Developmentally Disabled Local Drum Corps To Perform In 'Super Bowl' For Marching Bands
OLD BETHPAGE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A local drum corps will make history as they will be performing at an event dubbed the "Super Bowl" for marching bands.
CBS2's Christine Sloan reported the group is part of a unique program for adults who are developmentally disabled.
The Family Residences and Essential Enterprises group has been invited to perform at the Drum Corps International World Class Championships in Indiana.
"I practice every day, non-stop, in my room and here," Carley Schoenfeld said.
The group consists of 65 members, which also includes a singing ensemble and color guard.
The drum corps already has three sets of music prepared.
"We have to be in unison – one drummer," Michael Brennan said. "So we all have to sound like one drummer."
They're able to make the trip after the Harvey and Ellen Weisenberg Special Needs Foundation donated $10,000.
"We still have to raise $64,000 -- we have $10,000," assistant director said. "We definitely have more money, but it is a great start."
The free program gives these mostly 20- and 30-year-olds confidence.
"I love to dance. I have been dancing my whole life, since I was 2 years old. I do ballet, I do tap," Lauren Danis said.
The competition is scheduled in the summer of 2018.
A GoFundMe has been set up to raise money for the group's trip.
