Thanks to everyone who came out to our Parade Corps Open House!The Mandarins Parade Corps gives young performers ages 11...
09/22/2026

Thanks to everyone who came out to our Parade Corps Open House!

The Mandarins Parade Corps gives young performers ages 11–17 the chance to build confidence, develop performance skills, and experience the excitement of performing in the heart of the Sacramento region.

Featuring percussion and color guard, the Parade Corps is designed for performers of all experience levels; no prior experience is necessary. Our staff will help members learn the fundamentals and grow as performers.

Interested in joining? Register Now:
🔗 Mandarins.org/parade

We are proud to announce all of our performers for the upcoming Sacramento Performing Arts Recognition Gala II. Please j...
09/18/2026

We are proud to announce all of our performers for the upcoming Sacramento Performing Arts Recognition Gala II. Please join us on Saturday, November 7, to celebrate these amazing groups!
More information: Mandarins.org/gala

09/01/2026

Sacramento Mandarins 2013 “Destination America” 📍

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Sacramento, CA

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+19167197368

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