Encore Ensembles' mission is to provide quality music education to all students who may not have direct access to music, including home educated students and students in small schools, including private and charter schools. We believe in helping every child discover and recognize their musical aptitude in a supportive learning environment. Encore Ensembles guides and inspires all students to discover the lifelong joy of making music.
Our History
Encore Ensembles is a team of music educators who provide instrumental music education classes and opportunities for families in the Twin Cities metro area. We partner with schools and homeschool families to provide band lessons and rehearsals.
Encore Ensembles became a stand-alone program in spring 2021. We are not associated with any specific school, church, or homeschool group. We recognize that every school and homeschool group is different and has their own unique identity. Our band programs are set up specifically for each individual school or homeschool.
Encore Ensembles band programs are a performance-based class. Our expert teachers help all our students to become successful - at a pace that fits each individual student. Students receive a lesson as well as ensemble rehearsal each week.
Encore Ensembles through the years, from the perspective of owner Laura Thompson:
13 years ago, as a young music educator I accepted a job teaching in small private schools throughout the Twin Cities metro area.
What is now known as Encore Ensembles program was at the time housed under a completely different company.
I learned quickly that every school has a unique community and environment. No two schools are the same, and the beauty of this program is that we are able to meet the needs of the school community, the students, and the families.
Fast forward to 2016, and this program merged to another small business. I followed as Program Coordinator, and was supporting Encore Ensembles while also teaching music and band full time in a Catholic school, a position I held for 4 years.
Fast forward 2021, in the midst of the pandemic, we found ourselves at a crossroads. I knew this program desperately needed some spark, inspiration, and passion. I took that opportunity and officially rebranded Encore Ensembles under its own entity in 2021. When I found myself designing a new logo and the phrase “Music Education for All” stood out to me. Students in all educational settings, and all school sizes, deserve to have a strong band program with a passionate music educator.
I learned countless lessons through launching this program. I discovered how valuable it is to bring instrumental music to our partner schools and homeschool families.
Though these days I wear many hats as owner and program coordinator of Encore Ensembles, I am first and foremost an educator. Walking alongside my own students in their musical journey is by far the best part of what I do. I am fortunate to see these positive impacts in all of our partner schools. I love the chance to get to know students across our whole program and to see them grow through band.
In 2026, we officially celebrated 5 years as Encore Ensembles.
Through that time we have served hundreds of students. We have expanded our homeschool offerings. We have hosted annual Band Festivals and Honor Bands. The Crow River Youth Band in St. Michael, MN was founded and launched by teacher Nelson Penserga in fall 2025. I saw a desire for a family band option, as so many of our band parents are also musicians. Along with music educator Ryan Lueschen, we launched the Legacy Community Wind Ensemble in Northfield, MN in June 2026.
At the heart of everything we do is community. We build community in our band rooms. We build community by bringing students together in our large group opportunities. We build community with our Encore Ensembles teaching staff. We bring school communities together at concert. We build positive relationships with our students and band families.
It’s about music, but it’s also not about music at all. Thank you to all of our Encore Ensembles teachers and band families for your support through the years!
Laura Thompson
Founder, Program Coordinator, Band Director - Encore Ensembles
Encore Ensembles Band Information
Our Encore Ensembles Bands are for students in 4th grade and up.
No prior musical experience required!
We offer traditional concert band instruments: flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, and percussion. Oboe and bassoon also available, but please communicate with your child’s band director before selecting those instruments.
Playing in an ensemble setting such as a concert band is a unique music experience because we work together to create something bigger than they can accomplish themselves.
This performance-based class is a great way for students to gain confidence and to grow as musicians - and in every aspect of their lives!