It’s music to anybody’s ears.
A Lengthy Island drum corps and coloration guard comprised of adults with disabilities has given its practically 50 members the expertise of a lifetime, enjoying at venues from Disney World to Lincoln Middle in Manhattan and a professional soccer stadium in Indianapolis.
“This drum line is my ardour,” mentioned longtime Free Gamers conductor Leah Allison Saitta, a 35-year-old from Commack with Down syndrome, to The Submit.
“I’ve received a very good corps. They all the time hear and listen,” she mentioned.
The Free Gamers, who devoutly observe 4 days every week in Outdated Bethpage, are a artistic department of FREE, a facility for folks with developmental and mental disabilities.
However the drum band is open to any special-needs grownup in or out of this system, in accordance with Senior Supervisor Maureen Roach.
“It began very sluggish 20 years in the past with simply banging sticks collectively, and now it has taken on a lifetime of its personal,” Roach mentioned.
“It’s giving them alternatives that they by no means thought they might have or alternatives that folks instructed them they might by no means be capable of do,” she mentioned of individuals. “So after they get out on stage, they’re not shy.”
The religious musicians — a lot of whom have spent their grownup lives as percussionists — competed with a number of the world’s finest bands within the Drum Corps Worldwide competitors at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium in 2019.
They have been met with a thunderous ovation, Roach mentioned.
For Kevin Howard, a Uniondale music lover with autism who brings swagger with cool sun shades and a smile to rehearsals, the drum corps has opened many doorways as he has undertaken a management function.
“Music is my ardour too. … And I’ve been within the corps since 2011 and adore it all and might specific myself,” the 37-year-old mentioned. “Now I assist the newer members.”
Along with touring to locations resembling Indiana, Ohio, New Jersey and Florida, the gamers are additionally beloved regulars at Lengthy Island parades.
They’re gearing as much as march within the Farmingdale and Bethpage Saint Patrick’s Day occasions subsequent month.
“I like to listen to folks cheering for me,” mentioned coloration guard assistant Andrea Matteo, a 35-year-old with Down syndrome from Farmingdale. “The touring can also be wonderful. Now we have such an ideal crew.”
Claire McCabe, 34, of Oceanside added that parade time is her favourite a part of the 12 months due to the overwhelming assist.
“I’m pumped!” mentioned the colour guard member, who has Down syndrome.
Roach, who mentioned the group loves feeding off radiant viewers power, put it finest: The main focus is on what these people can do as an alternative of what they can’t.
Past honing their abilities, a way of camaraderie evokes many members.
“It’s enjoyable working collectively,” mentioned Casey Baierleine, a 35-year-old with Down syndrome from Wantagh. “I even observe at dwelling alone.”
James Hausmann, a 20-year-long member with an mental developmental incapacity, boasted that the Free Gamers has led to 30 new friendships throughout his tenure.
“Plus, I really feel like a rock and roll star,” the 41-year-old of Westbury mentioned with a smile.
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