<p>Wanted to provide some feedback on our recent visit to Lawrence. My D is interested in music. Although still evolving, her current foci are vocal and violin performance and music education (both choral and instrumental). Lawrence was one of the schools that was of particular interest owing to its musical reputation as well as its liberal arts strength. We registered for Junior Day (Monday, April 25) and arrived early to take in a choral concert on Saturday evening. The concert and the space (Memorial Chapel) were quite wonderful. Thanks to my correspondence with sopranosmom whom I "met" on CC, we were able to visit with her daughter (current vocal performance major) and several other current conservatory students on Sunday afternoon. </p>
<p>We found the atmosphere very collegial and relaxed and every student with whom we spoke was enthusiastic in their support of both Lawrence generally and the conservatory specifically. The facilities were good and integrated into the campus. My D stepped into one of the practice rooms randomly to check the piano. Good news...it was in tune. </p>
<p>Monday was a full day of presentations, appointments with faculty and class visits. We were pleased at every stop. I was particulary struck with the conservatory faculty's balance of professionalism/expertise and relaxed nurturance. While visiting with one of the choral directors, another stopped by and stayed to talk for a half hour. They were very interested in providing supportive advice for the audition process for next year. </p>
<p>We also spent some time with an English professor who was equally delightful. I asked about the integration of the conservatory and college when speaking to faculty on "both sides" and received the same strong response: we encourage and support a full integration. Many students participate in the double degree program. My daughter was interested in a minor in English. While not officially possible in the BM degree, she was told that she could take any courses she wished and could also design her own independent studies with faculty in the college. This is not only possible but very common from what we heard.</p>
<p>The residence halls we saw were good with clean bathrooms/showers and relatively large rooms. The only negative that we heard was that the food wasn't stellar. It didn't come up as a problem spontaneously but the students didn't really brag about it when asked! </p>
<p>The reports on student drinking (my daughter was NOT happy when I asked...) were that students drink (and there is alcohol available on campus in the student union) but it is not a big problem, students are responsible, and that it is not a central theme on campus. Lots of other things to do.</p>
<p>The aesthetics of campus were very pleasing to us with lovely old buildings (my D noted that they matched) and open spaces. Several buildings (including several residence halls) have lovely views of the Fox River. I also love that the main street (College Street) of Appleton runs right into the campus. Many eateries and stores only 5-10 minutes on foot. D and I would recommend Peggy's Bistro for a fabulous seared ahi tuna with seaweed salad appetizer...</p>
<p>In sum, both D and I were very fond of Lawrence. It is on her "short list" of highly desirable schools and she will be auditioning there next year. I would be most pleased for her to spend her undergraduate years at what I think is a great LAC and a great conservatory. Will see what happens. As was mentioned recently on the Parents Forum, this music school journey is quite a roller coaster...</p>