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.
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