A baton is more than just a stick with a handle; it is a conductor’s instrument. On Thursday, June 24, 2011, we sat down with Phil Aguglia, a renowned band teacher and owner of PaGu Batons, the leader in custom, handmade conducting batons. Alongside host Jon Linker, we explored the evolution of batons, learned all about Phil’s quest to create the perfect baton, and took a tour around his workshop to learn more about the production process. Phil discussed the most important factors to consider when selecting a baton, why it’s crucial to have the proper fit, and shared some of his favorite stories from decades of creating customized batons for some of the world’s most prestigious conductors. Watch Encore Live: Finding Your Perfect Baton We hope you enjoyed this week’s edition of Encore Live. Although we do not have any upcoming events planned at this time, we are constantly looking for interesting new topics to cover, so please check out our upcoming schedule for the latest updates on all of our Encore Live events. Our new policy enhancements, like the Worry-Free Guarantee, make it easier than ever to register for a 2022 tour! Interested in learning more? Contact us to speak directly with one of our Tour Consultants.
August 18, 2026 Encore Tours 7 Best International Band Trip Destinations for Student Musicians When a student performance tour is done well, it becomes much more than a trip. Backstage Blog
August 17, 2026 David Solar 2026 Summer Travel Recap Every summer, months of planning and rehearsal become something tangible: the first note in an unfamiliar room, a new audience gathering and an ensemble hearing its musi… Backstage Blog
August 12, 2026 Encore Tours What Happens Before Your Ensemble Takes the Stage? A performance may last an hour, but the work that makes it possible often begins months earlier. Backstage Blog Planning Your Tour