Encore has joined forces with the Washington Conservatory of Music to bring our newest Encore Chorale to WCM's Glen Echo Park campus.  The Chorale will rehearse on Mondays from 1:00pm - 2:30pm, beginning April 12th.  The Spring season will be an abbreviated one, with seven weeks of rehearsals. The Chorale will follow the normal 15 week rehearsal season, followed by public performances, beginning in September.

The Washington Conservatory of Music was established as a non-profit music school in 1984.  In 1991 the Washington Conservatory was accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music Commission on non-degree granting institutions, a distinction it proudly maintains today. Through the years the Conservatory has evolved to become an open-door admission policy school. Students of all ages and levels may study without audition under the guidance of WCM’s esteemed international artist-faculty.  WCM currently serves approximately five hundred students and fifty faculty members. Lessons are now offered in Bethesda and the District of Columbia.

The Washington Conservatory of Music believes that music-making can be a model for peaceful cooperation in the world. Its international faculty develops every person’s innate musical gifts by challenging experienced students and uplifting new musicians of all ages. The Conservatory reflects and enriches the cosmopolitan city of Washington with concerts, individual study, and ensemble playing.

Glen Echo Park began in 1891 as a National Chautauqua Assembly, teaching the sciences, arts, languages and literature. By the early 1900s, Glen Echo Park had become a premier amusement park, serving the Washington D.C. area until 1968. In 1971, after the federal government obtained the land, the National Park Service began managing the Park. The National Park Service collaborated with artists and arts organizations to create a rich arts program in the spirit of the original Chautauqua movement. Today, the Park's programs and facilities are managed by the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture, Inc., a nonprofit organization, while the National Park Service continues its role in managing the grounds and providing historical interpretation. The mission of the Glen Echo Park Partnership is to present vibrant artistic, cultural and educational programs at Glen Echo Park and to promote the Park as a unique destination for our region's diverse population. The Partnership nurtures a dynamic community of artists and performers while preserving and managing historic facilities within this unique National Park.

Encore is proud to be affiliated with these outstanding organizations.  Register for the Chorale by calling WCM at 301-320-2770.  For more information click here.

Encore is pleased to welcome our third affiliate organization! Director Brian Bacon plans to launch several Encore Chorale programs in the Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee areas. The first two are in Pleasant Hill and Oak Ridge:

The Uplands Encore Chorale, begins March 30th at the Uplands Retirement Village in Pleasant Hill, TN. The Chorale will rehearse weekly on Tuesdays 10:00-11:30 A.M. Download a registration form here.

The Oak Ridge Encore Chorale begins April 15th at the United Church, Chapel on the Hill, 85 Kentucky Avenue, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830, The Chorale will rehearse on Thursdays, 10:30am - Noon. Download a registration form here.

Or for more information, contact Brian at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone 931-783-3974.

Mr. Bacon has been the Director of Worship, Director of Music and Liturgy, and Director of Music for many churches throughout the Tennessee and Missouri area including: St. Mark the Evangelist (Independence, MO), Our Lady of Guadalupe (St. Joseph, MO), Sand Branch United Methodist (Knoxville, TN), United Church: Chapel On the Hill (Oak Ridge, TN) and First Christian Church: Disciples of Christ (Rockwood, TN). He is a well-established conductor and singer who has performed throughout the United States and Mexico. Mr. Bacon has performed twice with the New England Symphonic Ensemble in the world famous Carnegie Hall in New York City and has had the opportunity to take two of his own choirs to perform in that same venue. His education includes Roane State Community College (Harriman, TN), where he received the Outstanding Musician Award and conducted the Roane State Chamber Choir; and Maryville College (Maryville, TN), where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Music. Mr. Bacon is a member of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians and the American Choral Director’s Association.

Start your summer singing! Encore Creativity returns to St. Mary’s College of Maryland for our Third Annual Summer “Sleep Away” Choral Camp for Older Adults, June 15-19, 2010. Whether you have sung your entire life, or have not sung for quite a few years—whatever your level of experience is — you will love Encore Camp. The instructors are patient, knowledgeable and entertaining. In five days they will mold the group into a polished choral ensemble, ready to perform!

Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to work with dynamic conductor Jeanne Kelly, founder and director of Encore Creativity for Older Adults, and other esteemed faculty.

…Or end your summer singing! Encore’s Third Annual Camp at the famed Chautauqua Institution will be the week of August 30—September 3, 2010. As in previous years, Jeanne Kelly will share conductor responsibilities with Barry Talley, retired Director of Musical Activities at the U.S. Naval Academy.

Download complete information brochures and registration forms here.

Encore welcomes Paul L. Nelson, AIC, CPCU as the newest member of our Board of Directors. Mr. Nelson’s career in the insurance industry spans over forty years and includes experience with liability claims, and risk management. He has been the Executive Director of the ACA Insurance Trust, Inc., since 1991.

Mr. Nelson has also served as Claims Director and Insurance Administrator for the National Food Processors Association in Washington, DC. Prior to NFPA, he was a claims adjuster and supervisor for Aetna Life and Casualty Insurance Company’s Washington, DC office.

Mr. Nelson has earned the professional designation Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter through studies sponsored by the American Institute. He also earned the designation of Associate in Claims from the American Insurance Institute.

Mr. Nelson has published numerous articles for counselors that describe the experience of practitioners, and sound ways to avoid liability difficulties./p>

A Vietnam veteran and graduate of Mankato State University (MN), Mr. Nelson currently lives in Arlington, VA with wife Virginia.

Mr. Nelson has been affiliated with Encore for several years and will make a significant contribution to Encore’s board as Encore continues to grow and expand across the country.

Chorale Locations