Ledyard High School’s Wind Orchestra and Jazz Band visited Toronto, Canada from April 28 to May 1. They performed throughout the city and competed in a World Strides Music Festival at York University.

Both bands won gold in their respective competitions, in addition to Jazz Band’s Adjudicator’s Award. Together, both bands won the Sweepstakes Award for scoring closest to the maximum of 200 points. Additionally, senior Tom Bora won the Maestro Award for the Adjudicators for his guitar solo.

“I like that everyone in the group gets along and we can achieve what we did because of that,” sophomore Ashley McCarthy said. “I think that’s the biggest reason why the trip was so great.”

“I was so happy when we won,” senior Ben Gardner said. “It really actually was [kind of] sad at the same time because it was the last time I would be [performing] with this great family. But what we managed to do was amazing. I’m so thankful I got to be with so many great players under the direction of the fantastic Tom Green.”

The trip focused on fun too, like shopping and museum trips. The bands went to Niagara Falls, the Ontario Science Centre, Skylon Tower and the World Famous Revolving Dining Room.

“It was such an amazing opportunity to be able to experience Toronto and Niagara Falls with some of my best friends,” sophomore Charles Crain said.

Carina Wang, Staff Writer

Sophomore Carina Wang is a staff writer for the 2015-2016 Colonel. She is on the FIRST Robotics team.