On Tuesday, we concluded the first episode of the Encast, which focused on Diane Linn and the story of the Community Chorus of Detroit. In the final segment, Diane discussed how international performance tours can help ensembles set goals, build excitement, and inspire a sense of purpose in their members. Today, we want to focus on one of the most critical responsibilities for any music director: selecting repertoire. We pride ourselves on being more than just a performance tour company; we want to be actively engaged with our travelers and share the lessons we have learned through years of working side-by-side with some of the country’s most accomplished music directors. In these bonus episodes, we speak with two prominent choral directors, Dr. Sean Boulware and Suzanne Woodruff, to discuss the importance of building repertoire, and how it can impact your local community. Listen now The Encast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, SoundCloud, and Spotify, so please subscribe today. Have you enjoyed listening to the Encast? Please let us know by leaving a five-star review! Classrooms and performance halls across the US have been disrupted, and musicians have been forced to transition into online environments. It may not be possible to travel or perform with your ensemble now, but with our new Encore Live series, you can still stay connected. Visit our Encore Live page to learn more about this new series, view upcoming live events, and watch all of our past recordings.
July 23, 2026 David Solar 2026–2027 Musical Celebrations Calendar A new school year brings concerts, rehearsals, auditions, deadlines and plenty of dates to keep organized. Backstage Blog
July 21, 2026 David Solar Beethoven at 200: Why His Music Still Resonates On March 26, 2027, musicians and audiences around the world will mark the 200th anniversary of Ludwig van Beethoven’s death. Backstage Blog
July 16, 2026 Encore Tours Musical Celebrations Around the World: National Piano Month Every September, National Piano Month celebrates an instrument that has shaped concert halls, classrooms, churches, theaters, jazz clubs and homes around the world. Backstage Blog