Encore is excited to announce the January 2021 implementation of new technology, developed by a nonprofit organization at Stanford University, that will enable our singers to rehearse online while hearing each other sing in real-time.  JackTrip Virtual Studio is a tool for musicians that enables them to produce music together over common Internet connections. It delivers high-quality sound with a minimal time delay so that musicians can keep the beat and stay in harmony. It can make it sound like you are in the same room next to each other, even when you are actually hundreds of miles apart. The Virtual Studio service was originally developed for a chorus of over 200 members. While proper scalability testing is ongoing, initial tests indicate that it can support hundreds of musicians performing together.

Encore intends to use JackTrip Virtual Studio in conjunction with our normal Zoom rehearsals.  Participants will see each other on Zoom, as normal, but sound will be transmitted via JackTrip.  Participants will be required to purchase a Virtual Studio device from the JackTrip Foundation for $150. Participants will also need certain peripheral devices listed here and must be able to connect the Virtual Studio device to the internet using a standard ethernet cable (the Virtual Studio device will not work on WiFi).

On December 4th, Encore conducted an orientation session to provide prospective participants with a more detailed overview and instructions.  If you missed it, please consult your weekly class links email.  If you are not a currently registered Encore University participant, contact Encore at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You may also review JackTrip Frequently Asked Questions HERE. 

Please let us know of your plans to participate by completing our short questionnaire HERE.  We emphasize this will be entirely optional. We will continue to conduct rehearsals and classes as we have been.

Register now for Spring Semester.

With an array of new exciting courses, and introducing some new instructors, Encore is pleased to announce the Spring 2021 Semester of Encore University. 

You have come to expect exciting repertoire and you will get it!   Chorale will rehearse “Gloria Patria” from Schubert’s Magnificat, “There is Sweet Music” by Lightfoot, “Over the Rainbow” arranged by Audrey Snyder, “Pure Imagination” from the 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, “Caged Bird,” based on a Maya Angelou text, “The Artist Teaches Us All” by Patterson and “Make Them Hear You” from the musical Ragtime, arranged by Mark Hayes.   This music is going to be so much fun to sing online and for the May virtual concert. 

ROCKS singers will have a blast rehearsing “Turn Turn Turn,” “River Deep, Mountain High,” “More Than a Feeling,” “Dedicated to the One I Love,” “Good Lovin’,” and “Listen to the Music.”

Sentimental Journey Singers, a chorus designed for those with early Alzheimer’s or other memory impairment, will delight the singers and their care partners, singing “It Had to Be You,” “High Hopes,”
“Mambo Italiano,” and “What a Wonderful World.”

Classes will include an eight-week study of great choral masterworks from the Renaissance to the Romantic Period with Brian Isaac.  David Simmons will lead a three-week study of 20th and 21st century choral masterworks.  And Tom Teasley, world percussionist, will conduct a fun “Rhythm Happy Hour.”  Jeff Dokken will review beginning theory and move into intermediate theory.  We will have “Yoga for Singers,” “Music and Movement,”  a 15 week class on Black Classical Composers from the Renaissance to the present, Vocal Technique taught by five different voice teachers, a mini class on Gregorian Chant, and a nostalgic rock & roll history class called “California Dreamin’.”  Encore will keep you engaged!

AND: Encore is pleased to announce a pilot program using new technology that will enable those who participate in the program to rehearse and sing together. That's right. Participants will be able to sing along with and hear their fellow singers during rehearsals.  As the technology is currently in "beta" (pre-release), Encore anticipates a phased rollout over the course of the semester.  Those who choose to participate will also have to purchase directly from the source special equipment (cost in the $150-200 range, depending on what components you may already have).  Encore will be releasing full details and will also schedule an orientation session to explain the technology soon.

Encore asks that you please assist the planning effort by registering as soon as possible.  This enables Encore to plan how many sets of sheet music and CDs to purchase.  As an added incentive, there will be a phased increase in tuition costs. The longer you wait, the higher the tuition you will pay.  Tuition will also include the cost of shipping and handling for the sheet music. Details are in the table to the right.

 DOWNLOAD COURSE CATALOG AND SCHEDULE-AT-A-GLANCE HERE

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

IF YOU ARE AN SJS CAREGIVER, YOU DO NOT NEED TO REGISTER, BUT YOU CALL 301-261-4747 TO ORDER YOUR MUSIC