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.
November 2, 2026 Encore Tours Venue Spotlight: Vienna’s St. Stephen’s Cathedral Explore St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna: its history, its deep ties to Haydn and Mozart, and what it’s like for your ensemble to perform there. Backstage Blog
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October 21, 2026 Encore Tours Meet Encore Tours at the 2026 Midwest Clinic Encore Tours is heading to The 80th Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference, taking place December 16–18, 2026, at McCormick Place West in Chicago. Backstage Blog