Encore news, updates, schedule changes

Hello Encore Families,

The instrumental "try-out" day went very well. If you missed it, there are options to finding the perfect instrument for your student, let me know that you are needing help.

Staff from Beautiful Music and The Band Aide came to help the kids try string and band instruments. Mr. Gaskin was there to talk to potential choir members.

For band instruments, I will have order sheets from The Band Aide for any supplies you may need. They are a local company and can get swabs, reeds, valve oil, and other items.

String players can visit J.J. at Beautiful Music (across from the bowling alley) for rental instruments and supplies.

We have made a few tweaks in the schedule this year. It won't affect all the groups, but please take note of the changes in case you know of others that are thinking of joining us this year and don't know of the new times. Please read beyond the time changes for added information.


JrHigh/Sr High - Choir - 9am - no change

Elementary Choir - 10am - no change

Beginning Band - 9am - no change

Intermediate Band - 10am - no change

Beginning Orchestra - 11am

Intermediate Orchestra - noon

Percussion Ensemble - a new group, will meet at 11:15 - there are still a few openings so let me know if this group is of interest. The kids in this group need to be in another Encore group (choir, band, or orchestra) to enroll in this group. The tuition is $45.00 for the percussion ensemble. The director is Emily Bachert - a KU music major.

Advanced Band - 1pm

Jazz Band - 2pm

Many of the kids in Beginning Band will move up to Intermediate Band after an audition. It is okay to do another year of beginning - just know that it is possible to move up IF an audition is passed. The audition would be to play Regal March or a piece of your choosing that shows the level you are at.

Beginning Orchestra students can also audition to move up to Intermediate Orchestra. Please choose a piece from your book that shows the level you are currently at.

Intermediate Band members need to audition to be in Advanced, if they wish to move up. The students should play a piece of their choosing that shows the level they are at - music from last year would be fine - but not Regal March :o)

Advanced members have the option of being in Jazz Band. Intermediate and Advanced members have the option to audition for Jazz Band. Members must be in a "concert" band or orchestra in order to be in Jazz Band.

Another change this year is a way we have found to thank you for you bringing in new students. If you have referred anyone this school year and they sign up with the same director your child has, please let me know so I can explain how bringing in new students will benefit you.

We start rehearsing on September 9th - that is when fall semester fees are due. We are looking forward to seeing you all!