Prelude – a beautiful introduction to the main event. Prelude is Encore Tours’ professional development weekend for ensemble directors, which takes place each year in a spectacular international destination. Now in its 11th year, Prelude is a unique event that 100% of over 200+ attending directors have rated as ‘excellent’ and beyond. The weekend is centered around exploration of personal and professional development, offering unlimited opportunities for networking, cultural experiences, and artistic development. Ensemble leaders will experience the local culture and arts through various sightseeing excursions, culinary delights, and professional performances. Join the Encore team and fellow music directors for an unforgettable musical experience, taking place January 14–18, 2027, over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. More details to be announced! A look back at this year’s MLK weekend experience Prelude 2026 in Rome This recap highlights Encore’s 2026 Prelude weekend in Rome, held over MLK weekend and offered each January to qualified directors. The experience gave directors the chance to enjoy an international itinerary as travelers, connect with peers, and take in the city’s musical, cultural, and culinary highlights, from an opening evening at Santa Maria Maggiore to private performances and shared meals. Click through to read the full recap and see how Prelude offers a clear preview of what an Encore performance tour can feel like. Learn More Doing Prelude makes me feel that I’m valued and that the work I do is valuable work. The places we go and what we experience, it’s just first class and I feel first class. And that’s a wonderful feeling. Maria B. Not having been on an Encore trip before, I had no idea what to expect. The combination of outstanding musical performances and meaningful connections made it unforgettable. Martha S. Gaining insights from the collective wisdom of fellow directors is invaluable. I was able to address two topics that have been problematic from my previous tours. Site inspections are also extremely helpful. A big bonus is that I made new friendships that will continue well beyond Prelude. Paige L. There is nothing quite like being in a roomful of folks who know what it’s like to take a bunch of musicians on tour. Who else really understands that? It was great to hear all the stories and to get the benefit of all that experience. Wendy C. I was delighted and thrilled to have so many opportunities packed into just three days. These were exceptional and ‘over the top’ experiences. Ann T. This is my first Prelude and I’ve really enjoyed meeting other band directors who are also taking their ensembles overseas. Lauren H. How to Qualify Register By: July 15, 2026 October 15, 2026 Number of paying passengers: 20 25 How to Register To register for Prelude, please print and complete the forms below for both you and your companion. When you have finished, please scan and email these forms back to your Program Consultant. We’ll take it from there! Prelude Registration Form Prelude Companion Registration Form Note: All registration forms must be submitted no later than September 1, 2026. Prelude is designed by musicians for musicians, and we know you will love it! A maximum of two spots per organization is allowed on our Prelude event. Encore Tours will inform you of any additional costs. Prelude is complementary to ensemble leaders (and one guest) who meet the minimum number of international passengers traveling with Encore Tours needed to qualify. Gateway Cities The following list of gateway cities can be booked for no additional fees. Note: Encore cannot guarantee requests for specific airports where multiple options exist, such as New York City’s JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Airports. Atlanta, GA Boston, MA Chicago, IL Cincinnati, OH Cleveland, OH Dallas, TX Denver, CO Detroit, MI Houston, TX Kansas City, MO Los Angeles, CA Miami, FL Minneapolis, MN New York, NY Orlando, FL Philadelphia, PA Phoenix, AZ Pittsburgh, PA Portland, OR Raleigh, NC Salt Lake City, UT San Francisco, CA Seattle, WA St. Louis, MO Tampa, FL Washington, DC