This is a special year for our community as we are celebrating 150 years of both the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Conservatory of Music and the Lawrence Community Music School.

Our journey began in 1874 when President George McKendree Steele proposed the establishment of a Conservatory of Music to the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Board of Trustees. That same year, the Lawrence Community Music School was founded, marking the formal start of our music program with a mission to provide music instruction to the wider community.

Lawrence Conservatory 150th logo

Lawrence Conservatory & Lawrence Community Music School 150th Timeline

Explore Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Archives'  for a deeper dive. 

View from behind the Orchestra in the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center for Kaleidoscope 2013

Kaleidoscope


Kaleidoscope's non-stop, 50-minute format provides a rapid-fire musical spectrum showcasing the sheer variety and mastery of students attending the Lawrence Conservatory of Music. Kaleidoscope is hosted every three years, with the most recent performance being October 12, 2024. 

Flute ensemble performs at the recent Kaleidoscope concert.

150th Crescendo: Convergence


We celebrated the Conservatory of Music's 150th year with a special concert featuring 9 world premieres, including performances by the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Flute and Trombone Ensembles.

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Wind Ensemble performing on the Memorial Chapel stage

Celebrating the 150th 


To celebrate the 150th, the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Wind Ensemble's Celebrating the 150th performance featured several works inspired by Conservatory history.

Conservatory students took the Conservatory 150th celebration to New York City at the Manhattan School of Music. As part of the Conservatory student experience, music performance majors are often invited to perform at special events worldwide.

Touring Performance


Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ took its celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Conservatory of Music to New York City over spring break.

150th Celebration News

Upcoming Conservatory Events

  • May 3
    07:30 PM - 09:00 PM
    Location: Lawrence Memorial Chapel
  • May 14
    08:00 PM - 09:00 PM
    Location: Harper Hall
  • May 21
    08:00 PM - 09:30 PM
    Location: Lawrence Memorial Chapel
  • May 22
    07:30 PM - 09:30 PM
    Location: Stansbury Theater
  • May 23
    07:30 PM - 09:00 PM
    Location: Lawrence Memorial Chapel

Celebrate on Social Media! Let all of your friends know why Lawrence is such a special place. Share a photo of your time at Lawrence or wearing Lawrence gear on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn and use #Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµCon150 when you post!