Last Thanksgiving, you liked our blog “11 Things a Choir Director Can Be Thankful For” so much, that we decided to let the band directors get in on the fun too. So here’s 10 things band directors can be thankful for this Thanksgiving! 1. Students who practice 2. Kids who remember their instruments and uniforms And…animal mascots? 3. Parents who encourage their kids to practice 4. Piccolos that play in tune Sorry, that’s not possible! 5. Humble trumpet players Sorry, that’s not possible either! 6. And trumpet players who don’t always try to play as loud and high as possible Good luck with that… 7. Clarinets that don’t squeak 8. Players who actually look at the conductor once in a while 9. People who know # means sharp not hashtag 10. And, of course, band trips!
December 15, 2025 David Solar Join Us at the 2026 Jazz Educators Network Conference in New Orleans The 2026 Jazz Educators Network Conference is just around the corner, taking place January 7–10 in New Orleans, Louisiana, at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. Backstage Blog
December 11, 2025 Encore Tours Announcing the 2026 Encore Crescendo Contest Performance tours create moments that stay with you. A quiet warmup before the doors open. A view from the risers that captures the character of a venue. Backstage Blog
December 8, 2025 Encore Tours Encore Experiences: Behind the Curtain in Hungary The next chapter in our “Behind the Curtain” series, created for travelers who seek artistry, culture, and connection in every note. Backstage Blog