Encore Tours-Prelude

Prelude

Encore’s Professional Networking Weekend for Ensemble Directors

Prel•ude prāˌl(y)o͞od – a beautiful introduction to the main event.

Prelude is Encore Tours' professional development weekend for ensemble directors, which takes place each year in a stunning international setting. Now in its 6th 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 destination’s culture and arts through various sightseeing excursions and professional performances.

In addition, directors will participate in a workshop with travel experts and fellow directors where they will discuss ways to enhance their programs through their upcoming ensemble tour. Past Prelude Attendees have said this is one of the most valuable aspects of Prelude – not only will you get to meet fellow touring music directors, but you learn tips and best practices about traveling with your musical ensemble which will greatly benefit your musicians on your upcoming tour.

Prelude 2020 will be held in Milan, Italy
Click here to find out more!

The 5-day weekend will take place over 2020 Martin Luther King weekend.
Join Encore staff and fellow music directors for this unforgettable and truly unique experience.

What Music Directors are saying about Prelude

“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 Cilman

Director of Education, Santa Rosa Symphony Youth Orchestra, CA

“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 Belva

Director, Grand Monadnock Youth Choirs, NH

“What can I say? I am a huge fan of Prelude… I have to say that there is nothing like being together with the awesome Encore team and the always incredible group of fellow musicians that make up the Prelude "family"--and I really mean "family", which it has come to be over the years. We learn, we share, we experience, and we take this back to our respective groups.”

David Vernier

Co-Founder/Accompanist, Cecilia Ensemble, NH

“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 Long

Director, Metropolitan Flute Orchestra, MA

"This is my first Prelude and I've really enjoyed meeting other band directors who are also taking their ensembles overseas."

Lauren Haley

Director, Lebanon High School Concert Band, NH

“Your thoroughly planned weekend made [us] feel like very special guests. You also reminded us how important it is to make sure that music educators must continue to seek out musical experiences and musical moments to enrich our lives. It is through these renewing experiences that will help us continue to motivate and enrich our students’ lives.”

Gerry Dolan

Director of Fine Arts, Ipswich High School, MA

Prelude 2020 — Milan, Italy

January 16 - 20, 2020

Prelude Inclusions

Round trip airfare to Milan
Airport transfers in Italy
Four-star hotel accommodation in central Milan
Sightseeing — guided and free time
Welcome reception
Food and wine tastings
Gala farewell dinner

Musical Highlights

Day trip to Cremona to visit the Museo del Violino to hear an original Stradivarius played by a maestro
Tickets to an opera or concert
Director's workshop
Visits to concert venues for touring ensembles
Presentation of Ambrosian chant
More musical surprises!

How to Qualify

Register By:	May 1, 2019	July 1, 2019	October 15, 2019
Number of paying passengers:	20	30	40

How to Register

Once your group is registered to travel in 2020, fill out a Prelude Registration Form for you and our Companion Registration Form for your traveling companion, then submit to your Encore Tour Consultant. We'll take it from there!

All registration forms must be submitted no later than October 15, 2019.

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. If unable to attend, you may choose a cash option of $1,000 or a travel scholarship of $2,000. Returning directors may still choose from our full listing of Global Conferences in alternative destinations, organized by our parent company, ACIS. If your preferred gateway is not listed, please note this on your registration form. Encore Tours will inform you of any additional costs. Prelude is free for ensemble leaders (and one guest) who meet the number of international passengers traveling with Encore Tours to qualify.