Celebrating 5 years of Encore Ensembles!
In 2021, I was gearing up for the first ever spring registration process of Encore Ensembles.
This program’s history began in 1956, as a division of a large music company. I originally became part of the program’s teacher team in 2013, which was my second year teaching. I learned so much as a traveling band director, and found a passion bringing music to non-public school students.
In 2016, the program transferred to a different company, and I took on the role of Program Coordinator.
We endured the COVID-19 pandemic, which was challenging for educators and students across the entire globe. As a teaching staff we accommodated and adjusted. We learned how to use Zoom for band lessons. We especially noticed the value of in-person connections and teaching when it comes to music education.
In spring of 2021, I found myself in a situation where I was going to fully take the program on. Though I was anxious about the idea of leading Encore Ensembles, I knew I could take Encore Ensembles to new heights with my ideas. I learned how to create a website and a registration form, and after meeting with a lawyer, Encore Ensembles, LLC was officially formed on March 2, 2021.
During those 5 years, we restarted our large group events with our Band Festival and Honor Band. We brought on new teachers. We doubled our Encore Ensembles band enrollment. We continued to build our school and homeschool band programs.
Through it all, one thing is clear - music matters. Music changes students’ lives. Music provides a space for kids to express themselves and to be themselves. Music positively shapes kids in countless ways.
My students have taught me so much through the years - much more than they realize. Through these past 5 years I have become a better educator. I find myself pushing myself outside my own comfort zone to try new things, and to encourage my students come along on that journey.
Whether as an ensemble we are learning a John Philip Sousa arrangement in cut time for the very first time, or my students are playing a solo for the first time, or things finally “click” with how to read the music on the page… it all matters.
Encore Ensembles has changed my life. I love the opportunity to bring band and music to students who might not have had that opportunity otherwise. Encore Ensembles is all about community - thank you for being a part of it! Cheers to the next 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 years!
Laura Thompson
Encore Ensembles Owner, Program Coordinator, & Band Director
