A young Filipino composer makes his dreams a reality on the stage with USU Choral Department

As the choir files on stage, a young composer waits anxiously behind the curtains. When the time finally comes for him to follow the singers on stage, he feels the lights hit him and suddenly, he is home. He knows this is where he belongs.

Lawrence Laureano has learned music can be a safe haven for him. He has found his true passion through his experiences in his early life, and his continuing experiences in his schooling.

Laureano grew up in the Philippines, where life proved to be a challenge. Coming from a house with little money and a broken family, he draws a lot of his inspiration and passion from those tough experiences that he’s faced.

He later moved to Oahu to attend BYU-Hawaii. There he received his degree in choral conducting and chose to attend Utah State University for his graduate school education.

“The moment I entered the choir room, it felt real. It felt like I’d been there before,” he said. “I took that as a sign that I should apply to USU.”

Later, Laureano discovered one of his childhood inspirations was teaching here.

“Dr. Craig Jessop has been an inspiration for me ever since I was little,” Laureano said. “I came from very humble beginnings in the Philippines, but the music and his influence became an inspiration to me to move forward with my life and pursue my dreams.”

When he heard Jessop was teaching at USU, he knew he had to apply.

“He’s one of the biggest reasons I came here,” Laureano said. “I’m so grateful that he was able to see what I can do.”

Coming from a difficult place and background, Laureano found peace in music. He said it was one of the big things that kept him going throughout his early years.

“Growing up in a broken family, music became a companion for me,” he said. “One of my sisters taught me how to play piano when I was 11, and I’ve been singing as long as I can remember.”

The more he played and explored music, the more he knew it was what he wanted to do. Laureano has been perfecting his skills throughout his continuous schooling and has been loving every minute of it. His skills grew with his piano skills, composing but mainly conducting.

“Being on stage conducting and performing feels like home for me,” Laureano reminisces. “In my culture, when life gets hard, we gather and we sing. These choir performances remind me of that culture.”

Even with that feeling, Laureano isn’t immune to the feelings of stage fright. But it all fades when he sets foot on stage, knowing this is where he’s supposed to be.

While conducting he has been able to show off his other skill and passion — composing.

“I started arranging music when I was 14 years old,” Laureano says. “Composition really came back to me during COVID. I went through a very dark time in my life during it all and writing music became a way of healing myself.”

Since he has begun composing again, Laureano has been able to showcase his pieces at USU.

“This coming winter concert, the Women’s Choir will be performing a song of mine about longing for something,” Laureano said.

This is one of the many things that make this upcoming concert so special. Laureano will be showcasing one of his arranged pieces, as well as being able to accompany, perform with, and conduct the choirs on stage.

“I’m doing a Filipino song that’s a lullaby,” Laureano said. “Which is one of the reasons that they admitted me here. They wanted me to bring Polynesian and Filipino culture into the program. To make sure I fulfill that part, I make sure every concert I incorporate a song that coincides with those cultures.”

Despite all of the drastic changes Laureano has gone through in his life, he has been able to stay true to his past, his culture and himself. His passion for music that he had never faded — if anything it grew stronger as more opportunities presented themselves.

Changing environments hasn’t been easy for Laureano, but he’s found consistency through his practice.

“This is a brand new program here at USU, and I am considered one of the first,” Laureano said. “I love the idea of people coming together and singing and providing a communal experience for them. It’s like humanity coming together in love and unity. And being a part of that is a truly special experience.”

As he continues his studies, Laureano has some big plans in mind for his future.

“I want to build my own music school in the Philippines,” Laureano said. “I also want to be like Dr. Jessop — to teach at a university and have my own choir. That’s the goal.