Mandarins 2007 DCI Virtual Tour
TO: Page 1 - Page 2 - Page 3 - Page 4 - Page 5 - Page 6
|
Tour News: August 6 - 11, courtesy of Robin Cole |
| I went to Sunnyvale to take drivers/pick up drivers. There were lots of visitors, a huge changing of help and influx of new hands. Lunch was a Chinese food buffet and fruit. Everyone seems excited to be back in California. The souvenir booth seemed to be a gathering point especially with all the neat new products with the Mandarin logo. I know I over-shopped. The show at Standford was one of the best I have seen -- it was fantastic and the crowd showed they agreed. Another standing ovation. I have seen dead crowds come alive watching our show, except, I understand in Clovis. I wasn't in Clovis but since we were short drivers, my husband opted to stay with the corps. He told me the crowd wasn't very lively but the stadium and school housing was very nice. |  Souvie Booth does mega-sales |
 Guard enters the field in Stanford |
 Stanford performance wows the crowd |
|
|
|
I joined back up with the corps in Lynwood on Wednesday. The school, although not in the nicest area, is a nice school. With so many family, friends and alumni the corps is excited and you can't help but feel it. Greg is not the only talented Mar son. Their other son and his friends catered a delicious dinner for the corps. It was very, very good. |
 Enjoying the fantastic feast served up by Curtis Mar |
Editor's
note: Many
thanks to Mandarins alumni Curtis Mar, who is Executive Chef/Partner at
Roy's
Restaurant in Los Angeles. Curtis and his assistants Craig, Russell,
and Isaac served up a delicious feast of Kalua Pork, Sushi, Korean Short
Ribs, Poke, Salad, Misoyaki, and Hamachi. |
 |
| Practice had a different feel to it. The runthrough took the show to a new level as Dr. Dan dedicated the runthrough to the ageouts and alumni present. The corps yelled they were going to "Rock this house!" and they did. It was a great runthrough, followed by a dessert party. Let's pray the scores reflect tomorrow what I have seen performed here tonight. Editor's Note: Thanks to Ralph & Patricia Knight (Amy & Rachel's parents) for the pastry, and Larry & Barabara Williams (Blair's parents) for the fresh fruits and corn. |
 Brass line rocks at the last rehearsal before Quarterfinals |
 One of the two dragons in our show |
| On Thursday our corps busses #1 and #2 showed up amidst a crowd of well-wishing family and friends, and a fan base which it appears has been accumulated this year. As the time came, our horn line arrived last- minute, scaring those waiting, as they had been offsite warming up. |
 Strings at the Quarterfinals performance in the Rose Bowl, in Pasadena |
I cannot descibe the pride I feel watching our corps come through that tunnel onto the Rose Bowl field. The show was absolutely the best, stunning in my opinion and the standing ovation (AGAIN) by the crowd showed they obviously agree with me. |
| After the show, I sat at the souvenir booth and many came by to say how they felt about our corps' show. All comments were highly positive and complimentary. The booth was very busy, and many people just wanted to come by and express opinions on how they disagreed with the received scores; most people who did so were unrelated to Mandarins and from other corps. They expressed their admiration for the show and concern the judges did not see or agree with the crowd 's feelings. |
 |
It was nice to hear from unbiased people, as I know I cannot possibly be objective where our show is concerned. I think the show and the kids are the best. Left: Responding to the question, "Raise your hand if the Quarters show was your best performance ever." |
 Color Guard staff and guard ageouts |
 Baritone section |
At 9 pm we were treated to the "Rookie show" at the school auditorium. This venue shows our corps kids are not only talented but have a great sense of humor. I think I would love to buy a copy of the video that was being made -- I have not laughed that hard in a long time. Tomorrow has not been planned yet and Saturday most of us will be going to see finals and then head home to Sacramento. I would like to take this time to publicly thank all those persons who do the Bingo, who chaperone, who instruct and put in so many hours to make this activity what it is, the board, the Mars, Mrs. Purvis, Mr. Tashima and everyone else. This corps contributes strongly to who these young people will be as adults and it is all positive. I also thank you for what it has contributed to my life and that of those in our family. ~ Robin Cole
|
| A note from the Mandarins: We hope everyone enjoyed our 2007 Virtual Tour. While it's not the same as actually being on tour and experiencing the excitement, hard work, and emotions, the virtual version gives you an idea of corps life during tour. Thank you very much, to Robin Cole, Sandy Tsunekawa, John Chow, and Alan Jong for providing commentary and photos for the Virtual Tour. |
 The 2007 Sacramento Mandarins Corps Members and Instructional Staff |
