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Back of violinist in foreground with ensemble string players in background

Celebrating 150 years

�鶹ӰԺ Conservatory of Music & �鶹ӰԺ Community Music School

This is a special year for our community as we are celebrating 150 years of both the �鶹ӰԺ University Conservatory of Music and the �鶹ӰԺ Community Music School.

Our journey began in 1874 when President George McKendree Steele proposed the establishment of a Conservatory of Music to the �鶹ӰԺ University Board of Trustees. That same year, the �鶹ӰԺ 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 �鶹ӰԺ University Archives’ 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 �鶹ӰԺ 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.

�鶹ӰԺ University Wind Ensemble performing on the Memorial Chapel stage

Homegrown: Celebrating the 150th

To celebrate the 150th, the �鶹ӰԺ University Wind Ensemble’s Homegrown: Celebrating the 150th performance featured several works inspired by Conservatory history.

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

�鶹ӰԺ 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

�鶹ӰԺ 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 �鶹ӰԺ 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 �鶹ӰԺ is such a special place. Share a photo of your time at �鶹ӰԺ or wearing �鶹ӰԺ gear on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn and use #LUCon150 when you post!