Hi, my name is Rick Brown and I am one of the Brass Caption Heads of the Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps out of Sacramento, California. I coming to you asking you for your help with our efforts to help our students. Each year, students from across the world come to audition to participate in the activity DCI (Drum Corps International) of which we are a part. Participation in this activity is an honor. I myself participated in the activity from the age of 16 until I "aged out" at the age of 21. The costs to participate in this activity have really grown over the years with the costs of inflation and rising fuel prices. For this reason, our students are contributing roughly $2-3K for travel expenses, some of whom are flying across the country, as well as the $5000 it costs to participate.

Knowing the value that this organization brings to so many I felt it was my duty to try and help. The Sacramento Mandarins’ mission statement is, “Transforming Lives Through Performing Arts”, and this statement continues to drive the progress of our organization. We celebrate and embrace diversity in all of its forms including gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, and socio-economic diversity. We believe that everyone brings their individual identity AND unites to create amazing musical ensembles.

Founded in 1963, has thrived throughout the years and I would love to continue to grow by helping our students with their tour fees and everyday necessities. If you can please consider donating to our cause. I would like to sponsor a student with their tour fees as well as help to purchase essential items like quality shoes and toiletries. Anything helps and you can expect daily updates here on what was raised as well as on my Facebook when we start buying things for the students. Thank you for your consideration.