All About Orchestra

Every year, Lakewood High School’s orchestra department holds one of its most anticipated traditions: the Pops Concert. The event features six orchestras: Chamber, Symphony, Camerata, Philharmonia, String, and the combined eighth-grade orchestras from Harding and Garfield middle schools.

The Pops Concert brings together families, friends, and future musicians to celebrate collaboration and creativity. For the eighth graders, it offers a great introduction to the Lakewood High School music community and provides a glimpse of what high school is like.

Starting the Evening Off With a Pop

The evening began with a performance by the Chamber Orchestra, the highest-level ensemble at Lakewood High School. They played a piece called “Swamp Thang” by Richard Meyer without a conductor. Playing without a conductor requires a lot of teamwork, focus, and synchronization. Each musician listens closely to the others and takes full ownership of their part.

Next, the Symphony and Camerata orchestras took the stage, performing “Fire Dance” by Soon Hee Newbold and “Theme from Wicked” by Stephen Schwartz. Both pieces were conducted by orchestra director Michael Dandron, whose energy and precision helped the ensembles shine.

Afterward, the String Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, and the combined eighth-grade orchestra performed together, continuing the evening’s momentum. Between performances, the audience enjoyed a costume contest, one of the Pops Concert’s traditions.

Once the contest winner was announced, the student received a $50 Amazon gift card before the evening concluded with performances of “Ghostbusters” and “Soldier’s Joy.”

Student Experience

The Pops Concert gives students the opportunity to perform in costumes, adding a fun and festive atmosphere to the evening.

For many students, the concert is about more than just music—it’s also about friendship and fun. Rina Vanisi, a junior who plays in both the Chamber and Symphony orchestras, reflected on how her experience has changed over time:

“I don’t find it stressful. When I was a freshman, it was a little bit scary and intimidating because I wasn’t much better than the eighth graders, but now I find it very easy to chit-chat and hang out with everyone.”

Her words highlight the supportive and welcoming environment that defines Lakewood’s orchestra program.

Goal of the Concert

The main goal of the Pops Concert is to encourage eighth-grade students to continue with orchestra as they transition to high school, and also to show them that it’s possible to balance music with other commitments.

Teachers in the music department emphasize that students can participate in orchestra and stay active in other extracurriculars, including sports and advanced academic classes. Many of the current orchestra members manage busy schedules filled with AP classes, athletics, and clubs, proving that it’s possible to do it all.

“I think one of the goals is making our eighth graders feel welcome and kind of introducing them to what orchestra is like at the high school. They get to play high school-level repertoire and really feel what it’s like to be part of the orchestra community here at the high school. It’s also just a nice opportunity for the whole orchestra program to come together and play a concert, since we’re usually divided into different ensembles, so to play all together is really nice,” said Emma Carson, who is in her first year as orchestra director.

Looking Ahead

The Pops Concert marks the beginning of a busy year for Lakewood’s orchestra program. In the coming months, students will participate in several more events, including the highly anticipated Music Marathon on Nov. 1 and the Sounds of the Season concert on Dec. 6, 2025.

During Music Marathon, students arrive at Lakewood High early in the morning and spend 13 hours rehearsing, performing, and celebrating their love for music. The concert at 7 p.m. provides another opportunity for the orchestra community to come together and share their passion for performance.

The Pops Concert is more than just a fun night of costumes and familiar tunes; it’s a reflection of Lakewood High School’s musical talents and the strong sense of connection that keeps the program thriving year after year.