POTSDAM — Since forming more than a dozen years ago, the Northern Symphonic Winds has hosted a number of benefit concerts for various organizations.

“In our 14 years we’ve tried to get a lot of the different organizations in Potsdam and the region that need donations,” said Theresa A. Witmer, who plays saxophone in the band and serves on its board of directors.

The group will host another benefit at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in SUNY Potsdam’s Helen M. Hosmer Hall, this time to benefit the Potsdam Humane Society. “We have some real animal lovers among us and we know they need it,” Ms. Witmer said. “They have this great big new building, which they got a grant for, but that’s still pretty expensive.”

Potsdam Humane Society President Bonnie S. Boyd said the band’s efforts are greatly supported.

“November and December are real nightmares to stay in the black, because we depend almost totally on donations to survive and we have a huge mortgage,” she said, adding the new shelter serves 11 towns and is double the size of its previous home.

Ms. Boyd also said the shelter is conducting a campaign seeking donors to pledge $10 per month.

The performance, titled “Zion and Other Musical Adventures,” will be led by Brian K. Doyle and Scott P. LaVine.

The concert will open with Mr. LaVine, a professor emeritus at Crane School of Music, directing “Savannah River Holiday,” an overture composed by Ron Nelson. He also will conduct “Walking Tune” and “Zion,” a piece composed by Rochester native Dan Welcher.

A review of Mr. Welcher’s piece found by Ms. Witmer described “Zion” as a “sweeping, majestic piece reminiscent of the work of Aaron Copland with its brash, all-American sound.”

Following a brief intermission, Mr. Doyle will lead the group in performances of “Armenian Dances,” “Prelude in E-flat Minor,” “Prelude in the Dorian Mode” and “Symphony No. 6.”

Ms. Witmer said the band is made up of several Crane faculty members, public school music teachers, other local professionals and select Crane students.

Advance sale tickets are available at Northern Music & Video, Potsdam Agway and the Humane Society. Tickets, at $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for students, will also be available at the door.

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