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.
April 13, 2026 Encore Tours What You Gain by Planning a Tour Early (and What You Lose If You Don’t) The timing of your planning process shapes everything from pricing to performance opportunities. Here’s what changes when you start early and what you give up when you don’t. Backstage Blog
March 30, 2026 Encore Tours A New Orchestra Festival at Boston Symphony Hall There are certain stages that change how students think about performing. Boston Symphony Hall is one of them. Backstage Blog
March 18, 2026 Encore Tours 5 Performance Tour Destinations Ensembles Are Choosing for 2027 (And Why They Work) When directors begin planning a performance tour, the destination shapes everything — the venues available, the audiences you’ll reach, and the experience students carry home. Backstage Blog