Professor Hedwig, Command Performer!

2/19/2008

As millions of Americans sought ways to help their country in the aftermath of 9/11, Douglas F. Hedwig, a full-time music professor at Brooklyn College since 1987, found a way that combined his love of country with his love of music�he joined the New York State Guard with the intention of serving in the band. Recently, he was promoted to the rank of captain and appointed commander and conductor of the 89th Army Band of the New York Guard. The band performs concerts, and plays at ceremonies and parades for veterans, civic and community groups, and in support of active duty soldiers in the New York National Guard.

Hedwig, who completed his basic training at Camp Smith, also received training from the NY Guard, and through several Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) courses, in Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Awareness, in order to identify certain chemical, biological, and nuclear agents. In addition, he learned critical emergency skills, including first aid, search and rescue, and firefighting.

"Thanks to my training in communications, I will be able to function in the coordination efforts of first responders," he said, pointing out one of the weakest areas in the rescue efforts after the 2001 terrorist attacks.

A Doctor of Musical Arts, Professor Hedwig has received many honors, citations, and awards since he graduated from the Juilliard School of Music. These include a Special Citation from the Brooklyn Borough President in June 2002, in recognition of his outstanding commitment to music education and extraordinary achievement in the field of music.

"It was my need to serve our community right after 9/11 that led me to the firefighters, who took me up as a volunteer civilian bugler," Hedwig said, noting that he played taps at many Fire Department funerals and memorial services for firefighters who lost their lives on that tragic day. In recognition of his effort, the NYC Fire Department awarded him the Commissioner's Special Commendation. He also played trumpet with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra for 10 years before coming to Brooklyn College, and has since maintained a national and international reputation as a concert and recording artist.

The NY Guard is the state's official organized militia whose role is to aid local communities in the event of natural disasters or national security emergencies, and support the Army National Guard in defense of the homeland.

View "Bugler Who Answered Clarion Call," a story in the New York Daily News about Professor Hedwig.