By Jonann Brady
"I think I'm the oldest living, breathing member of the school district," she joked, then waited a beat. "And I'm only 38."
Last year, Bauer, who is really 56, was honored by a monthly magazine, School Band and Orchestra, as one of "50 Directors Who Make a Difference." "Last year I was Miss New York State," said Bauer of the award, and added dryly, "Fortunately, we didn't have a bathing suit competition."
With 35 years in the Baldwin School District and 21 of them at the high school, Bauer will hang up her conductor's wand this June. A June 6 party is planned in her honor. An admitted "workaholic," Bauer will miss her students desperately, but said, "It's time to move on. You should move on when you're loving every minute of it and still up."
Bauer has become legendary among her students for her dedication to them and her "work hard, play hard" philosophy. Her tenacity has not gone unnoticed. At last year's New York State Major Ensemble Festivals, the Symphonic Band received the highest rating and was called "the benchmark for all others" and the "best band on Long Island."
Bauer gives much of the credit to her students. "Students in the music department are incredible," she said. "They are loyal, dedicated, and have a tremendous esprit de corps. They work as a unit. That has not changed in all my years of teaching."
Bauer's own career in music almost didn't happen. In the third grade, she failed music and was not allowed to play an instrument the next year. But in sixth grade, a new band director took over and wanted to recruit as many new students as possible. Bauer desperately wanted to play the trumpet, and though she was told girls didn't play the instrument, she persisted. She remembers clearly the day she was given the trumpet, down to what she was wearing (corduroys and a blue zip-up sweater). "The first day I carried that instrument home, I knew it was my life," she said.
Unfortunately, sexism persisted in the band world, and Bauer was told again that girls did not play the trumpet. She was given a French horn instead, and though she went on the major in the instrument at Ithaca College, she never forget her first love. "My only regret is that I stopped playing," she said. "If I were still playing the trumpet, I think I'd still be playing."
During retirement, Bauer says that perhaps she will pick up the trumpet again, along with pursuing her hobbies of model railroading and digital photography. She's even considering other career options. "I've thought about being a bartender or selling high-end cars like Jaguars," she said. "I like schmoozing and cruising."
Until then, Bauer is preparing her students for their final performances at the May 19 Spring Concert, her retirement party and a special concert in June she is trying to arrange on Morgan's Island, where she lives.
After years of building traditions within the music department, Bauer's legacy will no doubt live on. "I am enormously proud of every single band I have ever had," she said. "And I have loved every moment of making music."
Party with Helen
Helen Bauer's retirement party will be held on Friday, June 6 at 6 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus in Oceanside. The evening will include cocktails, dinner and a performance by the Baldwin Senior High School Symphonic Band. The cost is $65. RSVP by May 16 to Mindy Edwards at 516-759-9303 or Fran Salit at 516-377-9225.
