Meet Barbara Brown, Encore’s New Director of Orchestras

At Encore Tours, our team is made up of passionate musicians, educators, and leaders who believe deeply in the power of performance travel. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce our new Director of Orchestras, Barbara Brown. Barbara brings an exceptional background in performance, youth orchestra leadership, and community engagement, along with firsthand experience leading impactful tours for young musicians.

With decades of experience in youth orchestra leadership and performance, Barbara joins Encore to help directors design meaningful international orchestra tours rooted in artistic excellence and cultural connection.

Earlier this week, we sat down with Barbara to learn more about her musical journey, her work with the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, and what excites her most about partnering with orchestra directors across the country.

Can you share a little about your background and how you found your way into music education and leadership?

I grew up in a musical family, so playing an instrument was always a given. It was just a matter of which one. Our home was filled with music, from Stravinsky’s Firebird to Glenn Miller’s big band recordings, and it was the sound of the sax section on “In the Mood” that first made me fall in love with the saxophone.

As I developed as a musician, I shifted from jazz toward classical performance and went on to earn performance degrees at the University of Washington and the Eastman School of Music. Before college, I spent much of my time at my local community music school, taking lessons and playing in ensembles and chamber groups. It was truly the best part of my childhood.

When a position opened in Education at the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, it felt like the perfect fit, combining my love for classical music with my passion for supporting and inspiring the next generation. Now, in my role at Encore, I’m grateful to continue that work by helping young musicians access meaningful musical experiences while exploring the world.

You spent many years with the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. Are there any programs or moments that stand out?

One of the most significant developments for RPYO was the partnership I established with the Eastman Community Music School, which gave the orchestra a permanent home on the Eastman School of Music campus. That partnership elevated the orchestra’s visibility and strengthened its identity within the broader musical community.

On a personal level, taking RPYO on tour was one of the most defining experiences of my career. Seeing how travel and performance shaped young musicians was incredibly powerful, and it ultimately led me to Encore.

How do performance, education, and community engagement come together through international performance travel?

International performance travel is where performance, education, and community engagement naturally intersect. A tour is not just about presenting great concerts. It is a living classroom and a bridge between cultures.

When students travel, they learn far beyond the rehearsal room. Through exchanges, workshops, and shared performances, they experience music as something deeply human and relational. When those elements align, travel becomes formative. It develops musicianship, leadership, empathy, and cultural awareness.

What drew you to the Director of Orchestras role at Encore?

From my own experience as a musician, it was always the travel opportunities that stayed with me most. Some of my most formative memories came from touring. When I led my youth orchestra on tour with Encore, it was truly exceptional. Long after we returned home, I couldn’t stop thinking about the impact it had on our students and our community.

From your perspective, what do orchestras gain from international tours that is hard to replicate at home?

International orchestra tours place musicians in environments that challenge and expand them in ways that are nearly impossible to replicate locally. They must adapt, listen deeply, and represent their communities with professionalism and pride. That responsibility fosters maturity and resilience.

Perhaps most importantly, tours create genuine human connection. Shared rehearsals and joint concerts remind musicians that they are part of a worldwide artistic community. Those perspectives stay with them long after the final concert.

Outside of work and music, what do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy staying active, especially running, and being outdoors as much as possible. I love time with my family, enjoy reading and shopping, and have a secret love for waterparks. They are pure fun and a great way to completely unplug.

As you look ahead, what excites you most about working with orchestra directors through Encore?

I know firsthand how hard orchestra directors and administrators work every day, often balancing artistic, educational, and organizational demands. It is incredibly meaningful to help take some of that weight off their plates while preparing tours that will be life-changing, not just for their students, but for them as well. I’m excited to support their vision and help make these once-in-a-lifetime experiences smooth, rewarding, and impactful.

Welcome to Encore, Barbara!