Founded in 1944, the Alia Lawson Pre-College Program at Converse College offers quality instruction in music and dance with an excellent faculty, in a professional yet nurturing atmosphere. We serve approximately 900 families each year through our programs and encourage students of all ages to join us. The Lawson Pre-College also functions as a “lab school,” introducing Converse music students to the experience of teaching. This experience crosses over to the full arts spectrum during the summer when college students staff our Fine Arts Day Camp. They teach classes in visual arts, creative writing, music, dance and theatre. Our Spartanburg Youth Orchestras, Palmetto Choristers and Lawson Band Program add a wonderful large ensemble dimension to our offerings, as do our smaller chamber ensembles. The Lawson Pre-College affords the opportunity for Converse College and the Spartanburg community to share in a wonderful learning experience. Join us!

Registration:
Fall Dance:
August 17, 2007; 4:00 – 7:00 pm
August 18, 2007; 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Fall Music:
August 20-31, 2007; 8:30 am – 5:30 pm

Spring Dance:
January 7-11, 2008; 8:30 am–4:00 pm

Spring Music:
January 7-18, 2008; 8:30 am–4:00 pm

Summer Registration:
May 1 - 23, 2008

Fees:
Annual Registration Fee - $25.00
Late Registration Fee - $25.00 (Fall: after August 31, Spring: after January 18)

Fees and tuition are payable at the time of registration. A plan of two equal payments is optional. There will be a finance charge on all outstanding balances.

Fall Semester:
Dance: August 20, 2007 – December 14, 2007
Music: September 4, 2007 – January 18, 2008

Spring Semester:
Dance: January 14, 2008 – May 9, 2008
Music: January 21, 2008 – May 16, 2008

Scholarship Auditions for 2008–2009
April 24-26, 2008

Fine Arts Day Camp
(864) 596-9170

Pre-College Office Hours
Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:00pm Pre-College Staff

Paula Morgan - Director

Sharalynn Hicks - Assistant to the Director

Breanna Plount - Director, Fine Arts Day Camp

For upcoming events search the Calendar of Events.

Founded in 2003, the Palmetto Youth Choristers is the quality, choral music experience at the Lawson Pre-College. Its mission is to provide quality vocal training and to develop individual talent, self-discipline, self-respect and a great sense of accomplishment through this group singing experience. In addition, its aim is to cultivate an appreciation for the arts and culture through the particular enjoyment of choral music as artistic expression. Our Young Men’s Ensemble for unchanged, changed and changing male voices. Finally, as the Choristers strive to achieve excellence in performance, our hope is to promote the Lawson Pre-College, Converse College and the Spartanburg community on the state, national and eventually international stage.

Established in 1999, the Palmetto Youth Orchestra has grown and changed over the years to include our Palmetto Youth Strings Program. We perform two concerts a year and enjoy collaborating with local community organizations as opportunities arise. The development of our organization is guided by the ideals set forth in our mission statement.

For further information, contact the Pre-College office at (864) 596-9022 or via email at palmetto.youth@converse.edu.

In 1944, eight Converse students began teaching 38 community students, and the Pre-College was officially born. This student teaching program is still thriving. Each student teacher is required to take a “Private Applied Teaching” (PAT) course under the direction of Converse faculty. Some also take “Class Applied Teaching” (CAT) courses. This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone involved!

Instruction is available in Clarinet, Flute, Oboe, Piano, Violin, Voice and Saxophone. Fees range from $100 - $182 for fourteen 30 minute lessons.