Broadway composer ‘visits’ music department

On Feb. 24, Milton Area School District’s music department met with Broadway Composer Christopher Smith through Microsoft Teams to talk about everything musical. 

Smith created the Broadway musical Amazing Grace, which follows the redemption of John Newton, a slave trader, who created the song Amazing Grace.  

Milton Band Director Ms. Alyssa Williams said she had been teaching her class about spiritual slave songs. She added that the song Amazing Grace came up in her lessons. 

Ms. Williams said First Presbyterian Church Pastor Steve Shirk had Smith as part of his youth group many years ago. She said that Pastor Shirk gave her Smith’s e-mail address so she could set up a meeting with him. 

During the Teams call, Newton gave advice, answered questions and talked about his musical.