Back of violinist in foreground with ensemble string players in background

Celebrating 150 years

Lawrence Conservatory of Music & Lawrence Community Music School

This is a special year for our community as we are celebrating 150 years of both the Lawrence University 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 Lawrence University 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.

Explore Lawrence University Archives' Timeline 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.

Find out more about Kaleidoscope

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 LU Flute and Trombone Ensembles.

Lawrence University Wind Ensemble performing on the Memorial Chapel stage

Celebrating the 150th

To celebrate the 150th, the Lawrence University Wind Ensemble's Celebrating the 150th performance featured several works inspired by Conservatory history.

Watch the Recording

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

Lawrence University took its celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Conservatory of Music to New York City over spring break.

Francis James Ralls ’04 conducts a string ensemble for a recording session at Hans Zimmer’s Remote Control Productions.

Apr 21, 2025

Alumni Profile

Composer Ralls pays it forward after taking unconventional path

Lawrence students Ben Frueh on violin, Isaac Epley on piano, and Isabelle Olsen on clarinet perform during a recital at Manhattan School of Music in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Pedlar '25)

Mar 28, 2025

Music & Arts

Conservatory students get immersive arts experience in NYC

Ceon Rumphs leads the Lawrence University Wind Ensemble.

Feb 26, 2025

Music & Arts

Wind Ensemble offers nod to 150 years of Conservatory history

Get the Social Media Kit

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 #LUCon150 when you post!