Lawrence University Music Outreach Program Undergoes Name Change

APPLETON, WIS. -- One of the Fox Valley's oldest and most popular educational outreach programs is undergoing a name change in an effort to more clearly define its mission. The Lawrence Arts Academy will soon be known as the Lawrence Academy of Music.

"The word 'arts' in our title was often confusing to parents who thought of us as a painting studio or a crafts shop," said Fred Snyder, director of the Lawrence Academy of Music, located at the north end of Olde Oneida Street in the Appleton flats. "While music is definitely an art form, our primary focus is on musical training, exploration, ensemble work and classes. We hope this subtle name change helps clarify to the community what we are really all about."

With roots dating to 1874, the Lawrence Academy of Music was founded as a division of the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music to provide music instruction to community residents. Originally established as the Preparatory Program, it became known as the Lawrence Arts Academy in 1990.

Featuring a staff of close to 50 music specialists, the Academy of Music serves nearly 1,900 area students ranging in age from six months to 18 years old through a variety of enrichment and instructional programs, including early childhood music, private instrument lessons and classes in music theory, voice and chamber music.

The Academy also sponsors eight ensembles, including five girl choirs, two bands and a string orchestra. In the summer, its Odyssey program features a series of day camps that explore topics on music fundamentals, theatre and dramatics and creative writing, among others.

"The goal of the Academy is to help prepare pre-college students for possible careers in music as well as help them gain an appreciation of music for lifelong enjoyment," said Snyder. "In many respects, the Academy also serves as a laboratory for Lawrence conservatory students, particularly music education majors. We're hoping the similarities in the two names -- Lawrence Conservatory of Music and Lawrence Academy of Music -- will further help the community at large better identify the connection between the two."