Ramona’s Gift to Music: Lily Flanagan’s 2026

On Saturday, April 18, 2026, three LIHSA Music program students performed at Ramona’s Gift to Music’s Fundraiser at Lily Flanagan’s. The students were Jules Chambers of Lindenhurst, Liam Dunn of Massapequa, and Charlotte Saxton of Wantagh and they were accompanied by Jerry Nobile. 

Ramona’s Gift to Music is a non-profit organization that helps students advance their musical studies and performance. Their mission is to find ways to bring the gift of music to children through all media and outlets available; performing, listening, and learning through individual scholarships and supporting music programs. The organization was established in memory of Ramona Cueller, a 1984 LIHSA graduate who studied classical clarinet, and who passed away unexpectedly in 1990. Her brother, Michael Cueller (also a LIHSA alum) worked with Ramona’s husband to create the foundation. In order to provide opportunities and scholarships for music students, Ramona’s Gift to Music hosts this annual fundraiser.

It was a large and enthusiastic crowd and all three of the students appreciated how supportive the audience was for their performance. Charlotte shared, “Even though I was nervous to start, the crowd was cheering. The atmosphere was wonderful!”

Jules (vocals) and Charlotte (vocals and guitar) chose the repertoire that they would perform accompanied by Liam (piano). Jules was the lead singer on three songs: “When I was your man” by Bruno Mars, “Someone Like You” by Adele, and “The Visitor” by Sienna Spiro. A song that Charlotte chose to perform was “New York State of Mind” which got the crowd cheering from Liam’s introductory piano notes.

Liam reflected, “It was really fun and also very loud. It was different from any environment that I’ve been in which has usually been a quiet environment on a stage. Performing at a bar was a first for me, but it was really nice and a great crowd.”

Jules agreed, “Ramona’s Gift to Music gives kids a shot. I wouldn’t have gotten a chance to perform like this at my home school.”

Of note, Liam attends LIHSA in the morning while Jules and Charlotte are afternoon students. They each prepared separately from music and recordings Mr. Vietheer provided, but this performance was the first time they all performed together. They enjoyed the performance, as well as spending time together after the show and getting to know each other. 

The students appreciate the opportunities Ramona’s Gift to Music provide to young musicians. Charlotte shared, “I was honored to be a part of this night and help support the organization. And I really appreciate people who came out to support it too!”

Jules agrees, “I’ve never gotten to sing like that in front of such a big crowd.”

Liam agrees as well sharing, “I loved it.  It was so much fun. I’ll remember it for a very long time!”

Thank you to Charlotte, Jules, and Liam for participating; thank you to Alex Vietheer for helping them to prepare; Jerry Nobile for coordinating the performance; and thank you to Ramona’s Gift of Music for all their support for LIHSA and our students!