Fox Cities News

Lawrence University junior Ruby March-Torme's musical journey began at the Lawrence Community Music School (LCMS), where she spent a decade singing with the Girl Choir. This experience helped her transition smoothly to Lawrence University's Conservatory of Music.

“I had a great experience doing Girl Choir, so I figured if the Conservatory was anything like LCMS, I would really thrive there,” March-Torme said. “I was right.”

As both the Conservatory and LCMS celebrate their 150th anniversary in the 2024-25 academic year, seven current students have roots in LCMS, according to Mary Van De Loo ’89, director of LCMS.

The Lawrence Community Music School serves the Fox Valley community by offering music education and resources. It provides private lessons, ensemble performances, and public concerts for about 900 students annually. Many young musicians are drawn to Lawrence’s Conservatory through these experiences.

Lawrence junior Aimee Patch also has a background with LCMS, having played horn in its Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble. She is now majoring in music education and performance at Lawrence.

“I played in the ensembles with a few other close friends from my school and I looked forward to rehearsal every week,” Patch said. “It was a wonderful experience to play at a high level that challenged me to improve as a musician not only technically but also work in a fast-paced learning ensemble environment.”

Patch remains involved with LCMS as manager of the Symphonic Band. “Working with Mary Van De Loo and Caitlynn Acy (Symphonic Band teacher-conductor and 2015 Lawrence graduate) has been a wonderful learning opportunity in group management, rehearsal technique, and student relationship building,” Patch said.

The synergy between Lawrence’s Conservatory and LCMS fosters an environment conducive to learning music. The programs offer classes for early childhood, people with disabilities, summer programs, youth ensembles including girl choirs, bands, and string orchestras.

“Through the Community Music School, Lawrence is able to reach students of all ages and abilities and to share the gift of music widely in the community,” Van De Loo said.