1. When students remember their instruments every day — Aashna Belenje (@ABelenje) June 2, 2017 2. Musicians who sit quietly when they’re not playing… Photo via I Teach Orchestra …And hold their instrument in the correct hand. 3. People who practice Photo via oddquartet.com 4. Having extra bows via GIPHY 5. Musicians who bring pencils to rehearsals Photo via The Music Fox 6. Trumpet players who blend Photo via Horn Players 7. Students who listen to instructions the first time via GIPHY 8. Players who mark in their bowings (with pencil) via GIPHY 9. Musicians who actually watch and play at your tempo via GIPHY 10. Being able to take the orchestra trip of a lifetime with Encore Tours! All of us at Encore Tours are grateful for you! The music teachers and directors who impact the lives of students on a daily basis. Thank you for all that you do!
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