Lawrence Academy of Music ensembles provide an opportunity to play, sing, rehearse and perform with other musicians. The Academy offers ensembles for musicians of all ages, including a string orchestra, Balinese gamelan, chamber ensembles, two bands, six girl choirs, and New Horizons ensembles for adults of all levels of experience. With instruction and coaching from dedicated teaching staff, participants will prepare a wide variety of repertoire for public performance.
Membership in the ensembles is by audition, unless otherwise noted. Please refer to the information below for audition dates or registration information for each ensemble. Fill out an application on-line, or call the Academy at 920-832-6632 to request an application form.
| Academy String Orchestra | Girl Choir Program |
| Chamber Ensembles | Symphonic Band |
| Gamelan | Wind Ensemble |
The Academy String Orchestra (ASTRO) is for students in grades five through eight who demonstrate proficiency on their stringed instrument and are interested in preparing and performing orchestral music. Emphases include the development of reading and beginning ensemble skills. ASTRO’s schedule includes weekly rehearsals (two ten-week semesters) and two performances a year. Auditions are held each spring for the following academic year.
Audition requirements (pdf format) include scales, a prepared piece and sight reading. Register online or print and mail a registration form.
| Conductor | Janet Bond Sutter |
| Rehearsals | Tuesdays 4:30 - 5:45 p.m. |
| Rehearsal Location | Trinity Lutheran Church, 209 S. Allen, Appleton |
| First Rehearsal | September 13, 2012 |
| Fee | $190 per year |
| Concert | November 19, 3:00 p.m. with New Horizons Orchestra March 18, 3:00 p.m. with Philharmonia Lawrence Memorial Chapel Tickets available at the Lawrence Box Office |
| Auditions | Held each spring for the following year. |
| Report an absence | |
| Handbook | |
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Chamber Ensembles
Small groups provide a rewarding musical experience for intermediate and advanced players who are interested in exploring the repertoire and techniques of chamber music literature. Open to string and piano students, these groups are formed based on age, ability, experience and instrumentation. Members are placed by audition to ensure skill-level compatibility. All chamber ensembles perform regularly in recitals and area performances and meet weekly for a one-hour coaching session (45 minutes, if a trio) with an Academy teacher.
| Semester Fee | $256 per semester (16 coached sessions) |
| Coach | Carol Leybourn |
| Recital |
January 8, 2 p.m. Harper Hall May 6, 3 p.m. Harper Hall |
| Register | Register online or call the Academy at 920-993-6278 |
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Lawrence University is extremely fortunate to own an entire set of Balinese gamelan instruments. The term ‘gamelan’ refers to an ensemble of traditional percussion keyed instruments, gongs, drums, and bamboo flutes from Indonesia. The music is taught by rote and committed directly to memory, allowing for a high degree of interaction between musicians. No prior musical experience required! This is a great opportunity to learn about another culture through its music. The intergenerational (ages 9 through adult; under 9 with parent) gamelan ensemble meets weekly each semester to explore and experience this unique form of music-making.
| Instructors | I Dewa Ketut Alit Adnyana and Sonja Downing |
| When | Saturdays, 4:00 – 6:00 pm |
| Dates | Winter: February 11-March 31 (8 sessions) Spring: April 7-May 26 (8 sessions) |
| Where | Colman Hall, Lawrence University campus |
| Fee | $100 per person/8 week session; $10 registration fee/new members |
| Register | Register online, print and mail, or call the Academy at 920-993-6278 |
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Please contact the Academy at 832-6632 for more information
The Symphonic Band provides experience with advanced music for middle school band students. The ensemble is open by audition to seventh, eighth, and ninth-grade band students from all Fox Valley communities. The ensemble rehearses on Monday nights (two ten-week semesters) at the Lawrence Conservatory of Music, offers group sectionals, and presents concerts in the Lawrence Chapel in November and March. Touring opportunities may be available. Audition requirements (pdf format) include scales, a prepared piece and sight reading. Register online or print and mail a registration form.
| Conductor | Jon Meyer |
| Rehearsals | Mondays 7:00 - 8:30 pm |
| Rehearsal location | Shattuck Hall, Room 156, Lawrence University |
| Retreat | Monday August 29, 10 am-noon Room 156 Shattuck Hall, Lawrence University |
| First rehearsal | Monday, September 19, 7:00 pm |
| Concert | November 19, 7:00 pm March 18, 7:00 pm Lawrence Memorial Chapel Tickets available at the Lawrence Box Office |
| Fee | $225 per year |
| Auditions | Openings exist for percussion, tuba, baritone, bassoon, bass clarinet, clarinet, French horn, and trumpet players for second semester. Register online or Print and mail registration |
| Audition requirements | |
| Announcements | Announcements from the conductor |
| Report an absence | |
| Handbook | |
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The Wind Ensemble provides advanced high school band students with opportunities to become acquainted with music specifically composed and arranged for the soloistic possibilities of wind ensembles. The ensemble is open by audition to talented wind, brass, and percussion players, grades 9-12, from throughout Northeastern Wisconsin. The ensemble season includes two ten-week semesters, group sectional rehearsals, two concerts, and touring opportunities. Auditions are held in the spring for the following school year.
Audition requirements (pdf format) include scales, a prepared piece and sight reading. Register online or print and mail a registration form.
| Conductor | Andrew Mast |
| Rehearsals | Mondays 7:15 - 9:15 pm |
| Rehearsal Location | Shattuck Hall, Room 163, Lawrence University |
| First Rehearsal | Monday, September 19, 7:15 pm |
| Concert | November 19, 7:00 pm March 18, 7:00 pm Lawrence Memorial Chapel Tickets available at the Lawrence Box Office |
| Tour | December 4, UW-Milwaukee |
| Fee | $300 per year |
| Auditions | Held each spring for the following year. Register online or Print and mail registration |
| Audition requirements | |
| Report an absence | |
| Handbook | |
| Back to top | |
