Earlier this month, we announced the debut of our new podcast series, Encast. Through this series, we hoped to travel the world, discover the story behind the world’s most successful ensembles, and help provide directors with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive. In our first episode, we sat down with Diane Linn, President and Executive Director of the Community Chorus of Detroit (CCD), to learn about how she was able to build an ensemble from scratch, develop a unique repertoire, and become an integral part of her local community. In this week’s finale, Diane details her first interactions with Encore Tours and provides valuable insight into how the CCD’s experience with international performance tours helped the ensemble set goals, build excitement, and inspire a sense of purpose in the ensemble members. Listen to Part 3 Listen to the full episode – Community Chorus of Detroit The Encast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, SoundCloud, and Spotify, so please subscribe today. Have you enjoyed listening to the Encast? Please let us know with 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 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
July 13, 2026 Encore Tours St. Cecilia Day: Why Musicians Celebrate the Patron Saint of Music Each year on November 22, Catholic musicians around the world celebrate St. Cecilia’s Day. Honored as the patron saint of music, musicians, and singers, St. Backstage Blog
July 6, 2026 Encore Tours Why the Concert Experience Is at the Heart of Every Encore Performance Tour For choirs, bands, and orchestra programs, a performance tour is never just about where you go. It is about what your ensemble gets to share when you arrive. Backstage Blog