The Muchachos Drum & Bugle Corps falls into step for its 50th anniversary season with an open house and rehearsal session from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24, at the Franco-American Centre, 52 Concord St.

The public is invited to attend and get a sneak preview of some of the new music that the group is preparing for its upcoming performance season, titled "Pictures of Spain." The corps is hoping to attract several members for its drum line and color guard sections as well as up to a dozen brass players to complement the growing unit, which is open to New Englanders age 14 and older.

"The instructional staff for this season is the largest and most experienced in the entire 50-year history of the Queen City ensemble, with a wealth of music and marching experience in some of the most recognized names in the drum and bugle corps circle, including the famed Spartans drum & bugle corps of Nashua, the Boston Crusaders, 27th Lancers and The Bridgemen Drum & Bugle Corps from Bayonne, N.J.," said Al Gagne, corps director.

"A major milestone in the organization’s development has been its acceptance as an associate member corps in the prestigious Drum Corps International organization based in Indianapolis," Gagne said. "The group has already been invited to perform in exhibition at a DCI World Class competition scheduled for July 3, in Beverly, Mass."

The corps also is sporting a new look with new uniforms in celebration of its half-century milestone.

"The Muchachos provides a great opportunity for music students, high school band members and former drum corps alumni to add to their music learning skills and participate in performance opportunities around the New England region, plus enjoy the team spirit and family atmosphere provided by the drum corps activity," Gagne said. "

While previous experience in drum corps or a marching band is preferred, it is not a requirement for membership. For details, call Gagne at 674-7650 or visit www.muchachos.org