Leading an Encore performance trip is easy. Whether a choir, orchestra, band, or other ensemble, our staff takes care of the pre-trip details and planning, freeing you to focus on preparing your group to perform. Your ensemble’s unique spirit inspires its finest performances. As a director, you know that spirit better than anyone. That’s why the Encore team works closely with you or your alternate Group Leader to plan custom-created trips that match your group’s goals, interests, and performance strengths. What to Expect Part of delivering first-rate international concert tours means providing you with the best resources for promoting, performing, and enjoying your trip. Below are some of the highlights you can expect: Dynamic Venues Encore’s strong ties with arts, civic, and religious organizations around the world give you access to any type of venue you can imagine; from prestigious concert halls to stunning cathedrals to festivals and outdoor venues. Guaranteed audiences You deserve an appreciative audience. We work tirelessly to choose dynamic venues that have a strong history of audience attendance. We provide extensive advertising via printed posters, local press, and individual mailings. Balanced Itinerary Encore’s skilled tour consultants work with directors to custom-create itineraries based on each ensemble’s unique repertoire, experience, and interests. We guarantee a tour with the perfect balance between rehearsals, performances, and sightseeing. We Do The Logistics, You Do The Music Whether it’s arranging for instrument rentals overseas, coordinating the repertoire for a joint performance with a European ensemble, organizing transportation of large instruments with the airlines, booking instrument trucks, or helping a passenger who lost their passport—Encore handles it all. Well Located Three Or Four-Star Hotels Time is money, and comfort is key. On an Encore tour, you’ll be staying in three- or four-star hotels near the heart of what you came to see. Roundtrip Flights and Guaranteed Fares With over thirty years of experience, Encore has established group contract fares with all major airlines. We confirm flight arrangements early for the best possible flights and coordinate instrument transportation as needed. Insurance for All Included in the price for all travelers is Basic Protection plan coverage. All participants have the option to upgrade from basic protection to our Ultimate or Ultimate-Plus plans, as over 50% of travelers do, for enhanced medical coverage, cancellation protection, and even instrument insurance! Billing’s a breeze Afraid invoices and billing questions will eat up your time? Not with Encore. We’ll invoice your participants individually and field their questions directly. And with “My Account,” Group Leaders have 24/7 access to their group’s information, and participants have 24/7 access to their individual accounts. Expert Staff How will you know if your tour company is dedicated to your success? When your audiences yell ENCORE. From your first steps in building your ensemble to your final curtain call on the world stage, we consider you part of our family. Global Presence ACIS/Encore has its own offices in London, Paris, Madrid, and Rome and works with affiliated offices throughout Europe, the Americas, Asia, and the United States. In addition to the overseas staff network, there’s 24-hour access to US staff while you’re traveling. Benefit Directors and Assistants Travel FREE Encore accommodates each group’s individual need for chaperones and companions. FREE trips are rewarded to directors and assistants based on a specially created ratio according to the number of participants enrolled. Benefit Prelude Traveling directors can qualify for Prelude, our annual complimentary international musical tour overseas. Repeat directors may instead opt for an ACIS/Encore Global Conference at one of the many locations around the world. All trips include airfare, accommodations, excursions, and more for you and a companion. Learn More Benefit Encore’s Fabulous Fundraiser All international groups with at least 30 travelers receive Encore’s Fabulous Fundraiser, which offers groups a free 5-day trip for two to Paris or London to raffle off. For all groups traveling within the US or Canada who register 30 or more participants, Encore will provide two domestic airline tickets (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) to use as a fundraiser. Using this resource, past groups have raised over $35,000 for their tour! Learn More Director Benefits At Encore, our group leaders experience an unparalleled suite of benefits that stands out from the competition. We are dedicated to empowering music directors through ongoing education and networking, all while expressing our gratitude for their hard work and dedication. Enjoy complimentary travel and seize unique opportunities like Prelude—an annual professional development and networking event set in diverse overseas destinations. From innovative fundraising perks to guaranteed land rates, our commitment to director success remains steadfast. Our team offers a dynamic mix of outstanding benefits, personalized support, and a heartfelt celebration of musical artistry. Discover why Encore is more than just a name—it embodies our commitment to going beyond for a truly transformative travel experience. Directors and Assistants Travel FREE Encore accommodates each group’s individual need for chaperones and companions. FREE trips are rewarded to directors and assistants based on a specially created ratio according to the number of participants enrolled. Encore’s Fabulous Fundraiser All international groups with at least 30 travelers receive Encore’s Fabulous Fundraiser, which offers groups a free 5-day trip for two to Paris or London to raffle off. For all groups traveling within the US or Canada who register 30 or more participants, Encore will provide two domestic airline tickets (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) to use as a fundraiser. Using this resource, past groups have raised over $35,000 for their tour! Single Room Single accommodations are provided free of charge for Encore Directors. Ultimate Protection Plan Coverage Enjoy peace of mind with coverage under Encore’s Ultimate Protection Plan. Included is also $1,000 instrument coverage should you choose to bring a personal instrument. Extended Travel For directors who wish to stay on after their tour to explore, vacation, or simply relax, we’ll book a later flight from any major gateway and waive your return fee. Professional Networking Events for Director Encore hosts regular professional networking events for music directors which include Prelude overseas for our traveling directors and our Etude workshop series open to the public which focuses on addressing challenges facing music directors today. Prelude & Free Global Conferences Traveling directors can qualify for Prelude, our annual complimentary international musical tour overseas. Repeat directors may instead opt for an ACIS/Encore Global Conference at one of the many locations around the world. All trips include airfare, accommodations, excursions, and more for you and a companion. Learn more. Cash Rewards & Stipends Too busy to participate in Prelude or a Global Conference? Encore would still like to reward you for getting a group together with a cash bonus to be paid directly to you, to be used as a donation to your ensemble or as travel scholarship money for deserving performers. Directors may also earn stipends based on the number of traveling participants and the cost of the trip. Referral Bonus If you’re happy with Encore, share the news! Refer a colleague and when they lead a group for the first time we’ll send you cash up to $2,000. Graduate Level Credits for Music Teachers We’re here to help you earn Graduate Level Professional Development Semester Units/Credits for the additional hours of dedication you donate to your ensemble. Your Encore Tours Sales Consultant has all the details you need to obtain your 1, 2, or 3 credit transcript at the conclusion of your tour. Guaranteed Land Rates We do not raise our prices based on currency fluctuations in the marketplace. This alleviates any unwelcome currency surcharges during the planning period or immediately prior to travel. Customize Your Tour Are you ready to take your ensemble to new places? Get a quote from one of our tour consultants who will help you customize a trip to meet your goals. Get A Quote References Discover why Encore means more! Join a community of happy travelers who have experienced the extraordinary with us. Share the joy by referring a friend and sharing your firsthand encounter with our exceptional travel experiences. Connect directly with our esteemed group leaders to uncover the remarkable moments that define our performance tours. Your stories are the heartbeat of our community, inspiring others to discover the unmatched excellence that defines us! Speak to a reference refer a COLLEAGUE