Drum and Bugle Corps

Mandarins Performing Arts Board of Directors Unanimously Votes to Begin Process Toward Drum Corps’ Intent to Return to the Field in 2027

Sacramento, Calif., July 3, 2026 – Mandarins Performing Arts Board of Directors has unanimously voted to begin the formal process of intending to return the Mandarins Drum Corps to the Drum Corps International field for the 2027 season.

While the organization’s return to competition is not yet guaranteed and remains pending approval from Drum Corps International, this board action marks an important and hopeful step forward for the future of the Mandarins Drum Corps.

Following the organization’s 2026 hiatus from DCI competition, Mandarins leadership has continued to focus on financial stability, organizational infrastructure, member experience, and long-term sustainability. The board’s vote reflects confidence in the progress made to date and authorizes the organization to move forward with the necessary planning, application, and review process required for a potential 2027 return.

“This vote represents our shared commitment to bringing the Mandarins Drum Corps back to the field in a responsible and sustainable way,” said Daniel Fong, President and CEO. “We are excited to take this next step, but we also want to be clear with our members, alumni, families, fans, and supporters that our return is still pending DCI approval. Our focus remains on doing the work necessary to ensure the Mandarins are prepared for long-term success.”

The Mandarins’ intent to return in 2027 builds on the organization’s commitment to its mission of transforming lives through performing arts. Over the coming months, the organization will continue working with Drum Corps International, staff, volunteers, alumni, donors, and community partners as it completes the required steps toward a potential return.

Additional information regarding the 2027 season, including audition opportunities, staff announcements, and program updates, will be released in the coming months.

(dci.otg)

INDIANAPOLIS — Drum Corps International, Marching Music’s Major League™, has appointed Brad Furlano as its next chief executive officer.

Furlano’s appointment comes by unanimous decision of the DCI Board of Directors. He will officially start in the position on September 1, stepping in as the fifth full-time CEO of Drum Corps International since the nonprofit’s founding in 1972.

“I am honored and humbled by the trust the board and member organizations have placed in me,” said Furlano. “Drum Corps International has had a profound impact on my life, and I look forward to working alongside the corps, staff, volunteers, sponsors, and fans who make this activity so special. Together, we will continue to strengthen and grow the experience for future generations.”

Having grown up within the Drum Corps International community, Furlano brings decades of experience in leadership, administration, event operations and the marching arts activity to the role.

His history with the drum corps activity stretches back more than 40 years with the Blue Stars organization as a performer, staff member, volunteer, board member and executive leader. Named the Blue Stars CEO in 2006, Furlano’s tenure with the La Crosse, Wisconsin corps has been marked by a commitment to member experience, artistic excellence and financial stability.

Complementing his drum corps background, Furlano also brings impressive corporate experience to DCI’s top leadership position. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, he spent years managing high-level communications teams for Fortune 500 companies, including Best Buy, Ameriprise Financial and Eddie Bauer.

Furlano is intimately familiar with DCI’s internal governance and member relations. In 2016, while serving as CEO of the Blue Stars, he was elected to the newly created role of “Chair of the Membership.” Serving in this capacity through 2019, Furlano acted as an essential ombudsman, overseeing the governance committee, facilitating engagement across diverse member organizations, and increasing transparent communication between the board of directors and the corps themselves.

“Having worked alongside Brad for many years within the activity, I know firsthand his deep commitment to the marching arts,” said DCI board chair Jonathan Powell, who first encountered Furlano’s leadership as a student in the Blue Stars program. “He has a comprehensive understanding of the operational realities facing our participating ensembles, paired with the corporate business acumen needed to lead our global organization. We are thrilled to welcome him as our next CEO.”

Following a brief transition period, Furlano will take the reins from DCI chief financial officer Jennifer Clevenger, who has been serving as interim CEO since the spring. The DCI board of directors expressed their deep gratitude to Clevenger for her steady leadership in guiding DCI’s corporate staff and participating organizations through the 2026 DCI Summer Tour and preparing the organization for this successful transition.