Special Needs Drum Corps Selected to Perform at Prestigious International Drum Corps Show

Nassau County Legislator Walker Will Be Present to Honor Drum Corps

On Friday, December 19, Family Residences and Essential Enterprise (FREE) will be holding an announcement ceremony for the award winning FREE Players Drum Corps for being officially selected to perform in exhibition on Friday July 31, 2015 at J. Birney Crum Stadium in Allentown PA for the DCI (Drum Corps International) Eastern Classic. This is by far one of the biggest opportunities the FREE Players Drum Corps has ever been offered, and is the first time a special needs drum corps has ever been selected to perform at this prestigious event.

When:
10:30 a.m.
Friday, December 19, 2014

Where:
Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE)
Multi-Purpose Room
191 Bethpage Sweet Hollow Rd
Old Bethpage, NY 11804

***Great visuals as drum corps will be performing and receiving their citations***

DCI is the largest organization in the world for marching bands. They are considered “Marching Music’s Major League”. The Eastern Classic is one of the major events that they hold each summer; at which thousands of people are expected to be in attendance. Other organizations always refer to DCI when they want world class performances. For example at this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a DCI Corps marched in Santa Claus on NBC. Last year a DCI Corps performed on ABC for Disney’s Christmas Spectacular. Nassau County Legislator Rose Walker will also be on hand to honor the Drum Corps for their historic performance at the New York City Columbus Day Parade.

About the FREE Players Drum Corps

The Free Players Drum Corps was developed at FREE’s Day Program in Old Bethpage. It is part of a unique theatre arts curriculum for adult men and women with talent and similar interests who have autism and other developmental disabilities. Drum Corps has been therapeutic for many of the adults that attend the program, as rhythm is a powerful tool that permeates throughout the brain. Drumming has been proven to reduce both mental and physical challenges that one may have and has enabled these men and women to work on their social skills as well as build a sense of unity and self-worth. The Drum Corps provides traditional parade style performances and stage performances similar to Broadway-based ones that include a mixture of drumming, dancing, acting and singing. By performing in the community, the Drum Corps is helping to dissolve boundaries and educate the community on the abilities of individuals with disabilities rather than focusing on their differences. The program fosters and promotes independence, productivity and individual development in a fun, creative environment.

About Drum Corp International (DCI)

From modest beginnings more than three decades ago, Drum Corps International (DCI) has developed into a powerful, nonprofit, global youth activity with far-reaching artistic, educational and organizational influence. Through the annual DCI Tour and more than 35 World Championships in 17 North American cities, Drum Corps International provides entertainment to millions through live performances and nationally-televised events. Drum Corps International is Marching Music’s Major League.

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