On Nov. 17 at 3 p.m., Glen Cove’s Wunsch Arts Center will resonate with the stirring sounds of the Northwinds Symphonic Band’s A Tribute to Our Veterans, a free concert honoring the men and women who have served in the U.S. armed forces.
Sponsored by The Herald and the Tribute and Honor Foundation, this annual Veterans Day concert has become a beloved tradition, drawing audiences from across Nassau County to celebrate patriotism and pay homage to those who have served.
Under the direction of Helen P. Bauer and Brandon Bromsey, the Northwinds Symphonic Band has curated a dynamic program, rich in American musical heritage and patriotic fervor.
“It’s a very diverse program, and it’s great because sometimes you can go to a concert and the group is great, but everything sort of sounds the same, but we do fun things, we do exciting things,” Bauer said. “We do important literature, marches, tone pieces, theater music. We take the audience to a lot of different places. But this concert, of course, has a lot of patriotic aspect to it.”
Bauer dedicated 35 years to teaching instrumental music and directing bands in Baldwin Public Schools, where she developed high-achieving music programs and inspired a commitment to community service among her students. Under her leadership, the Baldwin Senior High School Symphonic Band earned top honors, performed extensively, and was the first high school band to play at Ellis Island. Bauer’s achievements were recognized statewide, including being named NY State Band Director of the Year in 2002.
Highlights include American Pageant by Thomas Knox, a piece performed at every presidential inauguration since Richard Nixon’s in 1973, as well as the Armed Forces Medley, which salutes each branch of the military with their signature songs.
The concert will also feature Broadway vocalists Karen Murphy and John Preator, who will bring to life Big Band era classics by the Gershwin brothers and Jerome Kern, adding an uplifting and nostalgic element. Justin Wheeler, a talented trumpeter and North Shore Middle School band director, will perform a special tribute to trumpet icon Harry James, showcasing his remarkable skill and adding a touch of jazz virtuosity to the lineup.
Since its founding in 2007, the Northwinds Symphonic Band has grown from a small ensemble of 23 members to a robust, 70-member group made up of current and retired music teachers, recent university graduates, and gifted young musicians.
“We strive to choose music that honors veterans in a meaningful way,” said Conductor Brandon Bromsey. “The concert band has military roots, and each branch of the military has its own song that we play. The response has been overwhelmingly positive over the years, and the atmosphere is always full of reverence and gratitude.”
Bauer and Bromsey work tirelessly to create a season that showcases a wide range of musical styles, from patriotic anthems to Broadway hits. Their annual season includes five concerts, beginning in the fall with A Tribute to Our Veterans and culminating in a spirited Fourth of July performance at Morgan Park. The Wunsch Arts Center, located at Robert Finley Middle School at 1 Forest Avenue in Glen Cove, is wheelchair accessible. For more information, call 516-375-4957 or email helenpbauer@gmail.com.
