Submitted Photo Ali Ewoldt and Rodney Ingram, the Broadway stars who play Christine Daae and Raoul from “Phantom of the Opera” leading Lake Shore students.

ANGOLA — The Senior High bands and chorus have returned home from New York City as Champions! The Mixed Chorus, under the direction of Brittany Nichols, the Concert Band under the direction of John Kresse, and the Symphonic Band under the direction of Eric Blodgett returned from New York City all placing First in their Class at the Big Apple Performing Arts Consultants National Music Competition. In addition, the Symphonic Band was awarded the Grand Champion Award with the highest score overall out of all groups attending.

Sophomore Alyssa Perkins from the Mixed Chorus was awarded the Top Vocal Soloist and junior Madison Justinger from the Symphonic Band was awarded the Top Instrumental Soloist (alto saxophone).

The students enjoyed an incredible itinerary that included a tour to the Top of Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall. The group rented studio time in downtown Manhattan and worked under the baton of three-time Grammy Award Winning Maestro David Lai, the director of the Broadway Musical “Phantom of the Opera.” They also worked with two of the musical’s leads; Ali Ewoldt who plays Christine Daae and Rodney Ingram who plays Raoul before seeing the show that night. The students were blown away as they saw Lake Shore’s own Wall of Fame Alum Dan Willis and the Birdland Jazz Club Bigband at the hottest jazz club in New York City, BIRDLAND!

After the students competed at the National Music Competition on Saturday at the College of Staten Island, they went on a dinner cruise on the Hudson where they learned of their great success. To culminate the tour on Sunday, the group went on an interactive bus tour to learn about the history of the city and spent time at the American Museum of Natural History.

The Music Department will be featuring Lake Shore Wall of Fame Alum and one of the top saxophonists in New York City, Dan Willis at the Guest Artist Jazz Concert tonight, April 26, at 7 p.m. at the High School Auditorium. The concert will feature the Elementary, Middle School, and High School Jazz ensembles, highlighted by Willis.

For more information about the Lake Shore Central School District, please visit: www.lakeshorecsd.org.