The group formerly called the Lawrence Chamber Orchestra is going through a series of changes including new directors, new music repertoire, new orchestra musicians and a new name.

Now called the Lawrence Community Orchestra, the ensemble will be under the direction of Lawrence High School’s orchestra director Rachel Dirks and associate director of Kansas University bands Matthew Smith. The goal is to bring greater variety to the music selection and more performances than the orchestra has had in the 40 years it’s existed.

The new model for LCO will expand its role in the Lawrence community and provide more opportunities to talented musicians in the community, Smith said in a press release. The plan is to have symphony-sized programs as well as concerts by chamber groups.

The new orchestra’s debut concert is scheduled for spring 2014.