Mandarins 2026

[Tony L.]

I want to congratulate the Mandarins on another amazing year!  They continue to grow and evolve in new and different ways.  I love the moves they have made.  And I have no doubt that they will continue to evolve.   

I would love to see them take on something like the music from The Death of Klinghoffer. Or Nixon in China.  Take on some new topics around the idea of exiles.  The talent is there and I have no doubt that the growth is there too.  

Remember, the Mandarins are the Grande Dame of California Corps. They are the oldest California corps in existence unless their sweatshirt and the Vanguard t-shirt I bought are inaccurate.  LOL.

I have no doubt that the Mandarins are here for good!

[Fourth Floor Walk-up]

1 hour ago, Tony L. said:

Remember, the Mandarins are the Grande Dame of California Corps. They are the oldest California corps in existence

BD founded in 1957

Mandarins in 1963

SCV in 1967

PC in 1993

Edited August 14, 2025 by Fourth Floor Walk-up

[Bruckner8]

5 hours ago, Chief Guns said:

So with a few days to process another amazing and record breaking season for the Mandarins, what do you want to see them do next as they continue their upward trajectory?

1) continue their leadership and staff consistency

2) if they bring in anyone new, make sure those people have good relations with dci/judging community

3) embrace the past harder, especially with engagement/fundraising. Alumni and the SAC community want a winner, and probably understand how important their participation is. I’m sure the Mandarins Admins know this, but still: don’t miss on this one. 

[greg_orangecounty]

1 hour ago, Fourth Floor Walk-up said:

BD founded in 1957

Mandarins in 1963

SCV in 1967

PC in 1993

 

2 hours ago, Tony L. said:

 Remember, the Mandarins are the Grande Dame of California Corps. They are the oldest California corps in existence unless their sweatshirt and the Vanguard t-shirt I bought are inaccurate.  LOL.

Depends on when the organization was formed vs. the definition of what a "Drum Corps" is.  The Odellos formed the Blue Devils (organization) in 1957, but they were a Drum/Drill Team/Bell corps for a long time.  They didn't add horns until the very late 60's, so the Mandarin's are indeed the oldest "Drum & Bugle Corps" in existence in CA. 

I hope they become the next Boston-like story. 

[Chief Guns]

12 hours ago, greg_orangecounty said:

I hope they become the next Boston-like story. 

I agree with you. 

The next 5-10 years for the Mandarins will be exciting to follow. 

[OldSnareDrummer]

18 hours ago, Chief Guns said:

So with a few days to process another amazing and record breaking season for the Mandarins, what do you want to see them do next as they continue their upward trajectory?

SinnerVieuxCarreMan.  The French dude with an attitude. 

[Chief Guns]

49 minutes ago, OldSnareDrummer said:

SinnerVieuxCarreMan.  The French dude with an attitude. 

Then we take Mr. French dude and put him in the spinners so we can hear him yell repeatedly "Je me chie dessus!"

Lol.

[KVG_DC]

8 hours ago, Chief Guns said:

Then we take Mr. French dude and put him in the spinners so we can hear him yell repeatedly "Je me chie dessus!"

Lol.

TIL if you wanna dodge the swear filters here, you can do it in French.

[mK_ulltra]

On 8/14/2025 at 1:00 PM, OldSnareDrummer said:

SinnerVieuxCarreMan.  The French dude with an attitude. 

Ok my new game is whether I’m older Anton OldSnareDrummer….

They’re doing amazing things, everything is there, the talent, the show design, the general awesomeness. 

either way only corps with 4 champs in a row. And it would have been 6 but some old ### got hurt (like any single person matters that much 🙂 ) 

 

Big love @Chief Guns don’t drift too far away, you brought me back. 🙂 

Edited August 16, 2025 by mK_ulltra
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[ohbaby]

The drum major will be missed .. she was a very good conductor, had great control and was very nice on the eyes... hopefully she goes into some musical avenue .. she has that "it" about her!!!