Northwinds Symphonic Band

Northwinds Band Director and Conductor, Helen Bauer, served as instrumental music teacher and band director for 35 years in the Baldwin Public Schools where she developed outstanding programs at all three levels. During her tenure, The Baldwin Senior High School Symphonic Band performed extensively throughout the East Coast and was the first school band organization to perform at Ellis Island. In addition to extensive concert performances, under her baton, the band consistently received the highest ratings at NY State Major Ensemble Festivals. At the festival in 2002 the judges hailed the band as being “the benchmark for all others.” Bauer bands consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a sense of shared responsibility as evidenced not only by the performance of the bands but the community service projects which were an integral part of the philosophy of her program each year. Over a 12-year period the band raised more than $60,000 for AIDS Research and in 1998 band members built a model train layout that was donated to the Children’s Inn at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. During her tenure she designed and implemented a re-configuration of the senior high school band program, which resulted in increased enrollment, and a higher level of performance. Mrs. Bauer also developed AIDS curriculum for each of the academic and co-curricular disciplines and designed a comprehensive and innovative AIDS Education and Awareness program used as a model in high schools throughout NY State. She was honored by her colleagues and administrators when chosen to represent Baldwin Senior High School at the Nationally Recognized School of Excellence Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. Helen Bauer is a former student of Bandmaster William J. Dwyer and is a proud graduate of Ithaca College where she played in the Walter Beeler Concert band for four years and studied French horn with John M. Covert. She holds a master’s degree in Secondary Education and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration from Hofstra University where she has also earned credits in the doctoral program in the School of Administration and Policy Studies. In December 2002 National School Band and Orchestra Magazine named her NY State Band Director of the Year. In the spring of 2003 parents and colleagues created the Helen Bauer Scholarship. Each year it is presented to the graduating band senior who exemplifies the highest standard of excellence in teamwork, leadership and community service. In 2006 the New York State Band Directors Association honored Mrs. Bauer for “her dedication to the band movement and maintenance of the highest standards in the selection and performance of fine literature.” Retired from public school teaching since 2003, she remains active as a conductor, private theory and brass teacher, adjudicator and community activist and volunteer.