When you meet Kalee Bondzio '14, head choir director at Elyria High School, one thing is clear, she has an infectious energy. That energy already existed fifteen years ago when Kalee was a freshman in my keyboard musicianship class. It is my honor to begin a new alumni feature for the Conservatory of Performing Arts by honoring one of our outstanding music teachers, Kalee Bondzio '14.
Even as a freshman, Kalee was full of questions and was curious about the world. She brought positive energy wherever she went. This has not changed. The students that come from Elyria to study at BW, and there are many, deeply respect and trust in Kalee. Currently, the Conservatory is happy to be a home for Destiny Hellard, Jackie Kaminski, Toby Cummiskey, and Michael Taylor, all graduates of Elyria High School.
I asked Kalee who some of her classmates were that she remained in-touch with and she named many, including Katie Staskus '14, Dominic Aragon '16, Greg Smith '14, Rayna Brooks '16, Stephanie Higgins '16, Catherine Simonis '17, Cory Isler '12, Nathan Carr '12, Abbey Vensel '16, and Anthony Steward '17. An impressive list of accomplished BW alumni!
Below is Kalee's full feature. I hope you enjoy reading what she has to say and seeing many pictures she was generous to share.
If you are a Conservatory of Performing Arts alum, please join our new Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Performing Arts Alumni Facebook group. Be a part of our new community. Invite your BW friends to join and spread the word. More alumni features soon to come.
Thank you.
- Dr. Zarina Melik-Stepanova
Kalee Bondzio, Elyria High School
Current teaching position - I have been a head choir director of 5 ensembles at Elyria High School for 11 years. That includes Concert Choir, Chorale, Treble Choir, A Cappella, and Madrigals. I am also a lead vocal teacher for the district and a music director for the drama club.
When did you graduate from BW and with what degree? – I graduated with Bachelors in Music Education in 2014.
When were you first introduced to music? - I always loved music growing up and was constantly singing. I did not grow up in a musical family, so all my experiences were either self-led or influenced by my music teachers. I joined the Cleveland Orchestra Children's Chorus in 6th grade and that greatly influenced my love for music and being a part of a choir. I also joined band in 5th grade and played trombone.
When did you start lessons? - I started voice lessons with Kate Ilg in 8th grade, and I took lessons with her until I went to college.
What made you decide to go to BW? - My voice teacher, Kate Ilg, guided me through the process. She suggested Akron and BW as the best music education programs in the area. Those were the only two places I auditioned. She was kind enough to take me to my BW audition. It was invaluable having her there with me, leading me through that process.
What musical activities did you pursue in high school? – By the end of high school, I was doing it all. I was singing in three choirs. I observed the Treble Choir during my lunch. I was a member of the wind ensemble and was first chair trombone. I participated in the musicals at my high school and student directed musicals at the middle school. I was a member of the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Choir, conducted by Frank Bianchi.
What ensembles, groups, or activities did you participate in while at BW? - Motet Choir and University Choir. I was also a student intern for the Men's Chorus.
Favorite piece of music you learned or performed while at BW? - Even though I had performed the piece before, my favorite piece was Sure On This Shining Night by Morten Lauridsen. We performed it during the final night of choir tour my senior year.
Favorite music that you listen to currently? - Hozier, Noah Kahn, Teddy Swims, Chappell Roan, Lake Street Dive, Sammy Rae & The Friends, Tiny Habits, Maggie Rogers, Jungle, Tyler Childers, Boygenius, Lizzy McAlpine, Lawrence, Paris Paloma, Sierra Ferrell, and Lawrence.
Who was the very first person you met at BW? - Joseph Zeigler '14.
Is there someone from BW that you stay in touch with now? - Katie Staskus '14, Dominic Aragon '14, Greg Smith '14, Rayna Brooks '16, Stephanie Higgins '16, Catherine Simonis '17, Cory Isler '12, Nathan Carr '12, Abbey Vensel '16, and Anthony Steward '17.
Who were your favorite professors? – Dr. Dirk Garner, Dr. Zarina Melik-Stepanova, and Dr. Kent Cleland.
Who is in your BW “family tree”? What students from Elyria came to study at BW? - Evan Collins '23, who is now a vocal music teacher at Midview High School, and current students Destiny Hellard, Jackie Kaminski, Toby Cummiskey, and Michael Taylor.
What was one thing about teaching that was most surprising? - It is always surprising to learn about your students. What they have experienced and how their lives differ from mine is something I enjoy about teaching.
If the Conservatory hired you to teach, what class would you teach? - I would love to teach a Music Education class on the repertoire selection based on your assessment of the first day with your students verses the rest of the year. I would also love to observe student teachers. I have loved having student teachers and I think the real-world experience is so invaluable to a future educator.
Your advice to a graduating BW senior: - Don’t take the relationships you make at BW for granted. Every job interview and every job offer I received was because of someone I knew at BW. You never know when someone will be able to vouch for you.
What is your favorite book? - "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini and "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood.
What is your favorite show to binge on TV? - "The Office" and "Bob’s Burgers"
What is your favorite movie? - "Moonrise Kingdom" and "My Big Fat Greek Wedding"
Favorite quote – “Be A Good Human” (I believe Kalee has this quote tattooed on her arm)
If you are a Conservatory alum, I invite you once more to join our new BW Conservatory of Performing Arts Alumni Facebook group. If you have questions, would simply like to reach out, or would like to nominate a Conservatory alum for a feature, please do not hesitate to e-mail zmelikst@bw.edu.
Please take care.
- Zarina Melik-Stepanova