ABOUT the AUTHORS

 

Frank Bonasera served as the band director for Barnum Woods Elementary School in the East Meadow School District for thirty two years. He received his B.A. in Music Education from the Crane School of Music and his Master’s Degree from C.W. Post. In 2003, he was a featured conductor at the New York State Band Directors Association Symposium. In his final year teaching, the East Meadow Music Department commissioned composer Carl Strommen to write “Barnum Woods March”, a tribute to Mr. Bonasera and his career. After his retirement in 2004, he accepted a mentoring position in the district, working with beginner band teachers. He takes great pride in the fact that so many of his former students have successful careers in performing and teaching music.

 

 

Gary Henderson is the band director at Bowling Green Elementary School in East Meadow, NY. Gary received his Bachelors of Science Degree in Education from Hofstra University and his Master’s Degree in Jazz and Commercial Music from Five Towns College. Gary is the director of the Nassau-Suffolk Performing Arts Youth Band. He is the founder and co-director of The Interplay Jazz Orchestra and the director of the Hofstra University Alumni Jazz Nonet, playing trumpet in both groups. In 1997, Gary was nominated for Instrumentalist of the Year as part of the Long Island Music Awards and recognized as a Concert Promoter of the Year by the Long Island Voice for his work with "All-Ages" concert venues for young musicians.