By 1812Blockhouse
North Central Ohio’s gifted young musicians in the Mansfield Symphony Youth Strings (MSYS) are preparing to fill the Lexington High School Auditorium with sounds of classic and contemporary holiday music on Sunday, November 17 at 3:30 PM. Under the expert guidance of director and conductor Alora Eyerly, the MSYS group of approximately 20 dedicated string musicians will perform a carefully curated selection of festive music that includes both well-loved favorites and fresh arrangements.
Director Alora Eyerly, a Lexington High School alumna with deep ties to the Mansfield community, has chosen pieces that evoke the holiday spirit while showcasing the skill and dedication of these young performers. According to Eyerly, “We hope to get you into the Christmas spirit early this year with classics that you all know and some new ones, too!”
A Diverse Program to Delight All Ages
The MSYS concert program will feature an engaging selection of holiday pieces:
- Angels We Have Heard on High (Arr. Elliot Del Borgo)
- Fantasy on Greensleeves (Arr. by Mark Williams)
- Sweet Petite Winter Suite by Brian Balmages
- Star Dancer by Mark Williams
- December Fanfare by Andrew Dabczynski
- Scarborough Fair (Arr. by Brian Balmages)
- A Christmas Symphony (Arr. by Elliot Del Borgo)
This varied repertoire brings together traditional holiday melodies and vibrant contemporary works, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.
About the Youth Musicians
MSYS musicians, primarily in middle and junior high school, represent the next generation of North Central Ohio’s musical talent. This season’s ensemble includes talented students from across a 12-county region, each excelling in their respective instruments. The ensemble lineup includes:
- Violin I: Ezra Anderson, Eliana Selvage, Odin Sombrio, Gabriella Van Langevelde, Rian Walker
- Violin II: Amyah Chiverton, Simon Domka, Madeline Erlenbach, Cacie Norton, Jacoby Rapp, Aiden Schmitt
- Viola: Olivia Casto, Sydney Miley, Layvin Padisak, Charlize Plogstead
- Cello: Gabriel McFadden, Harrison Rice, Jonah Wilson, Layla Wehr
- Bass: David Secrist
This blend of violins, violas, cellos, and basses contributes to the rich, multi-layered sound that MSYS audiences have come to expect.
Nurturing Musical Growth
The MSYS is part of the Mansfield Symphony’s broader educational initiative, offering young musicians the opportunity to grow by performing both at the Renaissance Theatre and within the community. Participating in the MSYS helps students deepen their musical understanding while building friendships with fellow musicians.
Meet the Director: Alora Eyerly
Alora Eyerly’s lifelong passion for music and strong local roots make her an inspiring leader for the MSYS. Raised in Mansfield, Eyerly began her musical journey early, studying violin at age three under her father’s tutelage and later mastering the piano. She honed her skills under renowned teachers such as Cathy Meng-Robinson, Jung-Min Amy Lee, and Dr. Euhno Kim. With degrees in music from Kent State University, she now shares her expertise as both a teacher and performer in North Central Ohio, often playing with the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra and teaching violin and viola students in her private studio.
Concert Details
- Date: Sunday, November 17
- Time: 3:30 PM
- Location: Lexington High School Auditorium, 103 Clever Lane, Lexington, Ohio
- Tickets: Available at the Renaissance Box Office, by phone at 419-522-2726, and online at rentickets.org. Prices are $10 for adults and $5 for students.
This MSYS performance is part of the Mechanics Bank Education Series and is supported by the Russell and Mary Gimbel Foundation, underscoring the community’s commitment to fostering local talent.
