Are We Making a Difference? Recently, I heard a true story about one of our  Mandarins Music Academy  students who practiced his trumpet every night — so much so that one evening, he fell asleep hugging his trumpet like a teddy bear. He didn’t just play music; he loved it.   I also heard about a student with disabilities at the  Jessie Baker School  who was given an egg shaker to play along with his classmates. After a moment, he quietly asked, “Two?” When handed a second sh

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sacramento, California – October 30, 2026 – Mandarins Performing Arts has announced that the Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps will take a hiatus from the 2026 Drum Corps International season as part of a comprehensive strategy to strengthen organizational infrastructure, enhance member experience, and ensure long-term sustainability amid evolving economic conditions affecting the performing arts nationwide. “This decision reflects our commitment to thought

Jayden McCain “I’m a Sacramento-based saxophonist, composer, and music leader, and my music lives at the intersection of jazz tradition and modern storytelling. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to perform at concerts, festivals, and venues across California, bringing energy and connection to every stage I step on.