June 6, 2019 Kate Huffman Online LGBTQ+ Resources for Music Educators and Ensemble Leaders We live and work in a rapidly-changing social environment. One in which, thankfully, more and more people feel safe and welcome to express their true selves. Backstage Blog
May 23, 2019 Encore Tours Encore Tours Spotlight: World Music Performance Tour to Spain Director John Moon recently returned from his 7th trip with Encore Tours, having traveled to Spain with the St. Backstage Blog
May 16, 2019 Jon Linker What Any Ensemble Can Learn from Military Bands About Audience Engagement Perhaps “innovative” is not the first word most musicians think of to describe military bands. Backstage Blog
May 9, 2019 Frieda Krantz Travel Documents Needed for a Performance Tour: Passports, Visas, and Birth Certificate Information Are you getting ready to travel on an upcoming international or domestic performance tour? Make sure that you have the appropriate travel documents! Each year, people all over the world … Backstage Blog
May 2, 2019 Brian Dokko Building a Successful Performance Tour Tradition I’m grateful for the eight tours I’ve led with Encore Tours, dating back to 2004, and for the many successful planning strategies I’ve gleaned in collaboration with my Encore team. Backstage Blog
April 25, 2019 Jon Linker 10 Online Groups & Forums for Music Directors You stand in front of your ensemble with all eyes looking to you for direction, information…everything. We get it. Being a music director can sometimes feel like a lonely job. Backstage Blog
April 23, 2019 Ward Dilmore A Master Gardener’s Advice on Growing Your Music Ensemble Music Directors are gardeners. They carefully cultivate their ensemble by planting the seed of promise. Backstage Blog
April 16, 2019 Ward Dilmore Right On Cue: 5 Reasons NOW is the Best Time to Plan a 2020 Performance Tour with your Ensemble Have you ever missed your cue? The experience is embarrassing—and worse. Everyone who depends on you to hold up your end of the bargain suddenly begins to doubt your abilities. Backstage Blog
April 4, 2019 Jon Linker Encore Tours Spotlight: Briarcrest Christian School Band and Choir Tour to Italy The choir and band from Briarcrest Christian School, just outside Memphis, recently returned from a fantastic performance tour to Italy. Backstage Blog