Encore Creativity Corporation is pleased to announce the appointment of Joshua Vickery as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the organization. Vickery will begin his position on October 18, 2021.
“The Board of Directors of Encore is very pleased to present Joshua Vickery as the new CEO of Encore,” said Anthony Tambasco, President, Encore Board of Directors. “Joshua is the right person at the right time to take over the reins, and move Encore from its founders to the next generation. He was himself a founder of a very diverse arts community, so he comes with vast experience and a passion for continuing, growing, and leading Encore. His conversations with the Board reveal that he wants to hit the ground running. We welcome him and relish the promise he brings for the future.”
Vickery is a vocalist, actor, teacher, producer, musical director, arts administrator, and conductor. His love of music and the arts has allowed him to have an extraordinary career thus far. He holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Vocal Performance, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in General Education/Music. Vickery has been a featured soloist in countless venues, produced musical recordings, and has been a director of numerous productions. He has been an entertainment leader, casting director, and vocal coach for Walt Disney Entertainment. He also serves as a consultant for other arts organizations in their beginning stages and a voice for local, state, and national arts advocacy. Vickery has received numerous leadership and community accolades and serves on multiple state and national boards.
“I am so excited to begin at Encore, to honor the incredible legacy of Jeanne Kelly, and to build on its foundation for impact into the future,” stated Vickery. “The mission and vision of Encore Creativity is one that is valuable and needed, and I am thrilled to be joining the team. I hope to bring my experience and passions to the table to have great influence across our nation.”
Vickery is currently wrapping up his service as Executive Director of Central Florida Community Arts (CFCArts), an organization which he founded in 2010. This organization consists of thousands of artists in multiple choirs; an adult and youth symphony orchestra; children/youth arts program; theatre; School of Performing Arts and programs for seniors, vulnerable communities and arts and wellness.
Retiring Founder and Artistic Director, Jeanne Kelly, is excited by this new direction in leadership.
“Joshua is the consummate CEO. He has enjoyed 11 amazing years building CFCArts into a powerhouse,” Jeanne said. “He has had a keen interest in Encore for three years, watching our growth and success. His ideas of national expansion and strengthening our existing programs know no boundaries. Joshua will get the job done!”
We extend a warm welcome to our new CEO Joshua Vickery!
Encore Creativity is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian J. Isaac as the new Artistic Director. Isaac came onboard beginning September 7, 2021 to fill the vacancy of retiring Founder and Artistic Director, Jeanne Kelly.
“The Board of Directors of Encore is very pleased to present Brian Isaac as the new Artistic Director of Encore,” said Anthony Tambasco, President. “Those who participated in Encore University last fall already met Brian in the courses he offered. He is smart, well organized, impeccably trained, experienced, sensitive in his work with chorales, and committed to the mission of Encore Creativity. We welcome him and look forward to his taking over the leadership of our many chorales.”
Isaac holds a Master of Music in Music Education from the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University, and a Bachelor of Music Education from Old Dominion University. A former Marine, Brian also holds a Bachelor of Science in English from the United States Naval Academy.
“I am humbled and honored to be selected as Artistic Director with Encore Creativity for Older Adults, following in the footsteps of the incredible Jeanne Kelly,” stated Isaac. “ For the past 15 years, Jeanne and the Encore team have developed a world-class organization dedicated to creating meaningful music education and performance opportunities for older adults. Encore’s mission resonates with me deeply, and its work in supporting those living with early-stage dementia, as well as their families and caregivers, is particularly inspiring. I sincerely look forward to getting to know and work with the talented, enthusiastic, and dedicated musicians in the Encore community soon.”
Read more: Encore Names Brian Isaac Artistic Director
Annapolis, MD— August 16, 2021 — Nearly 15 years ago, Jeanne Kelly began with an idea, while sitting at her dining room table. Today, that concept, Encore Creativity for Older Adults, has grown into the nation’s largest nonprofit choral arts organization for older adults. As founder and Artistic Director, Kelly has shepherded Encore to a level that has exceeded even her own expectations. Now, having created an incredible legacy, she has decided it is the time to retire.
“I believe in the power of music to make a better world. So, it is with great sadness and joy that I announce my retirement as Artistic Director of Encore Creativity for Older Adults,” stated Kelly. “Encore has been the pinnacle of my career and has created so many fabulous memories.”
Under Kelly’s leadership with support from her husband Larry Kelly, Encore has grown to 22 local chorales across Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, and New York; plus, affiliates in Hudson, Ohio; Littleton and Highland Park, Colorado and Santa Clarita, California. An estimated 2000 singers participate in this artistic enrichment program. Highlights of the past years include concert tours that have taken chorales to locations in Europe, including Bath, England; the Czech Republic; Vienna, Austria; and Rouen, France; as well as Cuba, Canada and more. These trips helped to forge international friendships and made lasting musical reminiscences. Other high points have included concerts in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall; and summer camps at St. Johns College, Annapolis, Maryland; Washington College, Chestertown, Maryland; and the Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua, New York. Kelly and faculty members always stressed excellence with a goal to present older adult singers in the highest standards. Even with the impact of Covid Encore stayed focus, creating Encore University, an online program that allowed older adults across the country to be engaged and continue learning throughout the lockdown.
Read more: Encore Founder Jeanne Kelly to Step Down
Encore Resumes In-Person Rehearsals and Concerts in the Fall
PLEASE NOTE YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO SHOW PROOF OF COVID VACCINATION TO PARTICIPATE IN ENCORE PROGRAMS.
Encore has returned to live rehearsals for the first time since March, 2020. Rehearsals are underway. For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The Fall Semester began on Tuesday, September 7th. For specific location/program information, click on the Programs menu button near the top of this page.
Because Encore University was such a success and attracted participants from across the country, we are continuing to offer a somewhat more limited version in the fall. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FALL 2021 ENCORE UNIVERSITY COURSE CATALOG
Welcome back, everyone!
Encore is the nation's largest choral organization for adults over the age of 55.
Encore's mission is to provide an excellent and accessible artistic environment for older adults, regardless of experience or ability, who seek arts education and performance opportunities under a professional artist.
All Encore programs are conducted by professionals who know how to get the most from their members. So come join the excitement, either as a beginner or at an advanced level. This is a great way to develop or improve your musical abilities, meet new friends, and look forward to an exciting performance schedule.
You’re never too old to try something new—and have the time of your life!
Encore is an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax exempt organization.
