We begin our 19th year, this fall. It doesn't seem possible that it has been that long since I reached out to a group of homeschooling families, to see what interest there was in getting a homeschool band together. It didn't take long before we added strings and two choirs. As the years went by, we added guitar, a preschool music class, and world percussion. Covid brought a lot of changes and redirection for Encore. In addition to that, there is a change to announce in our choir and guitar program.
Mr. Gaskin will not be returning to Encore next year. He was offered a great opportunity to write a book, and needs to focus on that, as well as the many other things that keep him busy. Mr. Gaskin and his family, have been a part of Encore from the very beginning - so this is quite a change for me.
With the news of Mr. G leaving us, I began looking for someone that will be a good fit for our group. It gives me great pleasure to let you all know that Mrs. Bernet (Lauri) will be our new choir and guitar director. Change can be hard, but I know that Mrs. Bernet will make everyone feel very welcome. She has a lot of offer our group and I have enjoyed hearing some of her ideas for the upcoming semester. Read Mrs. Bernet's bio at the bottom.
So, will we ever see Mr. Gaskin again? I sure hope so. After all, his office is in the main church and he is very likely to check in on how we are doing, from time to time. The decision to leave Encore, was not an easy one for him. In talking to him the other day, he is at peace with his decision. He is happy and positive about his new path.
I am working on an updated enrollment form for the fall. The semester begins September 10th.The link will be on this site, as well as on facebook. Please share our information with families that would be interested in what Encore offers.
We will continue to meet at the Morris Baptist Center - 146 Indian Ave - in Lawrence, KS - on Friday mornings. We are a year long program, divided into semesters. Fees are $95 a semester, and we have a family discount for families with more than one student enrolled with the same director. We plan on having a Christmas and a spring recital.
Due to the results from Covid, not all the groups mentioned in the sidebar (right side of this page) are being offered. Please refer to the new schedule that will be announced on the enrollment form, which is now included the link, in the post above..
Let me know if you have any questions - hsmom@sbcglobal.net - 785-841-6308.
Watch this site, and our FB page, for updates and the link to the fall enrollment form.
Martha Bachert
Founder and Executive Director
Encore Homeschool Fine Arts
Lawrence, KS
- *** Mrs. Bernet's bio:
- My name is Lauri Bernet, and I am so excited to start a new venture with Encore Fine Arts program, to help train students to love music and do their best. I have 32 years experience as a private music teacher, and have been a music therapist for 27 years. I have operated Joyful Noise Music since Fall of 1994, and started a new business - Upward Tutoring, in Summer 2020.
A little about my education: I received my BA in Music (Percussion& Voice) in 1994, from Southeast Missouri State University, and completed Master's Coursework in Music Therapy at KU in 1997. I was blessed to teach music at Veritas Christian School from July 2013-July 2020, and established many new traditions there, and directed 5th and 6th Grade BAnd, 7-12th Grade Band, JH Choir, HS Choir, Class Guitar, Eagle Song Worship Team, and National Anthem Team.
I love being involved and working in local churches, and in other Christian organizations in our area. I especially love the Worship Ministry, and working with children of all ages, to pass along God's Word. The photo below was taken by Brad (husband). Ethan (son), myself, and Jeremy (brother), at Ethan's High School Graduation in 2020. Brand and I look forward to time with our family, traveling, and cheering for K-State (where Ethan will attend in the fall, even though the entire family cheers for KU) - we are trying new things!!!
