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RESULTS OF MUCHACHOS DAY AT DONATION CENTER

Tuesday, June 26, 2012, was "Muchachos Day" at the Manchester Red Cross Donation Center. In addition to the Center's monthly promotions, donors were entered for a chance to win a pair of tickets to the Muchachos "Fiesta de Musica" drum and bugle corps competition being held on Sunday, July 15, 2012 at Memorial High School in Manchester, New Hampshire.

The following donors each won two tickets to "Fiesta de Musica":

• Adam Walker
• Ellen Holmes
• Sister Diane LeBel
• Rachel Briggs
• Mary Casey

Thank you for donating blood and congratulations!

Added: June 28, 2012

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MUCHACHOS SPONSOR RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE JUNE 26TH

With the start of another busy summer season directly ahead and blood supplies across the region extremely low, the Muchachos are asking their members, families, friends and fans of the corps to get in the community spirit and join them on Tuesday, June 26th from 11 AM to 6 PM at the Red Cross Donation Center at 425 Reservoir Ave. in Manchester on Muchachos Day and donate a pint to support the needs of their local chapter. The center is particularly in need of O negative type blood

Every donor who participates on June 26th will be entered into several drawings with each winner receiving a pair of tickets to the Corps' Fiesta de Musica drum and bugle corps competition on Sunday, July 15th at Memorial High School in Manchester, NH. So everyone benefits by YOUR participation in the Muchachos annual blood donation drive in support of the American Red Cross.

Schedule your donation appointment online or by calling 625-1951. Walk-in donors are always welcome.

We hope to see YOU there!

Added: May 26, 2012

Permalink: http://www.muchachos.org/2012/05/muchachos-sponsor-red-cross-blood-drive-june-26th.html

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COME JOIN THE MUCHACHOS & HAVE FUN THIS SUMMER!

The Muchachos Drum and Bugle Corps is looking for additional members for its brass, percussion and color guard sections for the 2012 performance season. We are particularly looking for bass drummers or individuals interested in learning how to play bass drum.

As an all-age DCI (Drum Corps International) exhibition Corps, we have a limited rehearsal and performance schedule. Our members range from 14 years old up through retirement age. While many members have performed previously—including with DCI Open and World Class Corps—the Muchachos is a teaching organization, dedicated to providing musical, color guard and marching instruction to all interested in drum corps performing arts. As a summer music program, and with music educators on staff, it's a great addition to any music student's education.

We offer you the opportunity to learn or improve your marching, performing and musical abilities. We provide instruments, musical and color guard instruction from our talented instructional staff, uniforms, and buses for out-of-town shows and parades. You will spend time around some really nice people with a similar interest and love for music and get to experience the excitement of performing before thousands of adoring drum corps fans.

The Corps will be performing at Boston-area DCI World Class shows: CYO Nationals Tribute in Quincy, MA; Beanpot Invitational in Lynn, MA; East Coast Classic in Lawrence, MA and at our own DCI Open Class show, Fiesta de Music, in Manchester, NH.

We have several members who marched years ago as children and are returning to the activity. We also have a number of high school and college students who perform with their school bands and find the Muchachos' activities fit their schedule.

For more information, visit us at a rehearsal and speak with staff and members or contact us through our website or by phone.

We hope you can join us! Please feel free to stop by anytime and say "Hi!" Our rehearsals are open to the public.

Added: March 2, 2012

Permalink: http://www.muchachos.org/2012/03/come-join-the-muchachos-and-have-fun-this-summer.html

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MUCHACHOS RECEIVES MUSIC DRIVES US FOUNDATION GRANT

The Muchachos Inc., the 501(c)(3) non-profit parent organization of the Muchachos Drum and Bugle Corps of Manchester, NH, has received a $5,000 grant from the Music Drives Us Foundation. The grant will be used to help purchase much-needed front ensemble instruments—two marimbas with marching field frames—to enhance the Corps' music education program.

Read more about the Corps receiving a grant from Music Drives Us.

Added: January 30, 2012

Permalink: http://www.muchachos.org/2012/01/muchachos-receives-music-drives-us-foundation-grant.html

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FREE OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH!

Interested in being a 2012 member of the Muchachos Drum and Bugle Corps? Interested in learning more?

The Corps will be hosting an open house and information session on Sunday, February 5th, from 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM at Brady Sullivan Tower, 1750 Elm Street, Manchester, New Hampshire.

Like any other drum corps, the Muchachos is looking to add to its brass, percussion, and color guard sections for its upcoming 2012 performance season. (You do realize that the Muchachos performs a field show!)

Come learn about the Corps, talk with staff, get your questions answered, watch or even participate in the day's rehearsal session to see what drum corps is all about. The Muchachos is an all-age Corps, open to both youth (ages 14 and up) and adults.

Bring friends and family!

Previous music and marching experience with a drum corps or a band is helpful but is not a requirement for membership. The Muchachos is a teaching organization, dedicated to providing musical, guard and marching instruction to all interested in drum corps performing arts.

Any questions? Feel free to contact us. Are you interested in participating at the Open House, either with the drum line, horn line or color guard? If you have sticks (drummers) or a mouthpiece (brass players), please bring them. For practicing with the guard, we have flags and rifles or you can bring your own!

Interested in being a 2012 member of the Muchachos Drum and Bugle Corps? Visit our Membership page and get the ball rolling!

We look forward to meeting you at our Open House!

Added: September 28, 2012

Permalink: http://www.muchachos.org/2012/01/free-open-house-october-21st.html

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HAPPY 2012!

Happy New Year! One week until the first rehearsal of 2012 on January 8th from 12:30 PM to 5 PM at Brady Sullivan Tower in Manchester, NH. The rehearsal is free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome!

Thinking of joining us for the 2012 performance season? Visit our Membership page and get started! Now is a great time as the Corps is rehearsing ALL the music for its 2012 field show!

Positions are available in all sections: brass, guard and percussion (battery and front ensemble). Haven't played in awhile? We'll get you in shape! Play a woodwind instrument? Not a problem! We'll teach you how to play a brass instrument. Always wanted to perform with a color guard? Or keep up your guard skills? Here's your opportunity!

Low tuition and rehearsals are generally twice a month. Any questions? Feel free to contact us.

We look forward to meeting you!

Added: January 1, 2012

Permalink: http://www.muchachos.org/2012/01/happy-2012.html

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE MUCHACHOS

On behalf of the members, staff, volunteers, and Board of Directors of the Muchachos, we wish everyone a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season. As we look back at 2011 and prepare for 2012, we'd like to thank our families, friends, alumni, and fans for their continued support. Each year, the talent of the membership grows. It's a testament to the Corps' mission of music education for all ages. The 2012 season is shaping up to be an exciting one, and we hope you will be a part of it.

The picture on the right is Brady-Sullivan Tower, where the Muchachos is headquartered, lit like a Christmas Tree! We are grateful to Mr. Arthur Sullivan and Brady-Sullivan Properties for providing a home for the Corps.

Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Holidays! Whichever holidays you observe, wishing you and your family a happy, healthy, safe, and joyous occasion.

Added: December 24, 2011

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HELP FUND MUSIC EDUCATION & DRUM CORPS ARTS

Donate to the Muchachos 2011 Holiday Campaign and help support the Corps' music education and drum corps performing arts program!

The Muchachos Drum & Bugle Corps is a performing entity of The Muchachos, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. As a non-profit, the Corps relies on member tuition, fundraising and donations to operate a music education and drum corps performing arts program year round.

Your participation in our fundraisers and campaigns helps the Muchachos continue its successful program by offsetting expenses for equipment, instruction, transportation, uniforms, rehearsal facilities, home show expenses, and other costs necessary to operate and field an all-age exhibition drum and bugle corps.

Funds raised allow us to keep tuition affordable so that our program is accessible to all youth (14 and up) and adults interested in a great drum corps experience.

Visit our 2011 Holiday Campaign page to donate today!

Thank you for supporting the Muchachos!

Added: December 19, 2011

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THANK YOU FOR VOTING!

Thank you for voting for the Muchachos in the Grappone Automotive Group $20,000 Giveaway! Results of the contest will be announced at 10:00 AM ET December 7th.

Grappone Automotive Group, with help from the Toyota Dealer Match Program, is giving away $20,000 throughout the year to New Hampshire non-profit organizations.

Muchachos Drum and Bugle Corps is entered to win $5,000 in the FINAL contest of the year.

Voting ends December 6th at 5:00 PM ET. The winner will be announced December 7th. Please vote for the Muchachos and help the Corps have a successful summer of exhibition performances.

To vote, go to our contest entry page and click on VOTE FOR THIS ENTRY under our logo. You will need a Facebook account and be logged in in order to vote.

With rising fuel prices, the cost of transportation for one performance is approximately $1,000. Multiplied by five exhibitions and several parades a year, transportation costs rise quickly. As a non-profit organization, the Corps relies on tuition, fundraisers, performances, and donations to offset expenses for equipment, instruction, transportation, uniforms, and other costs necessary to operate an all-age exhibition drum and bugle corps.

Thank you for supporting the Muchachos and its music education and drum corps performing arts program!

The Muchachos is a Drum Corps International (DCI) affiliated all-age exhibition drum and bugle corps dedicated to providing musical, guard and marching instruction to all interested in drum corps performing arts. The Corps is a performing entity of The Muchachos Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Updated: December 7, 2011

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ONE WEEK = $5,000! VOTE FOR THE MUCHACHOS!

Day 2 of a week of voting in the Grappone Automotive $20,000 Giveaway! Only 7 days left to vote! Vote every day!

With all the great non-profit organizations in the contest, why vote for the Muchachos? Here are some facts about the Corps and why this organization is so important to the community and to the drum corps activity:

As a Drum Corps International (DCI) affiliate, the Muchachos have hosted a DCI Open Class competition for the past 5 years, offering a much-needed venue for the few remaining East Coast Open Class corps.

The Muchachos is unique as an exhibition Corps, performing a full field routine. It's challenging to do so, with members of varying abilities and in so little time, but the challenge is rewarding.

Every year, several of the younger members move on to perform with DCI Open or World Class Corps, and we are very proud of them. The Muchachos is often the first drum corps experience for many young people.

Most of the Corps' instructors are music educators, and most, if not all, have marched in drum corps, so the Muchachos truly is a music education and drum corps performing arts program.

2012 looks to be another great year for the Muchachos. The Corps is currently recruiting for members, ages 14 and older, in all sections: brass, percussion and guard. It's a great opportunity to learn from talented instructors. Are you a woodwind instrument player wanting to learn how to play a brass instrument? Every year, we turn out new brass players! Interested in guard but have only watched others spin a flag or a rifle? We will teach you! The Muchachos is a "teaching" Corps and is a great place to learn a new instrument or activity.

Please help the Muchachos continue its mission of music education and drum corps performing arts program by voting on Facebook in the Grappone Automotive Group / Toyota Dealer Match Program Giveaway.

Remember: Vote everyday and share this with others! Thank you for your support!

Added: November 30, 2011

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BOYS & GIRLS CLUB HALL OF FAMERS HAVE CORPS TIES

The Boys & Girls Club of Manchester held its Third Annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony on November 17th. These individuals were recognized for the extraordinary people they have become as a result of their involvement with the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester.

Richard W. "Dick" Jarvis, a long-time staff member of the Boys & Girls Club, began his involvement with the Manchester Boys Club as a volunteer for the Muchachos Drum and Bugle Corps. Dick was a former Corps director and served as the Corps' business manager for many years.

Retired U.S. Army Major Ronald "Ronny" Houle, a former Junior Corps brass (soprano) player from the 1960's-era Corps, was recognized as an alumnus of the Manchester Boys Club. It was noted that the discipline and skills he developed as a member of the Muchachos served him well. He graduated from West Point and his career in the military spans more than 24 years.

Also inducted into the Hall of Fame were Lili B. Chartier and Mark "Laboe" Letendre. Lili was recognized posthumously for serving as the Manchester Boys Club's librarian from 1961 to 1977. Mark was recognized as an alumnus of the Manchester Boys Club, receiving the Library Award, Craftsman of the Year and "Boy of the Year" in 1974.

To learn more about the Hall of Fame inductees, visit the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester website.

Added: November 23, 2011

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GREAT START TO 2012 SEASON WITH OPEN HOUSE

The staff and members of the Muchachos would like to thank everyone for attending and participating at our fall Open House on Sunday, November 6th.

Guests and prospective members joined the Corps for the day's activities. By the end of the day, the Corps had rehearsed a good portion of the 2012 show's opening number and learned a new parade tune that's sure to please the audience.

Interested in being a 2012 member of the Muchachos Drum and Bugle Corps? Visit our Membership page and get started!

The Corps is looking to add to its brass, percussion and guard sections. Previous experience in a band or drum corps is helpful but not a requirement.

Not able to attend Sunday's open house? You're in luck! All our rehearsals are open! Our next rehearsal is Sunday, November 20th, 12:30 PM to 5 PM at Brady Sullivan Tower, 1750 Elm Street, Manchester. Interested in rehearsing with the Corps for the day? Be our guest! Brass players, bring your mouthpiece and drummers bring sticks if you have them. Guard, we have equipment you can borrow for the day.

If you have any questions, please feel free contact us or visit us at our next rehearsal. Looking forward to meeting you!

More images from the Open House (click to view larger images):

Added: November 8, 2011

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THANK YOU FOR A SUCCESSFUL DINNER!

A huge turnout for what has become an annual event for the community, especially family, friends, alumni, and supporters.

The Muchachos Inc., the 501(c)(3) non-profit parent organization of the Muchachos Drum and Bugle Corps, held a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser on Sunday, November 6th. Along with a traditional spaghetti dinner, there were a great selection of prizes donated by area businesses for the Penny Sale raffle, all garnering quite a bit of attention from guests. There was spirited applause as guests cheered on winners at their respective tables.

The winners of the $50 Visa Gift Cards were David Kierstead, Jr. of Portsmouth and Trevor Martin of Manchester. Congratulations!

Thank you, all, for a great evening! See you at our next event!

Added: November 8, 2011

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MUCHACHOS ANNOUNCE 2012 PROGRAM DIRECTOR

The Muchachos Drum and Bugle Corps is pleased to announce that Brass Caption Head, Scott Winship, has assumed the additional role of Program Director for the 2012 season. Scott succeeds David Lafond, who is stepping down after seven years with the Muchachos, six of which were as Program Director. Dave was instrumental in getting the Corps recognition as an organization with a vision of performing beyond parades and standstills to performing a full field show as an affiliate member of Drum Corps International at Drum Corps International (DCI) competitions and at select Drum Corps Associates (DCA) events.

Scott is currently the Band Director at Swampscott High School in Swampscott, MA. He has an extensive background in drum corps, having performed with the Boston Crusaders, "The Commandant's Own" United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, and the Crusaders Senior Corps. Scott's music teaching experience includes marching band instructor for Bishop Feehan High School and high school band director for North Attleboro, MA, High School and Livonia High School in NY. Scott has a BS in Music Education from Rhode Island College and a Master of Music in Wind Band Conducting from the University of Nebraska.

Added: September 20, 2011

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DRUM CORPS HOSTS ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET

The Muchachos held its annual awards banquet on Sunday, October 9th, at the Parish of the Transfiguration in Manchester. Members, family, friends, staff, and alumni were on hand to celebrate a successful 2011 summer season. Awards from each caption were awarded to the following members:

Color Guard

• Most Improved: 2011 Color Guard
• Most Valuable Player: Melissa O'Meara

Drum Line

• Most Improved: Dee Wheeler - marimba
• Most Valuable Player: Rick Cote - snare

Horn Line

• Most Improved: Dale Kenney - soprano
• Most Valuable Player: Keith Raiche - baritone

Rookie of the Year

• Dale Kenney - soprano

Pat Provencher Spirit Award

• Carolyn Surrell - cymbals

Tom Downie Peer Recognition Award

• Joan Joly - mellophone

Muchacho of the Year

• Joan Joly - mellophone

A special Award was presented to Dave Lafond for his 6 years as the Corps' first Program Director, getting the Corps to the level it's at now. Thank you, Dave!

The Muchachos are already working on the 2012 season program. Rehearsal dates are posted on the Corps' website and an open house is scheduled for Sunday, November 6th. Individuals interested in membership are encouraged to join us at our open house or rehearsals or to contact us for information.

Added: October 10, 2011

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100 NIGHTS OF REMEMBRANCE CLOSING CEREMONY 9/11

The 100 Nights of Remembrance organization will be holding its Closing Ceremony on Sunday, September 11th at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH starting at 6:00 PM.

The mission of 100 Nights of Remembrance is to sound live "Taps" every night, for 100 nights, from Memorial Day to September 11th at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH and at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Manchester, NH. The organization is an outgrowth of what started as "An evening of Echo Taps" on Memorial Day 2006 when the Muchachos Drum and Bugle Corps sounded "Taps" in rounds at the 20 white granite monuments that surround the grand flag. On Memorial Day 2007, 100 Nights of Remembrance was born when the corps was joined by several other buglers for a ceremony that began the sounding of "Taps" for the next 100 evenings.

This year marks the 6th anniversary of 100 Nights of Remembrance and the 10th anniversary of 9/11. On September 11th, a special remembrance ceremony will be held at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH. All brass players are invited to join the 100 Nights of Remembrance in the final sounding of "Taps". For more information, please visit the 100 Nights of Remembrance website. Contact Noel Taylor for questions and to sign up to participate in this special event.

Added: September 5, 2011

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BLOOD DRIVE SETS NATIONAL RECORD

The Gail Singer Memorial Blood Drive set the national record Tuesday as the nation's largest one-day community blood drive by collecting 1,959 pints of blood from 2,325 potential donors.

The Muchachos helped in the effort by forming a team as part of the drive's Corporate Challenge. The corps recruited donors from among members, staff, alumni, family, and friends. Corps Director Al Gagne also volunteered at the drive, helping donors move from one station to the next.

Gail Singer, the late wife of Gary Singer, one of the owners of Merchants Automotive Group, passed away in 1984 of leukemia. The Singer Family has been involved in the Greater Manchester community for over 50 years. Their service to the community has helped many throughout New Hampshire, including the Muchachos Drum and Bugle Corps. To learn more about the annual blood drive, visit the Gail Singer Memorial Blood Drive website.

To learn more about donating blood, visit the American Red Cross website.

Added: August 31, 2011

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