Director

Mr Lawrenson grew up in Connecticut, attending Newtown High School.  He graduated with a Bachelors of Music in Music Education from the University of Puget Sound and earned a Masters of Music in Music Education and Conducting at Western Washington University.  After a nineteen year teaching career in Washington Mr. Lawrenson has been teaching at Placer High School for seventeen wonderful years. He has built and maintained the success of the program with perseverance, passion, and community support with a focus on the community, the music, and, most importantly, the students. Every year, he invites Bowman Charter School and E.V. Cain Middle School music programs to participate in the excitement of a rehearsal, boosters dinner, and performing at a Placer varsity football game. He also consistently involves PHS Music with local events such as Auburn's annual Festival of Lights, the Veteran's Day Parade, and more. Students enjoy the program by starting with a week of team building and learning to march during band camp before the school year gets rolling, they fundraise year-round to be able to travel and compete during the Spring Trip, and they are also treated to a glamorous awards banquet to finish the season. Mr. Lawrenson works hard to ensure that students rise to their potential through quality instruction supplemented by ensemble and choir coaches. He provides stellar instruments, challenging music, and encourages students to audition for rigorous competitions. opportunities exist to perform with the Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, Jazz Band, Golden Hillmen Marching Band, Pep Band, Concert Band, Wind Ensemble and Redstar Drumline.  Placer is fortunate to have such a wonderfully caring music director.