Dr. Patrick Lawrence

Director of Wausau Symphonic Band & Jazz Band

Dr. Patrick Lawrence is Professor of Trombone, Euphonium and Tuba at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He completed the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Arizona State University where his dissertation Solo Literature for Trombone and Organ, an annotated bibliography, was recognized as an important musical reference for trombonists and educators. Dr. Lawrence also holds a Master of Music Degree from the University of Arizona, and Bachelor degrees in Secondary Music Education and Performance from The University of Mary.

An active performer, he is the conductor of the Wausau Symphonic Band, and principal trombonist with the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra. A strong advocate for collaboration with organists, he commissioned and premiered “Resolution for Trombone and Organ” in 2009 and performed at the American Guild of Organists-South West Convention. He served as 2nd trombonist with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and has given recitals in the United States and Canada. As a sideman, Patrick has shared the stage with musical greats Yo-Yo Ma, Louis Bellson, The Temptations, Doc Severinsen, Wayne Newton, Jerry Lewis, Linda Ronstadt, the Don Rickles Orchestra, Buddy Morrow and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, and the Artie Shaw Big Band.

Daniel Larson

Director of the Wausau Symphony Orchestra

Daniel was raised in a musical family – all had a love of singing, and his mother was the first piano teacher for all three children. Daniel graduated from UWSP in 1984 with a Bachelor Music Degree in Vocal Music Education, and a minor in Piano and Organ. After four years as a Vocal and General Music instructor in Marion, Wisconsin, Daniel joined the Wausau School District as a Vocal Music instructor in 1989. In 1993, he joined the faculty at Horace Mann Middle School, and has been teaching music there ever since. In 1994, he completed a Master’s of Education Degree from Marian University, Fond du Lac, WI.

Daniel has accompanied and directed pit orchestras for a number of musicals for Wausau Community Theater, Mosinee Community Theater, Central Wisconsin Children’s Theater, and Wausau East End Players. He currently works as musical director/accompanist for Tommy’s Playhouse, Summer Theater Company (Hazelhurst), Summer 2017 – present, and is acting as music director for the upcoming CWCT production of “Newsies”.

From 2001 - 2011, he collaborated with Janne Dean, founder and artistic director for Allegro Dance Theater. This collaboration resulted in 5 original scores that he composed for her ballet company (Beauty and the Beast, The Ugly Duckling, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, and Pinocchio). It was during this time he began working as conductor of the Wausau Symphony (2004).

Daniel has served as conductor for the River Valley Harmonizers in Wausau, and the Central Wisconsin Master Chorale in Stevens Point. He remains an active member of the Wisconsin Choral Directors’ Association, where he served on the board of directors for 6 years. He also has served as accompanist for Honors Choirs for WCDA conventions for the past 3 years.

Daniel is an active church musician (Organist, First English Lutheran Church, 1990 – present) and jazz musician. He performs solo piano and with his trio at a variety of venues in Wausau and central Wisconsin.