Fox Valley Opportunities

The Lawrence Academy of Music provides a variety of programs for the Fox Valley community including String lessons and a beginner community orchestra, LYSO (see below).

Appleton Area School District's preferred local music store. Instrumental rentals, books, supplies, repairs, & private lesson options.

March is Music in Our Schools Month! Check out these two great ways to support your musician's orchestra program: Big 10 Plus Photo Contest and Music Matters

Auditions for the 2024-25 season take place Saturday, April 20th!

Students who wish to begin to perform orchestral music. Emphases include the development of reading and ensemble skills. LYSO is the preparatory orchestra for the Fox Valley Symphony Youth Orchestra program.

WHO: Beginner orchestra, grades 5-8 perform music an advanced elementary/middle school level

Auditions for the 2024-25 season take place Saturday, April 20th!

This program provides students the opportunity to play in high quality, advanced ensembles outside of their school program where they can perform with students from all over the Fox Valley.

Details:

• Philharmonia: Beginner orchestra, suggested grades 7-10 perform music at the advanced middle school/high school level repertoire

• Concert: Suggested grades 8-12 perform music at the standard to upper level high school repertoire

• Youth: Suggested grades 9-12 perform advanced orchestral literature, includes strings, winds, brass and percussion

Individual and small ensemble opportunities where students perform for an adjudicator and receive valuable feedback.

Students aren't required to take private lessons outside of school to play for solo & ensemble, though we encourage it for any high level solo. Students are encouraged to take the leap and learn a piece alone or with their peers for a valuable, growth experience!

WHO: Students in grades 6-12

WHEN: 

• Sign-up through your AASD string program by end of January

• AASD District S/E takes place the first Saturday of March

• State S/E takes place at UW Oshkosh in April (for students who received a rating of 1* on a Class A Solo or Ensemble at their District festival)

The WSMA Middle Level State Honors Music Project offers musically accomplished youth the opportunity to rehearse and perform with nationally-known conductors in a professional setting. 

All Honors groups perform at the Wisconsin State Music Conference. Middle Level State Honors students receive their music in August and meet for the first time the day before their fall performance. The rehearsal day and formal concert will take place in the Madison area.

WHO: Students in grades 6, 7, and 8 (at the time of the audition)

Auditions:

• • Sign-up between December-February of previous year

  • Auditions take place end of March-April