Emily Peters had a bad case of nerves. After spending decades as an amateur songwriter, the 79-year-old was singing one of her tunes in front of friends and neighbors for the first time.

She chose “Ice Cream Parlor Song,” which recounts the Crown Heights neighborhood of her youth.

“A time long ago no more. When there was still an ice cream parlor there,” she sang.

Thirty seniors auditioned at Xaverian High School for Senior Idol, performing songs hearkening back to an earlier era, from singers including Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Patsy Cline. Only ten will be selected to compete on stage at the show on Oct. 3. The winner will receive $500.