At Encore Tours, our team is filled with passionate and well-traveled individuals who work tirelessly to make your travel experience truly unforgettable. Today, we’re happy to introduce you to our newest staff member, Robin Teague. Robin comes to Encore after 20 years as a professional saxophonist and music educator, which has allowed her to witness music’s ability to transcend all languages and create an infectiously positive community. Robin will be working with our group leaders to help customize their next Encore performance tour, and ensure that they’re able to share in the universal language of music on a global stage. Earlier this week, we sat down with Robin to learn more about her background, passions, and goals. Hi Robin! Thank you for chatting with us today. Why don’t you start by telling us a little bit about your background? I am from Hingham, which is a beautiful town located on the south shore of Massachusetts. Before joining the team at Encore, I was a Band/Instrumental teacher and freelance saxophone player in the Boston area. I have a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of New Hampshire, and a Master’s in Music in performance from the Longy School of Music in Cambridge, MA. What attracted you to this position? I have always been passionate about three things: teaching, gigging, and traveling. I loved my job as a music teacher and will miss the strong music community, my colleagues, and most of all, my students. However, I believe Encore is an ideal place for me to share my knowledge and skills with other music educators and music groups. I’m looking forward to sitting down with directors, discussing their goals and ambitions, and creating the perfect customized itinerary for their ensemble. Do you have a favorite travel destination? There are so many great options, but I really love Spain. I have been there several times and the people are always so lovely. I especially enjoyed Madrid, and appreciated how it felt so warm and family oriented. In the evenings, I noticed that entire families would be out together enjoying delicious foods, listening to great music, dancing, and appreciating life. It is a beautiful country with such generous audiences, and I cannot wait to go back and enjoy some live performances! What is your favorite piece of travel advice? There is so much to see and experience in the world, so just book the flight, and enjoy the journey! You mentioned that playing the saxophone has always been a bit part of your life. Do you still perform anywhere? On the weekends, you can typically find one of my bands playing at a number of spots around the Boston area. I love playing at the Middle East in Cambridge and the Beehive in Boston. I will also play in venues a bit closer to home with my R&B soul band Take Out. Some of my favorites include Sound Check Studios in Pembroke, the C Note in Hull, and Tosca’s Wine Room in Hingham. I have also been on several tours playing at a variety of colleges and clubs in New York and the New England area. My reggae band, Pressure Cooker, has played many venues but some of my favorites are the Chicken Box in Nantucket, Yellow Kittens on Block Island, Reggae Fest in Sugarloaf, and I loved playing Cisco Brewery during wine fest in May. Outside of music, what are some of your hobbies or passions? I love being outside, especially after a long practice session. I think it’s important to stay active and enjoy the fresh air, so you will often find me skiing, hiking, sailing, or running. Hingham is located on the Boston harbor, and I love getting out on the water and spending time with my family. Is there anything else you would like to share? Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I have learned so much through study, performance, and teaching. I am really looking forward to building relationships and learning from the music directors and concert ensembles that I will be helping as we begin our travel adventures together. Welcome to the team, Robin! Are you interested in planning your next performance tour? Speak with Robin or one of our other amazing Program Consultants and start planning the trip of a lifetime!
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