About Us
History
The American Legion Symphonic band was founded in January, 2004 by Arthur Tenny, a veteran of Viet Nam and a member of American Legion Post 142 in Pompano Beach, FL. Art and a number of other charter members had been associated for years with the bands in the Deerfield and Pompano Beach Communities. The desire of Mr.Tenny, in forming this new organization, was to continue the tradition of live concert band music in the South Florida area. In 2018, the Band’s name was changed to the Fort Lauderdale Symphonic Winds and it now has a membership of 40 professional and amateur musicians who volunteer their time and talents to provide the “Light Up the Holidays” Concerts, the Irish Festival Concert, and the Memorial Day Ceremony for the City of Fort Lauderdale. For Pompano Beach we do a 9/11 Ceremony and several Pops Concerts. We are glad to be able to continue to support the annual Four Chaplains’ Memorial Service each January for the 9th District American Legion and also a special Honor Flight Concert to support their mission. Check out our Concert Schedule and contact us for more information.
Meet the Conductor and Assistant Conductor
Jim Mullen is the Conductor of the the Fort Lauderdale Symphonic Winds. From the classroom to the rehearsal hall to the stage, conductor and trumpeter Jim Mullen’s work in the field of music includes: teaching, directing and playing in all levels of ensembles. Jim holds a Bachelors in Music Education from SUNY/Potsdam, a Master’s degree in Educational Technology from Florida Atlantic University, and has completed all course work for his Master’s in Music Education from Vander Cooke College of Music in Chicago, IL.
Jim began his teaching career in New York State in the Rome and Utica schools. He relocated to South Florida in 1982, accepting a position at Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale. During his 19 years there, his responsibilities included assisting and directing the marching, concert, and jazz bands, directing the choral program, and teaching AP Music Theory. In 1989,
When Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, Jim’s home church, launched a new Christian school, he joined the teaching staff at Calvary Christian Academy in 2001 to develop the general music, band and musical theatre programs. He continued with Calvary until he retired in 2021.
His lifelong career reflects a passion for community service through music-making and investing in the next generation of music makers. He considers it a great privilege to conduct and lead the diverse and like-minded Fort Lauderdale Symphonic Winds.
Rafael Ramirez, FLSW Associate Conductor is a native of South Florida and has been a performer of percussion for over 30 years. Rafael graduated from Deerfield Beach High school and holds a Bachelor of Music Education from University of South Florida, where he was apart of the inaugural year of the Herd of Thunder Marching Band, Percussion Ensemble, Concert Band, and Wind Ensemble during his time at USF. Rafael has been a member of the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps from Dubuque, Iowa and was the assistant corps director/tour manager for the Kiwanis Kavaliers from 2001-2004.
Rafael currently performs with various groups including the: Broward Symphony Orchestra, South Florida Pride Band, Sunshine Pops, and the Fort Lauderdale Symphonic Winds. We are fortunate to have him part of the FLSW family.
Band Officers
President Sally Craig
Vice President Michele Nicklas
Secretary
Treasurer Reid Becker
Librarian Kellie Smith
Personnel Cindy Pinera
Property Manager Rafael Ramirez
