About the Muchachos

About the Muchachos

Having our origins as a Junior Corps that was formed in 1960, members reunited for a single Alumni performance for Manchester's Sesquicentennial celebration in 1995. One thing led to another and with member desire to keep it going, the Corps formally incorporated as a non-profit entity in 1996. In late 2006 and early 2007, a number of events redefined the Muchachos of the present and future.

First, we applied to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to change our non-profit status to what is called a 501(c)(3) entity, which allows tax deductible contributions to our efforts. Prior to this (it was granted retroactive to September 2006), any donations to the Corps were not tax deductible by the donor. This was a requirement for our next goal, application to Drum Corps International (DCI) for membership as an All-Age Corps. This new category that DCI opened up would allow Corps that passed an evaluation of the legal and financial structure of the Corps, as well as a musical performance level, to exhibit at DCI competitions and even compete against other All-Age Corps if so desired. The Muchachos passed with flying colors and we were on our way. We opened the Spartans show in Nashua on July 3rd of 2007, and followed that with a spirited performance at our own show in Manchester on July 15th.

Our new non-profit status was granted based on our goal to provide music education, team work, and membership in an alternative environment for anyone between the ages of 14 and "retirement." To meet that goal, our new non-Affiliated Board of Directors directed that the profits of our show be allocated to the education mission.

The Corps has been in great demand for performances throughout New England and New York State. Although many organizers provide remuneration for performances, the Muchachos take greater satisfaction from our "pro bono" activities. We have in recent years performed for the Youth Development Facility (YDC), the Shriners' Burn Unit, Camp Fatima Exceptional Children's week, Jerry Lewis telethon, Veteran's hospital, Veteran's Cemetery Taps, Echo Taps, County home, and others.