Director 2006-2026

Our former music 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 taught at Placer High School for twenty wonderful years. He 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 invited 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 involved PHS Music with local events such as Auburn's annual Festival of Lights, the Veteran's Day Parade, and more. Mr. Lawrenson worked hard to ensure that students rose to their potential through quality instruction, supplemented by ensemble and choir coaches. He provided stellar instruments, challenging music, and encouraged students to audition for rigorous competitions with the Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, Jazz Band, Golden Hillmen Marching Band, Pep Band, Concert Band, Wind Ensemble and Redstar Drumline.  With his well-deserved retirement in May of '26, Placer was indeed fortunate to have had such a wonderfully caring music director.