It’s music to anyone’s ears.
A Long Island drum corps and color guard comprised of adults with disabilities has given its nearly 50 members the experience of a lifetime, playing at venues from Disney World to Lincoln Center in Manhattan and a pro football stadium in Indianapolis.
“This drum line is my passion,” said longtime Free Players conductor Leah Allison Saitta, a 35-year-old from Commack with Down syndrome, to The Post.
“I’ve got a good corps. They always listen and pay attention,” she said.
The Free Players, who devoutly practice four days a week in Old Bethpage, are a creative branch of FREE, a facility for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
But the drum band is open to any special-needs adult in or out of the program, according to Senior Manager Maureen Roach.
“It started very slow 20 years ago with just banging sticks together, and now it has taken on a life of its own,” Roach said.
“It’s giving them opportunities that they never thought they could have or opportunities that people told them they would never be able to do,” she said of participants. “So when they get out on stage, they’re not shy.”
The devout musicians — many of whom have spent their adult lives as percussionists — competed with some of the world’s best bands in the Drum Corps International competition at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium in 2019.
They were met with a thunderous ovation, Roach said.
For Kevin Howard, a Uniondale music lover with autism who brings swagger with cool sunglasses and a smile to rehearsals, the drum corps has opened many doors as he has undertaken a leadership role.
“Music is my passion too. … And I’ve been in the corps since 2011 and love it all and can express myself,” the 37-year-old said. “Now I help the newer members.”
In addition to traveling to places such as Indiana, Ohio, New Jersey and Florida, the players are also beloved regulars at Long Island parades.
They are gearing up to march in the Farmingdale and Bethpage Saint Patrick’s Day events next month.
“I love to hear people cheering for me,” said color guard assistant Andrea Matteo, a 35-year-old with Down syndrome from Farmingdale. “The traveling is also amazing. We have such a great crew.”
Claire McCabe, 34, of Oceanside added that parade time is her favorite part of the year because of the overwhelming support.
“I’m pumped!” said the color guard member, who has Down syndrome.
Roach, who said the group loves feeding off radiant audience energy, put it best: The focus is on what these individuals can do instead of what they can not.
Beyond honing their talents, a sense of camaraderie inspires many members.
“It’s fun working together,” said Casey Baierleine, a 35-year-old with Down syndrome from Wantagh. “I even practice at home on my own.”
James Hausmann, a 20-year-long member with an intellectual developmental disability, boasted that the Free Players has led to 30 new friendships during his tenure.
“Plus, I feel like a rock and roll star,” the 41-year-old of Westbury said with a smile.
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