Encore Music Groups For Seniors Now Available In Columbia

COLUMBIA, MD — Baby boomers, retirees and others from Columbia can crank up their singing voices when Encore, America’s largest and fastest-growing choral organization for adults over 55, begins its fall 2019 season at Owen Brown Interfaith Center, 7246 Cradlerock Way.

Registration is open now for Encore Rocks, a rock and roll chorus that takes singers back to their favorite hits from the '50s through the '80s, and Encore Chorale, a choral group singing sophisticated and exciting arrangements from classical to Broadway.

No auditions are necessary. Encore’s mission is to provide accessible arts education and performance opportunities for older adults regardless of ability or experience. Both programs begin Sept. 9 and meet every Monday for 15 weeks for rehearsals and instruction with conductor Stephen Harouff, a collaborative artist who has performed with the Peabody Opera, and the U.S. Naval Academy Band, among others. Each program culminates in a free concert that is open to the public.

“Aside from having a lot of fun, our singers are able to rekindle a former passion or discover a new one, bond with a new community of friends, and often fill a void in their later years,” said Jeanne Kelly, founder and artistic director of Encore Creativity of Older Adults, in a statement.

Encore Chorale meets Mondays from 10:30 a.m. to noon, and Encore Rocks meets Mondays from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Tuition for each program is $175. Singers will also receive a rehearsal CD and sheet music so they can practice their parts at home. For information and registration, visit www.encorecreativity.org