By Kelly Driscoll

Founded in 2010, the FREE Players Drum Corps and Color Guard of Old Bethpage, New York, provides a unique service for those often overlooked in life and the marching arts. Comprised of men and women with varying physical and intellectual disabilities, this organization helps to break down stigmas by giving its members an opportunity to perform.

Guided by their mission to "show that they share the same passion for the marching arts as their typical mainstream peers," this group "[hopes] to continue to make history, alleviate prejudice, break down boundaries and show that everyone can communicate through music."

Under the direction of Brian Calhoun, the 65-plus performing members of their A Corps exhibit their skills at venues such as the WGI Percussion World Championships, DCI Eastern Classic, USBands NY State Championships, Newsday Marching Band Festival, Roxbury Marching Band Classic, WGI Eastern Color Guard Championships, and a vast multitude of parades.

While most ensembles take time off, the FREE Players practice and perform year-round. Their next journey will take them to Indianapolis to perform at the DCI World Championships in 2018, a first for the corps and a first for Drum Corps International.


Members of FREE Players Drumline at the WGI World Championships

The group also has a B Corps, where newer members can focus on having fun and enjoying music, without the stress of competitions. These individuals are also welcome to fill spots in the A Corps when holes open up.

Instead of focusing on the obstacles facing those with disabilities, the ensemble pushes each member to perform to their own, individualized abilities. Being a part of the FREE Players allows "these men and women to work on their social skills as well as build a sense of unity and self-worth."

Along with encompassing physical activity, performing in the drumline and guard is "therapeutic for many of the adults that attend the program, as rhythm is a powerful tool that permeates throughout the brain." While their productions are fan favorites, the true value comes when each member realizes how much of an impact he or she makes.

Mixing theatrics, humor, and music, these skilled musicians imbue each performance with their own style and personality. In their 2016 production, "Intergalactic," the FREE Players put on an out-of-this-world show at WGI Percussion Championships. Each soloist and section was given its own spotlight, highlighting the skills and abilities of each member. The crowd went wild as they finished up their performance and waved to their fans, even adding a dab or two for good measure.


Members of FREE Players with Founder & Corps Director Brian Calhoun

As the 2017 season begins, the FREE Players have already been hard at work directing their newest shows. The color guard has already begun touring local New York shows, with their 2017 production, "Our Dreams are Limitless." Soon, the drumline and front ensemble will also begin their competition schedule, showing off how "everyone is different."

While the FREE Players provide musical education for their members, they also show how differences make life more interesting. Fighting against negativity, this group shares its infectious spirit and love of the activity through weekly videos featuring members showing off their skills and stick tricks. All of this would not be possible if not for their parent organization, Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE) Theatre Arts Day Program. While the drum corps provides a musical outlet, FREE allows for their members to gain independence and become part of an amazing family. Because of the members and staff of the FREE Players Drum Corps, the impossible truly is possible.

FloMarching's hottest content, delivered to your inbox

Don't miss breaking news, feature stories, event updates, and more. Sign up for the FloMarching mailing list today.