Taking an orchestra beyond its familiar stage can be one of the most memorable experiences a music educator offers. It also raises practical questions that are difficult to answer until you have done it. How do you know your ensemble is ready? How do you set a budget families can support? What makes a strong chaperone team? And how do you prepare students for the musical, logistical, and interpersonal realities of being on the road together? On Wednesday, September 16, Encore Tours will bring together three accomplished orchestra leaders for Taking Your Orchestra on Tour: Tips, Lessons, and Inspiration from Experienced Orchestra Leaders, a free live webinar for school, youth, collegiate, community, and adult orchestra directors and administrators. Educators who want to continue beyond the webinar may use the session as the opening hour of an optional one-unit graduate-level professional-development pathway. Verified live attendees will also receive details about a $500 domestic or $1,000 international travel scholarship for a qualifying new group booking. Free live webinar Wednesday, September 16, 20264:00–5:00 PM Eastern · Live on Zoom View webinar details and register Three leaders, three perspectives The panel represents public-school music education, districtwide arts leadership, higher education, and youth-orchestra administration. Rather than present one model for touring, Nathan Cohen, Sara Watkins, and Michael Coelho will bring complementary experience with program building, student preparation, access, family communication, and international performance travel. Nathan Cohen Director of Orchestras, Rockport Public Schools Nathan also coordinates the district’s performing and visual arts curriculum and directs the Endicott College Chamber Ensemble. A conductor, composer, and multi-instrumentalist, he brings a broad public-school perspective on ensemble readiness, access, musical preparation, and connecting performance with place. Sara Watkins Executive Director, Norwalk Youth Symphony Sara has helped shape Norwalk Youth Symphony’s international touring program since 1998. Under her leadership, NYS has completed nine international performance tours with Encore, giving her deep experience with long-term planning, family communication, tour logistics, and sustaining a travel tradition. Michael Coelho Director of Fine Arts & Orchestras, Ipswich Public Schools Michael oversees PK-12 arts programs and directs five orchestras in Ipswich Public Schools. A Longy faculty member, youth-orchestra conductor, and two-time GRAMMY Music Educator Award finalist, he brings a student-centered perspective on program leadership, preparation, and building community through music. Practical topics and honest answers Barbara Brown, Director of Orchestras at Encore Tours, will moderate a candid conversation about the plans made before departure and the realities directors encounter on the road. The discussion will cover: Determining when an ensemble is ready to tour Establishing a realistic budget and fundraising plan Selecting, preparing, and managing chaperones Setting expectations for students and families Handling student issues, group dynamics, and unexpected situations Preparing musicians for unfamiliar venues and performance settings Lessons experienced leaders wish they had known before their first tour The live format will also include audience Q&A, giving educators an opportunity to bring their own questions to the panel. The session is part of Encore’s growing collection of webinars and resources for music educators. Continue toward one graduate-level unit For educators who want to continue learning after the session, the webinar may serve as the opening component of a 15-hour guided independent study. Participants who complete the additional readings, applied assignments, documentation, and Courses4Teachers registration may earn one graduate-level professional-development semester unit. Webinar attendance alone does not earn the unit. The guided independent study carries a $99 Courses4Teachers registration fee paid by the participant, and educators should confirm acceptance with their district or licensing authority. Educators can also compare this pathway with Encore’s other graduate-level credit opportunities. A live-attendee benefit for your orchestra Verified live attendees will also receive details about an Encore Ensemble Travel Scholarship for a qualifying new group booking: $500 toward a domestic program or $1,000 toward an international tour. The scholarship is available for new bookings of 25 or more travelers; booking deadlines and additional terms apply. Bring your questions and join the conversation Whether you are considering your orchestra’s first tour or looking for fresh ideas after years on the road, this webinar offers practical guidance from leaders who understand the musical and human sides of ensemble travel. View the webinar details and register to join the conversation on September 16. Note: Registration is complimentary. Register even if you cannot attend live, and Encore will send access to the recording afterward.
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