* * Reminder - instrumental "try-out" this Friday * *

Just a reminder about this Friday's opportunity to try out various instruments for orchestra and band. We will meet at the Morris Center - 146 Indian Ave - Lawrence - from 10:00 - noon. We are excited to host this sort of opportunity for our incoming families.

See post below for more information.

See you Friday!

Fine arts news for fall

I interrupt your summer with a fine arts "update" - dates to make note of, information about upcoming auditions and announcing an opportunity for new musicians to try instruments.

We used to send students to Hume Music Store to try various instruments, but they have closed. So to give students a chance to see what instrument they like the best, we will offer a morning session in August to meet for that purpose. Information regarding the day and time is posted below as information for new students.

It doesn't seem possible, but we are about to begin our eighth year. There are not a lot of changes for this year, just a few. Tuition, rehearsal day, and location will remain the same.

Mr. Swisher, our band director, will direct the orchestra this year. For those who didn't already know, he played the violin before trumpet or flute. If you haven't had a chance to meet Mr. Swisher, you will find him to be very knowledgeable and fun. (be prepared for "Uncle Kenny" stories though :o)

Hope everyone is having a great summer. We look forward to seeing you all in August for auditions. If you have any questions, be sure to email or call.


Here is the basic information that is being sent out for new students - feel free to pass it on. (current students should take note of day and times for auditions and the beginning of rehearsals)


The Encore Homeschool Fine Arts groups are gearing up for our eighth year. We offer beginning band, intermediate band, jazz band, orchestra, elementary and junior high/high school choir. We have several students that are involved in two or more groups.

All groups meet on Friday mornings at The Morris Baptist Center - 146 Indian Ave., Lawrence, KS. - off of Highway 10 in east Lawrence. The tuition is $95.00 per semester. There is a discounted rate for families that have more than one student in a group with the same director. ($95.00 for the first student, $70.00 for second, third, etc...)

If your student has not played an instrument before, we will be offering an opportunity to try various instruments to determine what fits the student best. The band/orchestra director, along with some of our high school members will be available on August 13th, from 10:00 - noon to assist students in exploring the possible choices. Please email or call the contact below with questions or to sign up for this opportunity.

For students that already play an instrument and want to join one of the groups, an audition can be set up on August 13th or 27th. Beginning band/orchestra members do not have to audition. Those wishing a spot in the intermediate level or jazz band should plan to play for the director. (audition music is a piece of your choosing that you are comfortable with and that shows the level you are at)

Once an instrument has been chosen, it can be purchased used, through the newspaper or at garage sales. If you are interested in renting an instrument, Meyer Music is a good place to start. In addition to an instrument, each member will need a folding music stand and a required music book.

Choir members do not audition but the director will be available on August 27th to meet and answer questions.


Dates and times to remember:

Friday, August 13th - a chance to try instruments and meet the director(s) OR audition for those who wish to be any instrumental group other than beginning band. (10:00 - noon) Morris Baptist Center - 146 Indian Ave - Lawrence.

Friday, August 27th - instrumental auditions for intermediate level groups and jazz band. Morris Baptist Center - 146 Indian Ave - Lawrence.

Friday, September 10th - all the groups begin rehearsing - semester fees are due.

Questions about any of the groups or to sign up, contact:

Martha Bachert - Founder and Executive Director

785-841-6308

encorehomeschool@sbcglobal.net - or

hsmom@sbcglobal.net

Summer and private lessons

We always hope that the kids will practice over the summer but it would also benefit them to take private music lessons. Taking lessons will help them retain what was learned during the year but to also advance to the next level.

The following individuals offer private music instruction:

Emily Bachert - clarinet, snare, xylo, marimba - 1 girlygirl@gmail.com or 785-840-7409

Patty Hamel - piano - pattytyme@hotmail.com or 785-979-2533

Beginning band members that wish to move up to intermediate band must pass an audition in August. The audition piece for that audition is Regal March, in the red band book.

I want to get the orchestra back up and running again. They took second semester off because the director decided to not return after the holidays. If you know of students that would like to be involved in orchestra, have them contact me for information.

Time to get busy!

Hello All Encore Members,

The Blue Ridge Competition is over and it is time to concentrate on the upcoming TEACH Night performance. Please do you best to attend the last three rehearsals, as Mr. Swisher says there is still a lot of work to be done to present a good performance that evening.

Thanks to all the families that helped and/or supported me through the Blue Ridge Festival. It was a success, but without the help of Lana Groundwater, delivering and setting up displays, it would have been much harder for me. So if Lana took one of your entries, please be sure to thank her for her help :o)

Once I have all the results of possible division winners for the festival, I will post the results. I didn't get a chance to write down all the awards that were given that day. If you would like your entry listed with the award you were given, please email me so I can post those.

The Encore Trio (aka "Advanced Ensemble) played a piece at Blue Ridge and played it very well, despite not being allowed to warm-up before performing in front of the judges. They received an "Excellent" award for their performance. More on the other entries in a future post.

See you all on Friday - time to get busy!

No Band this Friday - April 16th

Due to the Blue Ridge Fine Arts Festival, none of the bands will meet this week.

We wish all the members "our best" for their auditions and performances. I will post the results after they are released.

Please plan on attending the last three rehearsals to prepare for TEACH Night.

No Rehearsals this Friday - Good Friday

We will not have rehearsals this Friday - April 2nd - Good Friday.

All groups will meet the following Friday, April 9th.

Happy Easter!

Yes, we do rehearse during spring break

Just a reminder that there are rehearsals during "spring break".

I am still working on a date for our spring recital, which will coincide with TEACH Night.

Stay tuned!