National Choral Organization for Older Adults Launches Virtual Summer School

ANNAPOLIS, Md., May 28, 2020  — Its summer choral programs may be canceled, but for Encore Creativity for Older Adults, the nation’s largest choral organization for adults over 55, the singing doesn’t stop. The Annapolis, Md.-based nonprofit has come up with a fun and enriching virtual alternative: The Encore University Summer School, a six-week semester of over 20 unique offerings of singing, music courses, and vocal instruction led by noted conductors. The program will meet over Zoom from July 6 to August 13, 2020, and is open not only to Encore singers but to all men and women over 55. No prior music experience is needed.

From vocal health and technique and music theory classes to educational courses such as America’s Women Choral Composers, Afternoon at the Opera and the Story of The Great American Songbook and from rock & roll and choral singing to fun sing-alongs, the Encore University Summer School will cater to a wide range of interests. There will also be a Sentimental Journey Singers sing-along of favorite tunes for those with Alzheimer’s or other memory impairment and their care givers.

“Choral singing has been greatly impacted by the pandemic, especially for older adults, the most vulnerable group for COVID-19,” said Jeanne Kelly, founder and artistic director of Encore Creativity for Older Adults. “We hope our new offering will engage our Encore singers and new singers – keeping loneliness at bay – and bring them joy and a sense of community at this time.”

Each week will include as many as 14 hours of classes, all conveniently scheduled from Monday through Thursday starting at 10 a.m. and ending no later than 4 p.m. A faculty performance will take place at the end of the semester. Encore has established low all-inclusive tuition of $50 per person, so participants will have unlimited access to the program. The registration deadline is July 3, 2020.

For more information, including a detailed course catalog, and to register for the Encore University Summer School, visit www.encorecreativity.org or call 301-261-5747.