Class Descriptions:
MUSIC
RECORDING PRODUCTION
(Instr: Darren Reynolds) Develop a solid foundation for digital recording using industry-standard tools and techniques. We will cover recording topics such as mic selection and micing techniques for vocals, guitar, and drums, along with studio workflow in a hybrid recording environment. Learn the basics of mixing music in Pro Tools(r) digital audio workstation, including use of common audio processing and mixing techniques. Finally, Learn the basics of mastering music for final release, and an intro to navigating the current music distribution landscape. |
SINGER-SONGWRITERS
(Instr: North Gill) Learn to get ditties out from your head, build chord charts, and write songs! We will study multiple genres and instruments as well as how to write lyrics. Being proficient with an instrument or knowing how to sing is recommended, but not required. |
PIANO ALIVE
(Instr: Bailee Morrison, Danika Starrharrt, Kristin Jenkins, North Gill) Students learn chording and notation, theory for creativity, and group playing skills in a fun yet discipline-oriented environment. Musical movement and percussion is incorporated for younger age groups. Classical piece performance and songwriting are incorporated in older age groups. Each student has access to their own center-provided keyboard during classes, and time is allotted for special class performances. Each session runs 8 weeks followed by the opportunity to "test up" in a separate event and receive a medal for levels passed. Piano Alive connects students with a range of learning styles to music as a whole, with piano as the tool to express themselves and experience excellence in technique, application of amazing theory that matters, and the joy of group playing. This refreshing method has been developed over the past several years by full time instructor and pianist Danika Starrharrt, Encore's founder-director. The results are proven to provide an exceptional foundation and creative springboard in piano -- the kind of inspirational pedagogy we wished we would've had in past generations! Read more about the method and level systems. |
BEGINNING AND ADVANCED
ALL-INSTRUMENT BAND (Instr: Mike Harris) More than a community or school band experience, these ensembles incorporate an in-depth study of theory, tone, transposition, and artistic values of cooperative music. All of the repertoire is custom arranged for each season's group by members of the ensemble. We perform a wide variety of music including pop, jazz, classical, and music from around the world. These groups are divided by performers ability and schedule availability. No auditions are required! |
ROCK BAND
(Instr: Cody Hazelle) In this class, students will learn how to play in a band together by learning songs as a group, with performances at the middle and end of the semester. Some knowledge/experience of preferred instrument required. |
VOCAL AND INSTRUMENTAL BAND
(Instr. Bailee Morrison) Description coming soon! |
BEGINNING GUITAR / BEGINNING UKULELE
(Instr: North Gill) Pick up that instrument you've had sitting in the corner and start playing! In this class, you'll learn all the skills you need to start playing songs for your family and friends. Learn instrument care, tuning, basic chords, strums, fingerpicking patterns, music theory, and more. Please bring your own instrument, or contact us for rental availability. 
VIOLIN/VIOLA GROUP CLASSES
(Instr. Melanie Henry) LEVEL 1: This course is designed for beginning violin and viola students ages 7-13 who have no strings experience. Students will learn basic note reading, rhythm, bow technique, and intonation. This course will help students learn to play in an ensemble setting. LEVEL 2: This course is designed for violin and viola students who have completed the level 1 class or have had 1-2 years playing experience. Students will continue to develop rhythm skills, bow technique, intonation and their understanding of music theory. This course will help students play in an ensemble setting. |
UKULELE / GUITAR STRUM CLUB
(Instr: Sharon Lucas) In this class group, beginning-intermediate players learn tuning, technique, rhythm, scales, chords, basic notation, improvisation, and song form. Students will play as an ensemble and learn to read and create their own strum patterns and fingerpicking patterns. As the class advances, the repertoire will consist of folk, pop, and classical adaptations. 
CHOIRS & VOCAL ENSEMBLES
(Instr: Bailee Morrison, North Gill, Vanessa Morse) Join us to empower your voice, make friends, and have some beautiful fun! Singers will explore harmony, practice professional pop and classical vocal techniques, and learn as many enjoyable songs as can be packed into each season. Our vocal ensembles are not too large, which means your voice matters, and there are also plenty of soloing opportunities! Practices are known to be dynamic and energizing. |
TRADITIONAL YOUTH CHOIR
(instr. Vanessa Morse) (ages 5-8) - Students will learn the basics of sight reading as they learn choral literature ranging from classical to popular genres such as musical theatre and film music! (ages 9-14) - Students will learn sight reading using Kodaly method as well as part singing where they will learn to sing independently while listening to the other parts around them. Students will learn to sing choral literature from Musical Theatre to popular film scores. The students will perform at the end of the semester to showcase what they have learned. 
MUSICAL THEATRE
(Instr: Athena Watkins, Megan Case, Sharon Lucas) Get ready to sing, dance, and act your heart out in this class! Students will learn the fundamentals of creating a character, learning choreography, and singing with confidence. We will practice thinking on our toes with improvisation games, build the skills to "fill a space" with our voices, and prepare performance pieces. Our production stories are all family-friendly, and full of fun and action. Each season culminates with a big public show during our all-day Encore festivals! Come join us and become a "triple threat"! ADVANCED MUSICAL THEATRE: This new class will provide students continued growth and development in their acting and technical skills through a hands-on approach to musical theatre. This collaborative class will allow for students to have more creative license, challenging them to be involved in every aspect of the production from script choices to directing and even choreography and costuming! This is a 13+ class, younger students with musical theatre experience are admitted upon instructor approval. TAP DANCE AND MUSICAL THEATRE COMBO: Description coming soon! |
MINI CHOIR
(Instr: Bailee Morrison, North Gill) Children's choir can help your child find their own unique voice in a fun group setting. Singers will learn proper vocal technique, including good posture, breath support, and a clear open tone. They will also enjoy learning rhythms, basic music theory, and fun songs to perform together. 
MUSICAL THEATRE VOCAL TRAINING
(Instr: North Gill) Description coming soon! 
BOOMWHACKERS AND MUSIC SAMPLER
(Instr: Bailee Morrison, Katie Backer) Calling all singers! In this class, the instructor will lead students in singing lessons, ranging from warm-ups, breathing techniques, piano/forte dynamics, stage presence tips, and blending as a choir. We will work through various pieces of music (with tracks and/or acapella) and explore rhythm and percussion with boom whackers. Come with a smile and get ready to make some great memories singing (and boom whacking) with friends! |
MUSIC AND MOVEMENT
(Instr: Katie Backer) Get an early start on music education! In this class, young learners will have the opportunity to learn introductory singing and dancing techniques and styles. Katie has been a singer all her life and has taught a variety of kids’ music and movement classes. Expect to sing, laugh, and dance a lot! Don’t forget your water bottle and comfortable shoes. We’re gonna get moving! |
MUSIC AND ART COMBO
(Instr: Sharon Lucas) Description coming soon! |
