Unlike many choral organizations, Encore doesn't take the summer off. Every year, Encore offers five- or six-day Summer Institutes, or "Summer Sleep-Away Camps," as the singers like to call them. The days are consumed by morning exercise or yoga classes, choral rehearsals, sight reading classes, and vocal technique workshops, just to name a few of the activities. In the evening, Encore brings in a variety of musical performers, from classical, to American Song Book, World Music and more. This is also a great opportunity for singers to socialize and get to know each other.
The Eastern Shore of Maryland is a beautiful place, and Chestertown is one of its jewels. With a colonial history dating back to the 17th century, Chestertown, Maryland is proud of its maritime heritage. Sitting on the banks of the Chester River, sailing ships can still be seen coming into port. The city is the home of the Schooner Sultana, an exact replica of an 18th century ship that served in the British Royal Navy, now operating as an educational vessel. Washington College has plenty of history itself having been founded in 1782 with major funding by General George Washington, who also lent his name to the new institution.
Washington College has become a summer tradition for Encore as we kick off the season with the first of three summer "sleepaway" camps. Encore campers will have five days to immerse themselves in all this history while having a great time learning and performing new music.
