This week, we celebrate a very special occasion—Teacher Appreciation Week. It’s a time dedicated to honoring the incredible efforts of teachers across the country, with a special nod to all of the music educators out there. While teachers deserve recognition throughout the year, we hope you feel especially cherished during this week. Every member of our team shares a deep admiration for music educators—from those who guided us in our childhood classrooms to the professors who shaped our higher education, and especially the amazing group leaders we collaborate with today. Your impact on students is profound, not only in developing their musical abilities but also in enriching their entire lives Your dedication inspires us every day. You are true heroes in your communities, touching lives and shaping futures. While your contributions merit celebration year-round, let this week be a reminder of how valued you truly are. Every day, music educators are busy planning lessons, teaching melodies, harmonies, rhythms, and dynamics, all while nurturing a deep love of music in their students. It’s a commitment that goes beyond the classroom, one that shapes the future of all who pass through their doors. We applaud your dedication to not only teaching music but also developing essential life skills and sparking curiosity in your students. You encourage them to explore uncharted musical territories and to envision future symphonies. As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, please accept our heartfelt gratitude for everything you do. t. You do more than impart musical knowledge; you instill a lifelong passion for music that resonates with your students. Here’s to our beloved music teachers: thank you for imparting invaluable lessons, thank you for keeping the music vibrant, and thank you for ensuring the melodies continue to echo through the halls of learning. From all of us at Encore Tours, your daily dedication to your students continually inspires us, and we feel fortunate to witness it firsthand. Cheers!
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