1975 Hawthorne Muchachos DCI Prelims Performance

The 1975 DCI Prelim Performance of the Hawthorne Muchachos

[@paulbuzzmccarthy5621]

Dynamics in horns and percussion were out of this world, no corps then and now ever performed at this level. They rocked like an earthquake.

[@johnwagnon5]

Unfortunately, the sops were loud, but not concert quality. Sop solo is all time best.

[@kevinheuer1205]

As perfect a show as one can expect from that era! I was there for this performance. Yes, the Hype was true.. Just astounding!

[@ThaSound]

They were just FIERCE! Such presence and power!

[@ando4479]

One of the best corps ever in DCI. They were ahead of there time and played their asses off...

[@earlviney2820]

Jeff keivet is the best soprano soloist in drum corps history. Not because he can play the highest but because his ability to play with a big beautiful wide open sound in all registers is unparalled.

[@ultramannick]

Didn't he go on to perform in The Tonight Show band?

[@stevelewis3127]

Kilties soloist and Jeff were great,

[@leonply]

Wayne Downey (SCV) was also a contender for that title.

[@americanspirit8932]

@@leonply Wayne was a member of the Long Island Sunrise is first

[@johnflorio3576]

@Jim Flack: You’re close. Alan Chez from the Garfield Cadets played on David Letterman’s show.

[@alpsskiingrocks]

One last thought... If they had competed in finals, they may (or may not) have won, becoming one of 45 DCI Champions and buried through the passage of time. By being disqualified at their peak, they have transcended DCI and became legendary. They have achieved an immortality that no other DCI corps can ever possibly achieve. Muchachos, I salute you!

[@tommcconville4270]

I completely agree with you, the Muchachos ARE legendary.

[@19cowboysfan94]

Why were they disqualified/destroyed?

[@tomshea8382]

@@19cowboysfan94 Variations on this theme: They were marching one/some overage member/s, and someone from another corps (often referred to as being from the Cavaliers) dropped a dime to Don Pesceone/the DCI Contest Director, who pulled the supposed member/s aside immediately after Muchachos came off the field after this show and demanded to see ID, whereupon the overage membere/s was/were caught and the corps immediately DQ'd. The scoresheets were destroyed immediately and their score was never known to anybody/the scoresheets were collected after tabulation and taken away and their score is known but has never been announced. East coast stans and insiders with Muchachos (like their drum caption head Dennis DeLucia) believe Hawthorne won prelims and DCI knew it, and supposedly have said the Muchachos' director was not all that popular and the dime was dropped to get back at him, since many corps at the time were using overage members, so the punishment was selective. Many people said the same thing about the Bridgemen two years later, when a similar thing happened to them. The idea that the kids and staff would trade a "meh" title for the legend that surrounds them is a bit silly to me, but again, that was years before I even got into drum corps. It's a fascinating slice of our history though.

[@19cowboysfan94]

@@tomshea8382 WOW! Such high drama in the Drum Corps world! What a shame that the Muchachos corps members were made the sacrificial lambs for such acts of dislike. Thank you for sharing this interesting piece of Corps history. 🙏

[@tomshea8382]

@@19cowboysfan94 IDK if any of it is true since I wasn't there, but those are the most enduring details.

[@PrairieBoy99]

What a monster of a performance! The dynamic range in just the first few lines of the opener is crazy.

[@alfiocco8380]

MarkDernelle was in this brass line 75 French horn indidvidual champion he was a great player great friend and instructor. Fantasia III Rip mark miss you brother

[@willarddawson8463]

DCI was wrong. At most, individuals could have been relegated. I've listened to this performance over and again since 1976. It was the basis of my desire to perform in drum corps, despite being a saxophonist, eventually leading to my rookout season with SoA '83, and DCA corps beyond that. The impact of this single performance was beyond whatever could have been imagined, beyond my own experiences or that of many others. Awesome, just that.

[@voiceofreason9238]

As I recall the corps was NOT DQ'd because they marched overaged members. They were DQ'd because the staff KNEW or at least should have known the several members were overage and competed with them anyway. The staff was trying to win by DELIBERATING cheating. That calls for a disqualification.

[@rayotani25]

I’ve always loved the OTL. Seen many a HS marching band use this!

[@publiusPolis]

The Muchachos had some of the best percussion writing ever to grace a drum corps field. I believe that it has yet to be surpassed. Kudos to Dennis DeLucia's magnificent voicings.

[@cicook7]

This was delucia? Was he not still matching somewhere in 75?

[@publiusPolis]

Christopher Cook Dennis was definitely their instructor. Or there was a terrific actor posing as Mr DeLucia at the many judges critiques we attended that year. (I was on the judging side of the equation.)

[@nativeson756]

In 1991 Dennis wrote for "Cru's" Drumline from Rochester NY. And it was one of our best, and most challenging lines that I had the honor to march with ALL my years w/THEE Crusaders (87 & 88 weren't bad neither). It was a GAS to have the opportunity to play his arrangements. I played #2 Bass that season. Again........A GAS!

[@fjl69]

LOL

[@nativeson756]

1991 Rochester NY's "CRU" 'Battery' played Mr. Delucia's book (I was @2 Bass...….)///////And IT 'WAS' an HONOR!!!!! OORAAAAHHHH

[@MattLendabarker]

Having seen this prelim live at the age of 13 that hot ass 1975 day in Philadelphia, and lived through the unfair DQ of Hawthorne as a future member of the corps that caused the DQ this is still, to me, the greatest drum corps show of all time.I listen to it often, and it is always incredible!

[@nativeson756]

EAST.....EAST.....EAST!!!!!!!!

[@GetoffmylawnFilms1]

Yes too me as well

[@jerseyrattler]

Amen

[@joeb169]

70's drum corp was the best. I was at this show. It would have been a hell of a battle between Hawthorne and Santa Clara. Madison won but Vanguard got robbed.

[@americanspirit8932]

I agree with your comment 100%

[@Kanstulman]

Just a great horn line! The lead part in "Pictures of Spain" is very challenging. Jeff Kievit made it sound easy which is the mark of an accomplished horn player. I competed against Muchachos often in 1974 and Jeff's solo work was always a show stopper. It just seemed he was playing on a bigger horn than the rest of us. What an air stream! In my book, he was one of the best, if not the best, soprano soloists in junior drum corps history.

[@joehurley7643]

I saw this performance live in Philly and it was outstanding. Many people felt they would have taken first place that year. I was 15 and will never forget Jeff Kievit (their lead soprano soloist) somehow getting on the roof at Franklin Field and playing the "Lonely Bull" during the night of the finals.

[@johns3106]

Although I am generally a big fan of the 2p valve era, this earlier show epitomizes the big, dramatic sound that used to send shivers up my spine. It is too bad this has changed so much. Pictures of Spain...one of the best "off the line" pieces ever performed!

[@woodsman335]

My high school played Pictures of Spain in the late 70's when I joined the marching band. I still love hearing Pictures by any old corps from around then.

[@MichaelJones-yi5ue]

And Pines of Rome just to have it.

[@cmjohnson61]

@@woodsman335 , Mine too...mine too. HML-The Trojans

[@jeffk1482]

@@cmjohnson61 I hear you!!! 'Nuther Trojan here, a couple years behind you ('81).

[@cmjohnson61]

@@jeffk1482 , Right-on! Those were the days, my friend.

[@djshutts]

I marched that show. Yes we were tight, horns,drums & CG. Jeff is STILL great. Just don't forget Mark Durnelle also won best French Horn as well as Jeff best Soprano! 74 in Ithica was OUTSTANDING as well.

[@NickTrysAtLife]

wait is there anyway i can get ahold of the soprano soloist sheet music at the begining

[@ultramannick]

Did you really? A titan among men! Wow!

[@damianmorkevich7475]

Loved them and the writing of Dennis Delucia when he came to The B-men was a treat to play for three unforgettable years in the drumline. Best three years of my life even though we we're The Best in 77 and they disqualify us after preleims. What a disrespectful call from the D.C.I. They knew Finals was all ours and they hurt one of the most entertaining years in history. Times have changed, but The Bridgemen live on in our hearts and memories forever.🖤💛🖤💛🖤💛🖤💛🖤💛🖤💛

[@MrSteveblue824]

Damian Morkevich Wow! So within 3 years, 2 excellent corps with top notch Delucia drumlines were both disqualified! What a heart break that must have been!😮👎

[@americanspirit8932]

@@MrSteveblue824 Dennis delucia, didn't stop there, he produced another top Drumline in the Long Island sunrises, I believe there's snare line had a perfect score. They went on to have 7 years with the top drum line.

[@michaeldecharbert8914]

Such a great loss for one of the top drum corps. The true beast of the east. RIP Muchachos!

[@redastrachan8978]

One the Cabs drum instructors (Pratt), got me into both(!) corps' practice one night. Muchachos were louder than an earthquake.

[@mattboland5221]

An Epic Drum Corp displaying the utmost in virtuosity! A timeless art form not so easy to replicate- The barr is set high with this corp! Thank You Muchachos!!!! Congratulations on what would have been your 60th Anniversary! Espritu de Toro!

[@americanspirit8932]

I remember when the c o r p s, was first organized. There was a big article in Drum Corps World, stating there were over 100 people, at the very first rehearsal. In my opinion one of the greatest, drum and bugle c o r p s ever.

[@dr.brianfariasadvancedtech3349]

Still a GREAT CORPS! I have watched both shows of Madison and Muchachos......Hawthorne gets the nod from me every time!

[@MrSatch49]

I agree. I've watched the 75 Scouts video, and I've watched a 75 Muchachos video from Hershey, PA, the dsy after their DQ. Hawthorne's show was more dynamic, more musical and overall much more enjoyable. I think they would have won finals.

[@margaretplatner7288]

They kicked ass that year. They were smokin hot; the hornline and drumline were out of this world. And the guard, I just can't imagine being able to move like that.

[@jb32369]

The first recording I heard when DCI Fan Network was a thing. When it was first rolled out, it was a free trial to listen to every recording DCI had available. Good times!

[@johncp1962]

Daaaaang! Those bari's at the end of the OTL give me goose bumps every time. Never gets old.

[@synaptik111]

Was lucky enough to catch them in Wildwood when I was a kid -- one of the best shows I've ever seen!!

[@tommcconville4270]

Yes, the Hawthorne Mucha his were a legendary corps, brilliant in every facet; brass, percussion, drill design and execution, and color guard. I consider them the1975 DCI champions regardless of the DCI judges disqualifying them because, allegedly, if an over aged drummer. Please tell me, how many other DCI corps that 1975 season were hiding overage members? I would venture to say it was several. The Muchachos performed one of the finest shows in both DCI, and in drum corps all time in 1975. They could have taken the field against their counterparts the Caballeros, an d very possibly defeated them with a brilliant performance such as this.

[@joeyllanos7573]

I love this corps. Amazing!!! There was no doubt that they would win. The corps made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. Just listen to them. DCI destroyed them, something I will never forgive them for.

[@ultramannick]

Not the only corps they destroyed. Blue Rock, Muchachos, Bridgemen (almost) and Crossmen (nearly).

[@mrpoopoohead7668]

@@ultramannick there were nearly 16,000 drum and bugle corps in the United States during the '50's 60's 70's and early 1980's, and now there are maybe a 100 ?? all because of the dumbass businessmen that founded DCI in 72' and turned into a business instead of an activity to provide for ANY kid. Now ya pay $2,000 - $5,000 to march. I wanna start a corps and setup a trust fund to pay people to march.

[@timschaming613]

@@ultramannick add in 27...:-(

[@catcat1517]

This is the first time I am hearing this recording and my head just freaking exploded. This performance sends chills down my spine!!!

[@Ilung1975]

No contest! Greatest show ever!

[@byrongreene8983]

Absolutely.....

[@DCJimS]

Thanks for posting this. I was actually a baritone bugler for the Muchachos that year. Disqualification is a painful memory, but the sounds Jeff Kivet and the rest of the staff got from this team were amazing. If I forget to mention the amazing drum line (one show that year they were docked a total of .2 pts the entire show), my friend Dave R will kill me. I can still picture the faces of many of my friends there, even today. Again, thanks for the great memories this show brings back!

[@dustygerlach7618]

that .2 pts was at the CYO Nationals in Boston. l saw them many times in 75 at the big east coast shows was a member of a local small class A corps. I remember the drum exectution judge at the end of their show at CYO Nats congratulating each of the members of the drum line was amazing show

[@waltbeck8989]

Ahh Muchachos, by far the bestJr. corps ever to grace the field. A bunch of kids from North Jersey that stayed together for years. The Clark brothers, Jeff, Monk, Frederico, Frankie LaRocca, Bird, all the others. Bad asses to a one. Royally pissed off DCI by having the balls to be the best their way. Bunch of bad boys from Jersey with swagger. Damn what a sound, what a spirit! Espiritu Del Toro!

[@americanspirit8932]

I agree with you 100%. Form a member of the Floyd Bennett golden eagles from Brooklyn New York, 1960 and 1961, joined the Long Island Sunrise is 1964 through 1968. We no longer have real drum and bugle c o r p s.

[@henryhunterjr]

I can't believe how good these guys were. I tried out for Drum Major and made it with this show in '77.

[@waltbeck8989]

No controversy, you are absolutely right. What a magnifcent sound.

[@raymondfallon7429]

Just effing amazing. I tend to think Jim Brady (Bridgemen) was the best soloist ever, but man... if you listen to Kievit on this recording... make a choice I guess. I agree with the commenter that lauds Delucia's drum line - maybe best ever - if not it has to be Bayonne or Sandford's SCV, so Delucia is 2 out of 3 of the best ever, but man. Listen to 74 Muchachos and then immediately to 75. The brass line is 50% better in 75... so mature... like nothing ever to that point. I personally believe they would have topped Scouts that night, had they been allowed to compete. Someday I would like to see how many overage marchers were on the field with the 12 corps in finals. Not a conspiracy guy, but that DQ smelled like a barrel of old fish.

[@americanspirit8932]

You hit the nail on the head, I agree 100%.

[@VetteGuy57]

Dennis Delucia was an amazing percussion caption head. Fun books! We also had him at Sunrisers 75-83. I played snare 74-83. We won High Perc 77,78,79,81,82,83 with Dennis and also Brian Callahan, Rich Cesani, Jim Mallen, Dave China, etc. I believe in 1978 we scored a 19.6 out of 20 in field percussion. My last competition was 1983 DCA Finals. We won DCA, High Hornss,GE, and Percussion. We also had NO SNARE TICS in finals! What a way to retire from drum corps! An awesome time with awesome friends!

[@alfiocco8380]

I had the honor to play mellophone at 2 brass rehearsals then sadly they dropped off Miss them tremendously had allot of great friends and instructors 2:03 in that corp. Ralph Pennachio RIP Mark Dernelle RIp

[@michaeldecharbert2664]

Very Powerful corps. The best I've heard in so many years. It's a shame that the Muchachos were disqualified in DCI for having over-age members. Their music is so priceless, you might as well put it in a time capscule for years to come!

[@jaydgardner]

And that, boys and girls, is how it was done back in the day. Listen and learn. No silly trumpets.

[@rufuscoss]

Stupid thing is I knew overage kats in the BD horn line as they won championship

[@rickdobson8306]

Just 1 overage member

[@user-yq3fz9ch5q]

​@@rickdobson8306 THANK YOU FOR POINTING THAT OUT. It's a damn shame they got DQ but the winning Corps won with an overage in ranks.😤

[@bigdaddyht1079]

Saw this performance live in Jersey City at the 1975 Dream show. Listening to this recording is like climbing into a time machine. Thanks for the post.

[@hinob]

And, legend has it, that is the reason why Donnie became such a badass brass teacher. He took his anger and turned it into a passion that only allowed excellence from his hornlines. As a result, he has led a couple of corps to championships. One being Star of Indiana, and another The Cadets (I think.) Everyone today knows about his role with Carolina Crown and getting them their few Jim Ott awards. He now also works with Madison, where he taught me, as well as helping out with the Troopers.

[@tjinc-bus4672]

... Hey Hinob, I'm confused on your 1st sentence. R u saying D van Doren 1. Taught ? Or 2. Marched '75 Muchachos ?

[@Emm838]

I remember the soprano soloist playing his solo during the finals show from the back bleachers where we, corp members, watched the finals. It unnerved everyone for the whole show because the Muchachos thought they should be in the finals.

[@michaeldecharbert2664]

The Soprano Soloist for the Hawthrone Muchachos in 1975 name is Mr. Jeff Kevit!!

[@ultramannick]

Yes he did. But....he did it many many times....and it started becoming a nuisance. "OK, we get it!!"

[@waterpurificationproductsi7056]

Really nice sound. Thanks for sharing.

[@stevenaleman7454]

I wish someday we will be able to see the actual VIDEO of this amazing drum corps that was so talented and performed their hearts out back in the day....the audio is great, but nothing is better than witnessing greatness...having marched in the '79 Muchachos for the first time, it would be great to have something to pass along to my children and grandchildren (and other drum corps fans too )...thanks for sharing this audio version...💯💥✌🙏

[@dustygerlach7618]

There is one. It is grainy. But on KZbin.

[@drbcrb]

Incredible. Wish I could have seen them live.

[@frisco2993]

love the nursery song near 9:25 Awesome placement!! My favorite show of all time

[@Chickboom34]

Magnificent corps. Legendary!

[@pauletteinboston6894]

OMG LOVED THE MUCHACHOS! JEFF KIEVET ROCKED!!!!

[@bruschmidt9943]

Jeff was our horn line instructor for Muchachos the following year. He was not the best "instructor," but sure could play like no 2 marrow!!!

[@Al-ts8xm]

They rocked in 77 when I graduated and bring back great memories Wish Fair Lawn Had a corps back then.

[@neverforgetsteve]

Wow these guys are so much better than the corps of DCI today. I'm so happy they're back for another season after like 30 years!!! I'm actually considering joining.

[@PTSUR66]

You are thinking Manchester coming back etc.....they did justify the hard work from the 60's with 72-76 ... 6 great years with 66

[@PTSUR66]

Confused you ma ran Cabs alumni? Cabs since 49 would make it 70 years

[@ultramannick]

The real winner of 1975 DCI.....Their prelim score was never released, but they beat Madison's.

[@tommytimp]

Hmmm. What was the score?

[@ultramannick]

The score was never released and the score sheets were destroyed.

[@tommytimp]

So you don't know the actual fucking score, or if they beat Madison OR SCV, do you? Stop with the baseless conjecture.

[@ultramannick]

Um, it's not conjecture. It's a fact. No one knows the score except the judges.

[@tommytimp]

So you don't fucking know. So shut the fuck up.

[@Ron0602]

Upper Moreland HS Marching Unit same opener, fall 1976, what an awesome show!

[@nschnitz1954]

This show has THE best rep!!!! La Fiesta AND Concierto d'Arenjuez!

[@charlesgerlach7059]

Yes it was, exciting, many mood changes and it grabbed you

[@bobareebop]

La Fiesta...wow!

[@agogobell28]

It's really funny to hear how this arrangement influenced the BD 1984 version.

[@jamesjordan6815]

This arrangement set the bar really high.

[@Paulwest27]

So glad I saw them LIVE! "G" BUGLES!

[@khwalt2]

Proud to say I was there as a youngster. Being from the East Coast, we had high hopes, but not to happen. The drama that ensued was horrifying at the time. I still love the Scouts, but this year almost got away from them. The rumored prelim score of the Muchachoes put them in the top spot. We'll never know. Thanks for putting this up..

[@spcenatiempo]

My all time favorite drum Corp show! Thanks for posting this. Too bad they didn’t get a shot at finals. They would have given Madison a run for their money.

[@willarddawson8463]

Or vice-versa.

[@phantommp5]

The thing that infuriates me, is that DCI has tried to eradicate all videos and audio of the Muchachos! Put an asterisk by their name, but show the videos and let us buy them!!!

[@garystoodley960]

No tapes exist any more of them. They were destroyed in a fire at the DCI office in the late '70's.

[@edmatera7461]

I am listening to this recording in 2023 48 years after the performance. It is a shame of what happened to the Muchachos. I marched with the Muchachos in 1976 and it was never the same. They should have not been disqualified. They were not the only corps with members who were overage. They just unfortunately got caught

[@anarivera1678]

I was there, They were incredible. Simply the best.

[@bruincs1]

Muchachos' '74 show book was better written and more fluid imo! As a kid, I literally wore out the record in astonishment of Kievet and how the dynamic of that show fit their corps persona perfectly!

[@Mrtellitlikeitis]

Although the horn book had more appeal in 74, 1975 was a class in knock your socks off with power. During winter rehearsals we would rock the Legion Post we practiced in The overall show was much stronger in 75 Better drums, horns and GE. But, our marching sucked

[@americanspirit8932]

@@Mrtellitlikeitis your, Marching In maneuvering, in my opinion was excellent. Give yourself more credit.

[@americanspirit8932]

The Muchachos had the best Drumline ever in DCI under the direction leadership of Dennis DeLucia was they drum instructor I believe they scored a perfect 20 and drumming in one contest anyway outstanding Drumline online and yes they should have won DCI that year I was there in person .

[@americanspirit8932]

I agree they should have one I was there also

[@TerryMcclure-ri7os]

Greatest solo I have ever heard at DCI

[@cicook7]

A hell of a f##king show!!! My parents were in Oaklands and the stories live up to audio :)

[@tjinc-bus4672]

CC, tell your folks I sing/play '78 Oakland Crusaders once/week in my Brain Walkman.

[@persistence_of_vision]

I got to see the Muchachos perform this show in Columbia, SC in must have been 1974 or 1975

[@bshaboogie]

It was 1975 ...we conducted a band camp for a week in Columbia, SC that year

[@charliepharis2752]

@@bshaboogie Yes! It was great! That exhibition in Columbia was the first time I had seen drum corps live! Iw as hooked!

[@americanspirit8932]

I WAS THERE AND WITNESS ALL THE CORPS AND THEY SHOULD HAVE WON ,THE BEST DRUM, HORN & CG .FORMER MEMBER OF THE SUNRISER'S DRUM AND BUGLE CORPS.

[@samstunes]

wow , thats good enough to win finals.. exciting show

[@rongardner5338]

Great Sounding Corps !!!!

[@ericmichaels457]

Best show EVER!!!

[@alfiocco8380]

Stunning

[@drumcorpperson6741]

So I've wondered for years if the Muchachos felt that they NEEDED the overage member (or members) .... hadn't they reached a status after 1974 where they could have filled the entire corps with excellent players who weren't over 21?

[@bshaboogie]

Honestly I think the corps could easily have drawn enough top talent to not have needed any overage members ..... but, a different mentality and a different time I guess...

[@teresaoftheandes6279]

It was an oversight, not at all intentional.

[@mikesecor6074]

@@teresaoftheandes6279 BS

[@mikesecor6074]

@@teresaoftheandes6279 THE members who were over 21 knew, right? No oversight. HOWEVER, other corps were doing this too. They should have enforced the rule the next year. Letting the corps know it would 100 percent disqualify anyone breaking it. They made this corps, as they say, Martyrs, that year. It's like politics, It destroys anything it touches.

[@jamesmccaughey5604]

Omg. If not for the DQ, this corps had a very serious shot at the international title. 😎

[@apex1012000]

thanks for posting... This show was always a rumor when spoken of, now there's proof of how bad-ass this corps was, minus the 21+ members ;). Dam they were good!

[@user-fc9pf5qg7x]

最高です！　私達はこの頃の曲を参考に演奏していました。ありがとう。

[@MattLendabarker]

Actually, if they went to finals, we would not have this great vid to listen to... Crazy shit.

[@MattLendabarker]

Muchachos were screwed thanks to the cavaliers... jk. Mostly, thanks to Jeff Kievet 2:09 is best ever DC solo.

[@Mrtellitlikeitis]

I played mellophone for Chachos that year, the memory of that show still sucks 45 years later. Took the uniform off for the last time at the exhibition in Hershey Park the day after. Best time of my life being with them. Did we win? Had a great shot at it. Personally, DCI waited till finals to disqualify. The age thing was bogus as many others as well marched over age. They could of said remove the person prior to finals, but they wanted to make an example of us. Oh, the rats? Cavies, and the slime that couldnt make our drum line and went to Cavies and gave them the info Splilled milk, but clearly a set up

[@johntrumpet2344]

They and quite a few other corps were warned prior to finals week. Just look at how many holes each corp had at prelims and finals. The Muchachos' director was the only one to flaunt the rules AND warning and marched the overage kids to the detriment of everyone else in the corps. I do feel bad for the rest of the members being punished for a director's bad decision.

[@xkmendlt4290]

I marched in a DCI championship corps and overage members were very common early to mid 70s. The biggest problem corps faced were those corps members that had falsified berth certificates. Back then directors didn’t have the resources to check every BC. Their were complaints to DCI for several years . DCI at that time didn’t have the resources to check every BC either. Finally DCI received several complaints in 1975 and decided to investigate. Unfortunately the Muchachos got caught. Blame goes to he Muchachos director for knowingly letting a overage member March in prelims. I feel bad for the rest of the corps who worked their ass off all season only to have it end this way. Everyone learned a hard lesson and it was the beginning of DCI and the corps eliminating the overage problem. The Muchachos would not have won in 1975. Brass, they were up there with Madison but were not quite as accomplished as Santa Clara in Percussion and marching execution. In fact, marching execution was a big weakness. Madison had the brass no doubt about it. Had vastly improved in percussion and marching execution. GE it a toss up between Vanguard and Muchachos. I still think Santa Clara got robbed and many that judged finals that night agree. Should have been. 1.) Santa Clara. 2.)Madison 3.) Muchachos. This of course had Muchachos performed in finals. No disrespect to the Muchachos. A fine corps in 1975.

[@Mrtellitlikeitis]

@@xkmendlt4290 oh stop. Our drum line was the best that year and we have score sheets to prove it. Horns was up there with Scouts, GE a toss up, marching maybe third. I believe had we performed, our drums,horns would have either carried us, or a tenth or two short of Scouts

[@Mrtellitlikeitis]

@@johntrumpet2344 dude. U don’t know shit. No one warned us. God. DCI had info in beginning of year and did nothing till finals. That’s the fact and reality from someone inside and a member

[@PedroMartinez-tt7lr]

@@Mrtellitlikeitis So cheating is okay but being a rat is not? Alrighty then.

[@RogueBrit]

Still sounds tight

[@chrispettus2532]

9:36 What was that? Contrabass section doing an elephant impression? These guys were amazing!

[@bruschmidt9943]

LoL 😂

[@LarryFinn]

May have cracked the top three? The week prior they beat all the top corps and many feel Madison was on borrowed time. Ah, but we'll never know. Compare recordings, I think Hawthorne stands alone.

[@barryweinrich7289]

Why is it that New Jersey produced some of the most talented drum corps ?

[@user-yq3fz9ch5q]

Suburban/rural enough for the kids to focus on Corps activities almost exclusively. Strong town/veteran/civic support. All the things a NYC Corps were lacking.

[@gregb8759]

Question?? Was there any video of this show?? I’ve seen some awful break up stuff....I was wondering if they recorded prelim....there’s video of Bridgemen 1977 night show

[@dnaske]

I need an 11 on my volume!

[@alfiocco8380]

Ralph Pennachio rip

[@ronsorensen2237]

Rodney Goodheart & I were the prelims percussion judges.

[@FlyboyTed1972DCI]

After Muchachos pulled a 19.4 in Drums at CYO, just the week before DCI I am comfortable saying that their prelims score was at least that and maybe as high as 19.5 which is just 2 tics and a .1 higher in the book score. Horns should have been just behind Madison and ahead of SCV. GE was the make or break for this show. Muchachos M&M was at best 4th and more probably 5th. So I see no way they beat Madison but second place in prelims is a strong possibility as SCV was flat for prelims...but showed up big time for finals....it would have been an interesting night had Muchachos not been DQ'd. I am from north Jersey and I was in the box that afternoon with my band director Dr Bernard Baggs ...I saw it from his point of view.

[@arfshesaid4325]

so how did you score muchachos in drums, what place were they in ?

[@bshaboogie]

Ron - Rodney (RIP) had told Dennis D. that we got a 19.3 in field drums that day ... is that true to your recollection? I recall that Rodney was busting Dennis' chops that we "weren't as good as we were at the CYO Nationals" .. where we had gotten the 19.5.

[@bshaboogie]

We had gotten a 19.5 at the CYO's ...but who's counting ....

[@oldtimedrumcorps]

Dr Baggs. a legend in his time . Had the honor of being judged by him way back .Usually excellently at that . He scored it as he heard it and knew his craft .

[@waltbeck8989]

Oh yeah, forgot to mention I was one of those Bad Boys from Jersey.

[@laurencemajette6630]

I was there and I feel that Muchachos won no doubt, no disrespect to the Madison Scouts.

[@dvh2045]

That was real Drum Corp...Today is too much BS...The Pit, singing and Theater is ridiculous..I was there GREAT SHOW..AMAZING HORN LINE..

[@Djembe908]

@khwalt2 I am and was always a fan of Muchachos and later on Bridgemen. But I have to admit, Scouts were great that season. Muchachos too BTW. And U love The Casper Wyoming Troopers. Greetings from a distance from Holland

[@ultramannick]

But SCV was also hot on the heels of both Scouts and Muchachos. Unfortunately, the latter did not complete at DCI Midwest in '75.

[@rayszymarek2920]

The Grand Daddy of them all Hawthorne Cabs. What can you say that has not been said many many many times. This is and always will be the Favorite Fan Senior Drum Corps in the Universe. And really if they take second or third place or even lower THAT DOES NOT MATTER. Hawthorne Cabs should have a Statue right on Mount Rushmore. The Cabs have been more for Drum corps and getting fans to appreciate what Drum Corps is all about. The one the ONLY Hawthorne Cabs. case closed.

[@DCJimS]

Yes he was He was playing and couching that year!

[@yodleron7666]

I was at the DCI finals in Philadelphia in 1975. Here's my take on the whole disqualifying thing. In my opinion during the prelims, Muchachos certainly won the drum line, Madison won the horn line. Guard and Drill ? who knows. Had the Muchachos been allowed to march in the finals, it certainly would have been a close one. DCI was young, their rules were ambiguous and I still feel the Muchachos got jilted by DCI. They were certainly one of the more entertaining corps.

[@schlendl]

21 years old is ambiguous? Muchachos were unfreakingbelievable. Leave it at that. To revise history takes away from the valid point that they were amazing. the whole thing is just sad.

[@ultramannick]

How many other corps were "jilted" or destroyed by DCI? Blue Rock, Muchachos, Crossmen (nearly), Troopers, 27th.....North Star....

[@oldschooldrumcorps]

@@ultramannick Bridgemen, Guardsmen, Glassmen, Freelancers, All Canadian Corps, World class and below

[@teresaoftheandes6279]

I cannot find any video footage of the Muchachos anywhere!

[@aliciagoldstein1054]

Jeff Kievit was still on the sop line that year, wasn't he? I can't remember...

[@Coupydog]

Yes that was him. Who else could play like that? His chops were like extra points!!!!

[@TheRedjeepbabe]

I don't know who put this up but for the sake of clarity the corps was the HAWTHORNE MUCHACHOS.

[@michaelokeefe6902]

I was there it was incredible!!!!

[@oldtimedrumcorps]

So whats with this thing Called Drum and Bugle Corps ? one thing boys and girls is; How many people are there in the World? 7 billion and to think that these individuals approx 150, especially first place in any given year are to become the ultimate best of what was once a truely unique musical spectacle of sight and sound. Thats special indeed .

[@TheMrHashi]

If you listen really closely, you can hear the blue devils warming up on legends of the one eye sailor. In the background in the very beginning

[@agogobell28]

Didn't Donnie Van Doren work with Star in the 90's?

[@braind82]

In 1988, the Blue Devils were undefeated going into the 1988 DCI Prelims and wound up in 3rd place on Championship night. Madison took the title that year because they were surging. What happened before Championship night mattered not at all. As for 1975, yes Muchachos sounded great, but it is obvious that Madison would not be denied...they were just too good that year (and were undefeated ALL of 1975).

[@curativecrusader5254]

Of course they beat Maison...rules are rules....

[@bobmillholland6345]

Interesting to hear their Pines of Romes in comparison to Star in 1990s.

[@ImDave1962]

+Bob Millholland or Cavalier's in 1982.

[@jackbrainard490]

Interpretation of age out rules have improved, and should have been changed back then, instead of penalizing the entire Corps and all the kids tat had dedicated them selves. Still, they impressed everyone and made history. Each 1975 member has something to be so very proud of the accomplishment they achieved. (None remembers who won or took second, but everyone remembers the year that Muchachos were disqualified, and started the rules changes for kids aging out)

[@TheMad1975]

I remember who took first, since I was a member of the incredible MADISON SCOUTS that year. WE took first, SCV took second, Blue Devils took third. We were undefeated that entire season. Should have won 1974 DCI, too. The rules had been in play for many years. We also beat Hawthorne at CYO Nationals a week earlier by THREE points. It was our year. It was unfortunate that Hawthorne broke the rules at the time. Would have loved to had competed with them and still win 1975 DCI that night.

[@AlexanderMartinovich517]

Does anyone know what they scored in Prelims?

[@522Dusty]

Had they been under todays rules they would be 1975 DCI Worlds champions, the rule changed the next year about turning 21 the year you age out.

[@TheMad1975]

Sorry Jack. They did have a great show, but we in Madison were undefeated all season. I don't remember for sure, but believe we beat Hawthorne at CYO Nationals a week before DCI by 3 points. It was unfortunate that they were disqualifield. Someone should have known better.