Mandarins

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In February 1963, Roy Wong, Frank Lim, Thomas Fong, and Yuk Fong met to discuss the possibility of forming a drum and bugle corps for youth. One month later, a letter was sent to the Sacramento Chinese Community, asking for support to establish a boys and girls drum and bugle corps. With the numerous festivities and parades taking place annually in Sacramento and neighboring locales, certainly the Chinese Community, with all of its native traditions and color, could exhibit representation which it could claim as its own. A youth drum and bugle corps would be a wonderful symbol of community interest, civic consciousness, and cultural pride. The initial meeting was held on March 23, 1963, at the Sacramento Confucius Church. On that rainy, dreary day, eleven youngsters attended, along with a few parents and others interested in the project. The goals seemed hopeless, but this group went to work anyway, using reconditioned equipment and some instruments furnished by the Chinese Benevolent Association. Uniforms cost $5.85 each, and were short-sleeved white shirts, white continental trousers, black shoes, black Chinese hats, and a magenta sash. By July 1963, the new 47-member Ye Wah Drum and Lyre Corps was ready for its first performance, the Oak Park 4th of July Parade. By August 1964, the Corps had performed in over seventeen parades and official receptions. A Color Guard was added that year, bringing Corps membership to about 75 members. Staff and parents held a successful fu

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