The Lawrence academy of Music will host a scholarship benefit Saturday to raise money for its students. The event, “tutti!,” will be held from 1-6 p.m. at Fox Valley Lutheran High School. The academy, founded in 1874, is a division of the Lawrence Conservatory that provides music education for children. All proceeds from Saturday’s event will benefit the academy’s scholarship program to help defray costs for its students.
The Lawrence Academy program features professional music instruction for children in the Northeast Wisconsin area, and 2,000 students are currently enrolled. Fifty Lawrence Conservatory faculty members and 45 student teachers teach at the academy. However, many of the students cannot afford to study privately, which is the purpose of the scholarship fund. “It can really mean the difference between studying and not studying, especially seriously,” says Terri Crosby, a mother of two academy students, adding, “I believe strongly in the program Lawrence offers to young musicians.” Crosby also commends the program for encouraging the involvement and interest of the parents. As the parent of two daughters who wish to make music their career, she has “nothing but good things to say about [the academy].”
Tutti!, which is the Italian word for “together,” is a great way to help these budding musicians. The whole community is encouraged to come and enjoy the many festivities. The event will feature music from academy students and ensembles, giving the general public an opportunity to see and hear the good work the academy does and to appreciate how important it is to contribute. Donations will be accepted at the door and the event will also feature a bake sale and a silent auction of goods and services donated by local businesses. Some items available for auction include handcrafted jewelry, quilts and a Green Bay Packers hat signed by several Hall of Fame players. All proceeds from these sales go directly to the scholarship fund, helping another round of academy students receive a great music education. Rounding off the day of fun is a family-style Italian dinner and a “KidzKorner” which will include arts, crafts, games and a musical petting zoo for the children in attendance.
“[The academy] plays an absolutely critical role in the Northeastern Wisconsin area,” says Fred Snyder, the director of the academy. He feels that the upcoming benefit is a great way to make people aware of the academy and its work, calling it “the university’s principal outreach program.” Studying music impacts children for life, allowing them to take the dedication they learn from practicing and performing with them in whatever they do, he says. The event is sure to be a great time and it is for a great cause – one that many Lawrence students can appreciate. For more information, call the academy at (920) 832-6632 or visit their website at http://www.lawrence.edu/dept/acad-music/events.shtml.
Tutti! Fundraiser to benefit Academy of Music
