Harry Wuest, one of the fortunate to have been a part of the inception of the sweetest music ever written, the fabulous "Sounds of the Thirties and Forties."
These lovely tunes spoke the hearts of men and women touched by the Great Depression and World War II. Uplifting the spirits of these great Americans were the "Big Bands" springing up around the country, several for which Wuest played lead saxophone, and the Broadway shows, with their unforgettable music. Wuest also worked with the renowned Broadway composer Jule Styne.
Being an integral part of the beginning of this important gift to music lovers, Wuest has retained his great love for the music, and during the past 65 years he has been a strong advocate. Wuest never became bored with the business. He conducted for popular singers including Kathy Lee Gifford, Rosemary Clooney, Miss America Vonda Van Dyke, Patti Page and others, as well famous show personalities, Bob Hope, Jack Benny and Steve Allen. In the 80's, Wuest managed several Big Bands collectively, including Bob Crosby, Ray McKinley, and the Billy May Band, while directing Disney World's "Top of the World Band" in Orlando. During that seven-year period, Harry Wuest conducted the band for the Miss Florida Pageant.
In 1989, he relocated to Lake City, Florida. Within three days, he was hired as director of instrumental music at Lake City Community College and found the love of his life, teaching students the Big Band style. Fourteen years later, he is still teaching, and one of his proudest moments came when one of his students became a member of the Glenn Miller Band, currently the nation's top Big Band.
In addition to teaching, Wuest manages and directs the Harry Wuest Band and keeps as busy as he likes playing for affairs around the North Florida area. He will also teach seminars on "The Business of Music" at colleges and universities, beginning the 2004-05 school term.
Some folks refer to Wuest as a "Big Band icon, others North Florida's music treasure, but to those who follow his music, Wuest is a world-class musician.
