Wilmington older adults who love to sing can power up their voices when Encore Creativity for Older Adults, America’s largest choral organization for adults over age 55, launches its new Encore Chorale of Wilmington at the historic Trinity Episcopal Church.
The Chorale will sing a fun and eclectic mix of music in many styles and from many different eras.
Encore is accepting registration now for the 15-week in-person program of singing, which will begin Jan. 13. The program will be led by David Simmons, the new music director at Trinity Episcopal Church and former associate artistic director at Encore. With more than 30 years of experience as a conductor, organist and pianist in the Washington, D.C. area, Mr. Simmons has worked with numerous musical organizations, such as the Choral Arts Society of Washington, the Washington Chorus, the Washington National Opera and the Congressional Chorus, where he served as Artistic Director for 14 seasons. He has conducted at many venues, including the White House and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
No auditions are necessary. Encore’s mission is to provide an accessible arts education and performance opportunities for older adults regardless of ability or experience. For those who prefer to sing virtually, Encore is also offering its Encore University, a comprehensive online program of singing plus enrichment courses in music history, music theory, dance and movement classes and more. Encore Chorale of Wilmington singers can combine both in-person singing with online classes for a full musical experience.
“Singing is so uplifting for older adults, especially those who live alone, and we are thrilled to bring our in-person and online programs to Wilmington,” said Joshua Vickery, CEO of Encore Creativity for Older Adults, an Annapolis-based non-profit organization celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2022.
Encore Chorale of Wilmington will meet at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1108 North Adams Street, on Thursdays, starting January 13th, 2022, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Free parking is available in the church parking lot. Tuition is $190 per person for the 15-week session. Tuition for the 10-week all-inclusive online program with up to 150 classes is $185.00 per semester per person. Encore Chorale of Wilmington will follow all City, State and Federal Covid-19 guidelines. For more information and registration, visit EncoreCreativity.org or call 301-261-5747.
Founded in 2007, Encore Creativity for Older Adults has more than 1,500 singers in 26 in-person ensembles across the nation, including Chorales and ROCKS programs and Sentimental Journey Singers, a choir for those with early Alzheimer’s and memory impairment, a vibrant online university, plus summer camp, winter retreat and travel abroad programs.