Freelancers

The Freelancers drum and bugle corps was formed in 1956 and was sponsored by their own parents’ organization in Smithtown.

In their inaugural season of activity, the corps participated in parades and exhibitions while winning the 1957 New York State standstill championships. The following year, the Freelancers, sporting their red and white uniforms,  entered the field of competition as members of the Greater New York (GNY) circuit where, by 1960, the unit placed 4th in the circuit championships. Over the next seven years, the group pursued its participation in the GNY, placing as high as 7^th  position in 1967 to 11th place in 1963.

The corps also participated in other regional circuits including the “Penn-Jersey”, where they placed in 9th and 12^th position in 1963 and 1964 respectively, as well as the 1967 Northeastern circuit, finishing in 6th place. In 1968, the unit performed in the World Open championships, finishing in 28^th position in the “Class A” preliminaries before transitioning to parade status the following season. Wayne Downey, legendary brass composer & instructor for the Concord Blue Devils and other corps, marched with the Freelancers from 1966 to 1968.

The Freelancers resumed field competition in 1970, returned as a parade corps once again in 1971 and competed for one last season in the 1972 Long Island circuit. In an attempt to revitalize, the organization was renamed the Long Island Freelancers in 1973, participating in parades and exhibitions.

They disbanded in 1974.

Encyclopedia of Drum and Bugle Corps, 1966; rec.arts.marching.drumcorps; Paul Legault (DCX)

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