Welcome to the Encore Homeschool Fine Arts Blog. This blog will serve as a place to get information about our group as well as a place to read announcements and view pictures.
Taking our music on the road - a blast from the past
A few of the Encore members playing at Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living Center in May - we hope to go there again this school year and take more kids. The residents really enjoyed our visit.
History
When my husband and I took our kids out of public school, we immediately saw a void in the area of fine arts. At first we tried going to a public school for band but quickly saw that as our kids got older, doing band four days a week, in the middle of the day, would be a huge distraction.
After some thought and conversations with other homeschooling families, it appeared that a group would benefit Lawrence and surrounding areas. With some phone calls, emails, and encouragement from friends and family, I started the Encore Homeschool Fine Arts groups in 2003.
What started out as a 17 member band, grew into four levels of band, two choirs, two string ensembles, guitar ensemble, preschool music class, and a percussion ensemble. I am thankful for a wonderful group of directors and the support of all our families!
Why participate in band, orchestra, or choir?
Click here to find out why it is beneficial for students to study music.
The Basics
Band, choir, and orchestra meet on Friday mornings at First Southern Baptist Church - 4300 W. 6th St - in Lawrence, KS.
Groups:
Bands: Beginning, Concert, Jazz, and Percussion Ensemble - (Jazz band and percussion ensemble members must also participate in a concert band, orchestra, or choir)
Choir: Elementary - K-6th, and Jr High/Sr. High School - 7th - 12th.
Strings: Beginning and Intermediate
Percussion Ensemble: Students with or without previous percussion experience are welcome to join - 4th grade and up.
Pre-School Music - 2 1/2 - 6 year old
Grade Level/Age:
We typically start enrolling students in band and strings in the 4th grade but have made exceptions for students that have started an instrument earlier than that. This decision is at the discretion of the executive and group director.
Choir accommodates students from K - 12, divided into two groups by grade.
Schedule:
Jr/Sr High Choir - 9:00 - 9:50
Beginning Band/Strings - 9:00 - 9:50
Elementary Choir - 10:00 - 10:50
Intermediate Band/Strings - 10:00 - 10:50
Bitty Beats - Preschool Music - 10:00 - 10:30
Guitar - 9 - 12 yr old - 11am - 11:40
13 - 18 yr old - 12pm - 12:50
World Percussion Ensemble - 11:00 - 11:50
Tuition:
Bands and Strings groups: $110. per semester. Tuition for additional students, from the same family, is $85.
Choir: $110. per semester. Tuition for additional students, from the same family, is $85.
Guitar: $110. per semester. Tuition for additional students, from the same family, is $85.
World Percussion Ensemble: $110. per semester.
Pre-School Music: $100. per semester.
Tuition is due at the beginning of each semester - September and January. Checks are made out to individual directors.
Recitals:
We have two recitals a year - December and May
Directors:
Band/Strings - Tony Swisher Choir/Guitar - Lauri Bernet
Percussion Ensemble/Pre-School Music - Emily Bachert
Founder and Executive Director - Martha Bachert
Signing up:
If you are interested in signing up for any of the Encore groups, email Martha at hsmom@sbcglobal.net
Private Music Teachers
Clarinet and Percussion Lessons/Board Certified Music Therapist