CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
All our instructors are experienced managing groups while still making sure each individual student is helped where they are at and that they are challenged. Group sizes vary from typically 3-12 students depending on the type of class (orchestra and theatre classes may be larger).
Our classes are designed to promote strong growth in skills, so practice at home between classes is expected. Each week, instructors provide clear assignment instructions for students to take note of what to practice. Please see What to Expect for information about performances and policies.
Our classes are designed to promote strong growth in skills, so practice at home between classes is expected. Each week, instructors provide clear assignment instructions for students to take note of what to practice. Please see What to Expect for information about performances and policies.
Sign up through the New Student Registration/Student Portal.
THEATER/MUSICAL THEATER/IMPROV
(Instr: Athena Watkins, Danika Starrharrt, Megan Owen, North Gill, Bailee Morrison) 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 (think G rated), 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"! 
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PIANO ALIVE
(Instr: Danika Starrharrt, Bailee Morrison, Sharon Lucas, ) 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 on the grand piano is shared for special class performances. Read more about the method and level systems. SUMMER POWER-UP IMPROV SPECIALS: Keep your piano skills sharp all summer, or begin your piano journey in a fun yet serious environment! This special summer course highlights the speaking part of the musical language (improvisation) and provides tools for off-the-page piano connection through scales, eye opening patterns, and creativity. Improvisation can be approached with the right brain or left brain alike, and we are excited to show you how! Improvisation is an inclusive way to make music together whatever your level may be. If you’ve already been in Piano Alive this course will power you up strongly to your next incoming level. Our fall Piano Alive courses will focus once again on note reading but this summer course will take you on a one of a kind musical adventure. |
SCULPTING
(Instr: Rachel Kitzmiller, Sharon Lucas) In this class, we will develop an understanding of the fundamentals of what clay can and cannot do in its various stages, while making sophisticated, functional pieces of art. We will learn how to build upon a frame and construct personalized sculpture(s). In addition to group instruction, each student will have enough one-on-one instruction with the teacher within classes to plan, form, and refine their own chosen design. We will prepare our projects for final firing and decorating. Students will also have the opportunity to learn to use underglaze on their pieces before the firing. Classes specifically noted as "wheel" will also include time throwing and practicing on the potters' wheel. |
FILMMAKING
(Instr: Julien McGregor) With special emphasis on how to tell a moving story in an exceptional way, this class covers the depths of how to produce a great film. The skills that will be covered include screenplay writing, pre-production (shot design, casting, equipment), production (directing, lighting, audio), and post-production (editing, color grading, audio mastering). Classes collaborate to produce films submitted to festivals, completed over one or multiple seasons, depending on the complexity of each project. Students who continue in this class can expect to be equipped with everything they need to know for a career in filmmaking. | ||
PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY
(instr. Bobbi Randall) Join us as we dive into the art of Portrait Photography. This course will cover both in-studio and natural light topics. We will explore what it means to connect with your subject and how to avoid mistakes that can cost you that perfect shot. This course will cover basic camera settings, with a primary focus on learning the art of Portrait Photography. We’ll cover lighting, posing, setup, composition, editing, creative shooting and defining one’s individual style. Students are encouraged to bring their own camera. We will focus on DSLR cameras as a general rule, but any digital camera can be used for this class. If a student does not have a camera, there will be opportunities to shoot within the class. |
ACRYLIC PAINTING
(Instr: Kelly Kadlec) Each area of study is tailored to student age and level of experience to maximize the learning opportunities in each classroom. ACRYLICS STUDY: This class is tailored around giving each student as much background and exposure to acrylic paint techniques. We focus on the best way to mix the paint and identify colors to start with. How to blend the colors is also key. Then we get into how to identify base coats and how many layers are needed for each area of the painting in order to get the subject matter to really stand out from the background. The subject matter is not always animals but can be anything the class would like to paint. We have painted several subjects, including a self portrait. ANIMAL ACRYLICS: This class is predominantly focused on painting animals in their natural habitat. This is a fun way for students to engage in painting all kinds of wildlife or pets. When choosing subject matter, it is based on the level of difficulty of the student experience level. At times, students will be allowed to bring in their own subject photos to paint from. As in the above class, the focuses are on mixing, identifying colors, blending colors and layering the paint to bring the animal to life. We do get far more detailed on the subject matter in this class if the student so chooses. LANDSCAPE ACRYLICS: The newest class! This class will be ALL landscapes of different shapes and sizes, focusing more on dramatic colors for color mixing, layering, blending colors and some detailing. |
PRE-K ART ADVENTURES
(Instr: Bobbi Randall) This class is designed for the littlest artists in the bunch and a perfect spot to start their artistic journey. These projects will be very age and skill specific with an emphasis on the word adventure. Those fine motor skills will get a boost in this class as we work with pencils, pens, scissors, paintbrushes, rollers, and all the fun tools creating allows. This will be your opportunity to let your child explore all the messiness and fun of art without worrying about the cleanup. Art Adventure sample projects: Painting with objects, exploring textures, color mixing, beginning to draw, story time arts, crayon resistance, beginning watercolors, chalk drawing, claydough and more. |
YOGA
(Instr: Loisann Openshaw) ADULT YOGA: Wish you could kill two birds with one stone? Now you can! While your child takes a class at Encore, you can get your exercise in an adult yoga class. Students in this class will flow through a sequence of yoga postures, linking breath to movement, in order to develop their strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility. Suitable for beginners as well as seasoned practitioners, this yoga class is sure to refresh you. KIDS' YOGA: Designed with elementary-aged children in mind, Kids Yoga weaves various asanas (postures) with playful stories, games, music, and partner work. Students will practice strength-building poses and breathing techniques, all while having fun. The activities will enhance students’ ability to cope with stress. Young yogis will also improve their endurance, balance, focus, and capacity to self-regulate. |
SYMPHONIC BAND & ORCHESTRA
(Instr: Danika Starrharrt) 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. More than 75% of all the repertoire is custom-arranged for each season's group that comes together, by our resident, award-winning composer-conductor. There are multiple symphonic bands and orchestral groups at Encore, for various levels, children, and adults, respectively. |
NOVEL WRITING AND JOURNALISM
(Instr: Megan Owen) Calling all aspiring Austens, Tolkiens, Riordans, and Messengers! Spend your summer weaving stories and building worlds with Encore Creative Center! Bring your idea to life on the page as we incorporate the Snowflake Method to write the novel you've been planning. We will also work as a team to write articles, spotlights, and inserts for Encore's new 'Zine, publishing at the end of the summer. |
KNITTING
(Instr: Athena Watkins) Folks have enjoyed knitting for centuries, and for good reason! Learn to create your own wearable, decorative, and useful items with this stress-relieving activity. Students will learn to knit and purl stitch, and how to read basic patterns to create their projects. |
EXPLORING ART MEDIUMS: 2D and 3D
(instr. Bobbi Randall) This course will explore the basics of 2D and 3D art with an emphasis on trying out different mediums. Children who love to build and create in new ways will find this a perfect place to explore. There will be many opportunities here for putting individual artistic touches on their creations, while working within a guided specific set of instructions. Although many students will find one or two art techniques they would like to dive further into, others will thrive on the variety this class offers and will enjoy continuing to try out all the options with new projects each week. By the end of each session, children will gain a better understanding of following directions, their own personal art preferences and they’ll probably be seeing every box and scrap as a new art opportunity. 2D projects sample list: Colored pencil sketching, chalk drawings, multi-medium canvas collage, acrylic painting, watercolor basics and color mixing, crayon resistance, print making, shrink arts, card making and more. 3D project sample list: Salt painting, polymer clay, airdry clay, paper mache, floral arranging, woodworking, cardboard creations, dioramas and more. |
LEGO CREATION
(Instr: Megan Owen) Students will exercise their creative minds within the limits of bricks to not only follow but also make their own patterns and designs, engineering art and moving parts. |
INTRO TO DRUMMING
(Instr. Nate Stein) Students are invited to join the exciting world of musical expression through drumming. Students will have the chance to learn basic patterns on hand drums, drum set, buckets, and other percussion instruments. Students will also learn to play complementary parts in an ensemble. A variety of musical genres from around the world will be presented, including rock, jazz, Brazilian, Latin, and much more. |
KNITTING & WEAVING
(Instr: Carrie Walker) The knitting and weaving course will run students through multiple skill sets from beginner to intermediate stitches. We’ll begin by weaving on cardboard and create a loom using basic weaving techniques and using various yarns and color to implement the perfect design for your first loom! After that we’ll transition into circular weaving and students will utilize the skills they’ve just learn and create circular art decor. The last portion of the class we’ll switch to knitting and learn how to knit basic stitches into a square and then another project depending on the weeks allotted for the course! |
INTRICATE JEWELRY MAKING
(Instr: Carrie Walker) Using classic materials and polymer clay, this class teaches how to join, chain, and combine leather, metal, stone, glass, and more into original designs to wear and share. |
BEGINNING CLOGGING
(Instr: Kate Haderlie) Clogging is a highly rhythmic, uniquely American dance form. Students will learn fundamental clogging steps and 2 short dance routines in this summer session. Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily and bring a water bottle. Students should wear flat-soled sneakers or tennis-shoes with little to no tread. Clogging shoes are welcome but not required. |
TEXTILE ARTS & FASHION DESIGN
(Instr: Carrie Walker) In these introductory level textile art and craft course, students will develop skills related to using differing fabrics to create wearables and works of art! In this class we'll use traditional and experimental materials to explore techniques such as weaving, embroidery, piecing and applique. |
OIL PAINTING and WATERCOLOR
(Instr: Carrie Walker) Feel welcome in our nurturing and inspiring art studio! Whether you're new to painting or re-awakening a passion, these classes offer a unique fear-free method that teaches beginners to paint and seasoned painters more advanced approaches, tips and tricks to painting in oils. In the first half of the course we'll cover basic techniques in a step-by-step, easy to learn method. The second half of the season we'll move to a painting of choice that's either an animal or still life to utilize those skills you just acquired! |
DRAWING
(Instr: Lisa Cheney; North Gill) Students will learn fundamental drawing techniques while using both their intuition and feelings to create abstract/symbolic drawings, followed up with an exploration of the Elements of Art and Principles of Design to create more realistic drawings. They will begin to understand how artists see the world and how they translate what they see onto the paper. They will explore these concepts through the use of different materials like pencil, pen, marker, charcoal, colored pencil, and ink. |
ILLUSTRATION & DESIGN
(Instr: Jocelyn Singleton, Carrie Walker) You have power as an artist! Whether you’re a beginning or experienced artist, this class will give you the tools you need to make intentional art. Learn how to design art that engages viewers, communicates a visual message, and organizes information in a beautiful way. Projects will explore a mix of different mediums, and will be tailored to student abilities and interests whenever possible. |
WORSHIP BAND
(Instr: Nate Stein) Students will learn: how to harmonize/contribute tasteful instrumental accompaniment by ear, and how to select, transpose, and lead music in front of a group with confidence. The class will function as if it were a worship music practice session. Each student will have the opportunity to be the worship leader. Each class teaches ideas for both the leader and followers on how to work together as a team and use their particular instrument in a way that contributes to the arrangement as a whole. Each week, students are sent with a list of YouTube songs for listening as part of assignments. All instruments (and vocalists) are welcome! |
UKULELE / GUITAR
(Instr: Michael Simon, 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: Danika Starrharrt, Sharon Lucas, Bailee Morrison, North Gill) 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! These groups are not only led from experience as a choir director but also as an award winning composer and singer-songwriter, so practices are known to be dynamic and energizing. In the words of one of our vocal ensemble members: “Danika’s passion for music is amazing, her talent and perseverance shine, her creativity and humor make it so fun, and her discipline keeps us grounded. I’ve been so blessed to be part of this group!” |
POLYMER CLAY
(Instr: Rachel Kitzmiller) Create your own beads and figurines while learning about color properties and clay techniques, including marbling, millefiori, and miniature sculpture. |
SONGWRITING
(Instr: Nate Stein, Emily Bateman, Danika Starrharrt) Create catchy tunes with a team, learning all about song form and what makes melodies meaningful. Students will learn the needed music theory and laws of poetry and rhythm to write songs of their own, using the circle of fifths and more. |
VISUAL JOURNALING
(Instr: Lisa Cheney) In this class, students create their own book by binding specialty papers and then filling them out with all kinds of media, collaging, drawing, and writing meaningfully. |
ARTISAN 101
(Instr: Carrie Walker) This class offers a sampling of several art mediums for young learners to grow and experiment uniquely through pen & ink, pencils, markers, illustration, watercolor, and more. Students will learn basic brush techniques, paper prep with various kinds of papers, color theory, color mixing, drawing techniques, value, shading, and scale. |
ART HISTORY
(Instr: Mary Allen) Students will explore a variety of great artists including Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keefe, Vincent Van Gogh, Salvador Dali, Frida Kahlo, Henri Matisse, Andy Warhol and more. Each week we will discover one artist and then create our own artwork in the style of that artist. Students will come away with knowledge of artists and their styles as well as hands-on experience with a variety of mediums. |
MIXED MEDIA WATERCOLOR
(Instr: Lisa Cheney) Many kinds of watercolor, oils, textures, and inks combine for ultimate creative license and stunning results. Basic to advanced design and drawing principles are taught through this no-two-classes-ever-alike multi-media adventure. |
CREATIVE DANCE
(Instr: Micah Taylor) Creative dance increases total body connectivity while allowing dancers to think for themselves and be active problem-solvers. Students will explore one movement concept each week building a comprehensive movement vocabulary each season. Students will revisit movement concepts as they continue for multiple seasons, deepening understanding and skill development with each iteration. Each class includes a proper warm-up and cool down, movement skill development, and creative choice-making throughout. |
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS
(Instr: Megan Owen) Storytelling comes to life in the world of Dungeons & Dragons! Embark on an epic adventure to explore new worlds, meet new characters, and develop skills your student never knew they were capable of all through the lens of their own creativity and imagination. Through extensive character work and improv, your student will develop a well rounded character complete with strengths, weaknesses, fear, and flaws. They will embody this character and through role play and acting, take them on a journey of trials, triumphs, and growth. Using their imagination, students will lead the story and their adventuring party on a quest for heroes. Their journey will be mapped by the decisions their character makes, the interactions they have with both their party and the NPCs they meet, and the nuanced backstory they create and then put into motion. Their imaginations will run wild as they create a story and act it out each week in class! This semester-long class will take students through an age appropriate campaign to defeat dragons and save the realm! This creative outlet for play allows your student to develop their skills as an actor as they learn to speak, think, and act as their character would while also building confidence and encouraging self expression. Through the art of play, students will bring their character to life! This is a game of villains and heroes, fantasy and imagination! While our campaign will be age appropriate, there will be monsters to slay and villages to save. To ensure that this is a safe space for all, we will remove any mention of the various pantheons throughout the realm. There is still great material to work with, and our clerics and paladins can draw their strength and power from light and the good of those in the realm. |
WRITING ARTS
(Instr: Jennifer McGregor) CREATIVE WRITING: In this class, students will be taugh: storytelling through poetry and short stories; hearing the rhythm in our words and our writing; early poetry writing (the use of metaphors and similes); and basic story writing techniques. In the story writing portion of our curriculum, there will be lessons on storyboarding; expanding on our ideas; cause and effect; and character development. Finally, with older age classes, students will be taught the many career path choices available and the industries in which creative writing is used. STORIES AND SCRIPTS: In this class you will learn: event and character creation and development; story and plot development; the difference between event driven story versus character driven stories; and expanding and reducing ideas and writing depending on story or script formats. We will practice and discuss “Good” story writing versus “Great” story writing. (Not just writing your characters, but living in the shoes of your characters) We will touch on: advanced character development through the perspective of different characters within your story; side characters - their purpose and reason; and antagonist development and why we should care. Students will also be taught an intro into screenplay formatting and converting stories into screenplays. POETRY (TEENS): We will discuss and practice different styles and forms of poetry, emphasis on Lyrics and Free Verse styles. We will learn the differences between metaphors and similes and their uses. Students will be taught the use of adjectives to be more specific or vague, depending on the purpose of your poem. You will learn how to take a moment and freeze time or expand it through thought and words. Students will also be taught stylistic writing - developing your own style and rhythm to paint a picture with words. SCREENWRITING: In this course, you will learn: proper basic formatting and helpful available software; different styles of storytelling; event and character creation and development; dialoguing; continuity; and three act script writing. Students will also be taught about the film industry and the part you play in it. You will learn about Indie films versus Studio films and how your writing is affected and who your audience is. We will discuss how to relinquish creative control, and work with other departments (and which departments you work closely with). We will practice “Script Doctoring” from simple edits to full rewrites. Students will be taught about writing credits versus creator credits; how to protect your work as a professional; and submitting your work to festivals. JOURNALISM: In this course, students will learn different forms and styles of journalism: “Puff Pieces”, Opinion Pieces, Biographic and Geographic Documentary pieces, and the hard hitting Expose. You will learn how to cite your sources and how to use quotes within your story. We'll cover different interviewing and questioning techniques to get the information you're looking for. We will discuss the Do’s and Don’t of Journalism with emphasis on slander and defamation and how that affects you, as the writer. We will discuss how Journalism is used in modern day; from the internet to magazine, and television to social media and even YouTube. |
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