Freelancers

Embarking on its fourth decade of existence, the current Sacramento Freelancer organization is proud of its rich history. What began in 1933 as a part of the American Legion system has evolved into a respected top 12 drum and bugle corps. This journey is commemorated by the proud display of the corps' banners in Freelancer Hall, the home of Sacramento's DCI Open Class corps.

In 1963, Parker Silva took over the leadership of the existing American Legion Post 391 and formed the Manheart Capitalaires, an all-girl junior drum and bugle corps. When the unit opened participation to males in 1970, the word Manheart was dropped from the name. Another name change to Capital Freelancers of Sacramento occurred in 1973 as the corps separated from their American Legion sponsorship.

The corps toured nationally for the first time in 1975. Caravaning all the way to the East Coast, the Freelancers managed to gain DCI membership by placing 18th at the National Championships, although it took a personal loan from a parent boosters to get them home again.

In 1976, the corps again set out on national tour with determination, but cash flow as still an issue. Part of the members' motivation on the tour was to do well enough in the shows so that they could eat and move on to the next show with the prize money. The precarious journey reached a climax on Prelims day when an empty kitchen and wallet spurred the Capital Freelancers to an incredible 11th place finish. It was the corps’ first placement in DCI's elite top 12.

Soon after, the organization was able to establish the BINGO Hall as a more stable source of funding. The Freelancers used the financial security effectively in 1977 by landing a spot in Finals and earning a tie for eighth place. Another milestone occurred in 1980 as the corps changed its name to the Sacramento Freelancers. Throughout the early 1980s, the corps consistently finished in the DCI top 12.

In 1986, the first time in over fifty years, the organization would not field a corps. Due to financial struggles, the members of the board of directors decided to take the corps inactive in hopes of establishing a stronger future. Their courageous decision, despite concerns that the corps might never revive, ensured that the Freelancers are around today.

"Sac Is Back!" was the battle cry in 1987 as the Freelancers came roaring back from the year‘s hiatus. Their 19th place finish was the highest placing of any corps right after an inactive season, and the unprecedented tenth place finish in 1989 made the Freelancers the first corps ever to regain finalist standing after being inactive. Since then the Freelancers has continued to be one of the leading drum and bugle corps in the country.

Modern Freelancer members have a proud history on which to draw for inspiration: their eagerness to try, determination to achieve, and tradition of pride is rooted in an appreciation of the pain of those who preceded them.

Although the Freelancers produces a competitive winter guard element, the drum and bugle corps has not appeared in DCI competition since 1994.

[1994 Sound Expo Show Souvenir Program; Dave Strickler]

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