Royal Airs Drum & Bugle Corps makes Hoffman Estates home

Anyone who has an interest in joining a local drum and bugle corps — or anyone who just wants to listen to some peppy music — is welcome to attend the grand opening for the Royal Airs Drum & Bugle Corps’ new home in Hoffman Estates on Saturday.

Corps Director Rhonda Schock said the group decided to move their headquarters from Villa Park to Hoffman Estates after being asked to play at Mayor William McLeod’s inauguration earlier this year.

“We’re glad to be in Hoffman Estates,” she said. “We’re looking forward to being in all the festivals that Hoffman Estates has.”

The grand opening celebration — which will be attended by community leaders and include a performance by the corps — runs from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Saturday, at the new location, 2601 Pratum Ave.

“We’re trying to invite younger people to come and join us,” Schock said, adding that the all-ages group of about 25 musicians is working to bring back something that has been “a lost tradition.”

The group consists for four brass instruments — a soprano horn, a mellophone, a baritone and contrabass bugle — and drums.

“A lot of people don’t know what drum corps is,” Schock said. “You need to come and hear us. We’re not a band. We’re totally different from a band.”

The group performs at a variety of community and private events throughout the year.

“We teach discipline, self-esteem, leadership qualities,” Schock said, adding that the group is willing to give new members lessons on how to play the instruments.

Anyone interested in joining the corps can email Schock at hrkschock996@live.com.