Pop Up concert provides preview into Elyria Schools winter concert

ELYRIA — Students from Elyria Schools music programs performed in front of more than 100 community members on Friday during the district's Pop Up Concert. The Elyria High School marching band, orchestra, choir and Madrigals performed, after the evening of music was opened by a younger choir from Eastern Heights Elementary School. The event in the Elyria High School gymnasium concluded with a performance featuring all of the choirs and the Elyria Marching band. Originally planned to include a parade to and performance at Ely Square, the concert was moved inside due to rain. Elyria High School choir director Kalee Bondzio said that the pop-up concert served as a preview — for both the students and the community — of Elyria's many musical arts programs before the upcoming winter concert season. "The point of this event was to show the community all the amazing things happening in Elyria City Schools, and it gives the kids more practice getting in front of an audience," Bondizo said. "... We were really excited to do this event. Something that we try to keep in mind is that our concerts often obviously bring friends and family, some alumni, but any opportunity to let the community or anyone who doesn't normally see these concerts experience how amazing these kids are, we jump on it." The event being previewed was the 2025 Elyria Schools Holiday Spectacular, a combined concert featuring the high school's bands and choirs which will take place on Dec. 12 and 13. Bondzio said it will be a "kaleidoscope" concert, meaning performances will happen in the aisles as well as on stage. In addition to Bondzio, several other band and choir directors spoke to explain pieces and thank the audience for their support. The student presidents of the choir and orchestra also spoke. Choir President Dekarion Wimberly, a senior, said it had long been his dream to be in Elyria's Madrigals, but both Madrigals and the larger choir had given him more than he ever imagined. "It taught me that music isn't something we sing; it is something we share. Every rehearsal, every concert, reminds me that when we listen to each other, we create something greater than any single voice could on its own," Wimberly said. Orchestra President Isabella Meadows thanked the audience for attending and said that she also had learned much about life and herself through music. "The orchestra program has been one of the defining parts of my life, and I know not every school has a program even like this, and I am so lucky that we do," Meadows said. Tickets for the Holiday Spectacular will go on sale in November, and those interested in attending should keep an eye on the district's website at elyriaschools.org and social media pages. "This concert is just another example of how awesome our fine arts program is, and I am so thankful for the members of the community who came out to see what our kids do and support them," Superintendent Ann Schloss said. Contact Owen MacMillan at (440) 329-7123 or omacmillan@chroniclet.com.