About Us
ENCOREKC! FOUNDATION
Vocal - Instrumental - Classes
For Adults Age 50+
Our Mission
Our Mission is to promote community appreciation for the arts through an accessible artistic environment for adults over the age of 50, regardless of experience or ability, who seek arts education in a musical environment through community outreach and performance.
Our Vision
The Vision is for EncoreKC! Foundation to continue as a community choral organization to build community relationships and outreach programs, focusing on diversity of people and music through performance in the Kansas City metropolitan region.
Our History
EncoreKC! Foundation began as a choral outreach project of Phyllis Curtis and Pam Smith Kelly and was inspired by the work of Frank Curtis and The Fine Arts Institute. The first rehearsals of EncoreKC! were held in February of 2019. The choir consisted of 90 singers, with three performances their first year. The choir had just celebrated its 1st year anniversary in February of 2020, when Covid-19 halted rehearsals. In the summer of 2022, EKC started again, this time as an independent 501(c)(3) corporation officially recognized Jan. 18, 2022 by the IRS and registered in the State of Kansas as EncoreKC! Foundation.
What We Offer
EKC! is the umbrella term that encompasses the sponsoring foundation, the flagship chorus EncoreKC! Chorus, its ensembles and music education classes. EncoreKC! Foundation is a non-audition choral and music 501(c)(3) public nonprofit organization, providing opportunities for anyone who wants to continue their musical journey through the joy of learning together and performing in the community. All groups are open to anyone age 50+.
MEMBER OPPORTUNITIES
- EKC! Chorus: A non-audition group of individuals who love choral singing. Open to individuals over 50, regardless of choral experience. Chorus averages about 70 members each 10-week season, culminating with the season's concert. Rehearsals are held on Mondays, 10:30am-Noon, at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 11100 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS 66210. EncoreKC! is the Artist in Residence at Grace Covenant.
- EKC ACT II: A 24-member choral ensemble for additional performances. Rehearsals are on Mondays from 9:30-10:20am, Pam Smith Kelly, conductor.
- EKC! Music Reading: Basic music terminology, introduction to solfege and beginning sight singing. Meets on Tuesdays at 10:300am, Barbara Douglas, instructor.
- EKC! Brass Ensembles: Open to community members for small ensembles for performance opportunities. Rehearsals are Thursdays at 7:00pm, Darryl Prater and Jim Kelly, conductors.
- EKC! Woodwind Ensembles: Open to community members for small ensembles for performance opportunities. Rehearsals are Thursdays 1:00-2:00pm, Amy Schwartz and Laura Lightfoot Still, conductors.
- EKC! Beginning Ukulele Class: Basic technique and musi reading skills which apply to learning to play the ukulele. Meets on Mondays from 7:00-7:45pm, Christopher Callender, instructor.
Scholarships
Two scholarships are available each season and can be applied for upon request via "Contact Us" on our website. Accommodations will also be made upon request.
Rehearsals
EncoreKC! Chorus meets Monday mornings starting at 10:30 at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Overland Park, which sponsors EKC! as Artists in Residence. There is a social time of about 15 minutes before each rehearsal, but then rehearsals start at 10:45 and end promptly at 12:00 p.m. There are sectional rehearsals for the first few weeks of each season to fine-tune parts and build relationships. The chorus's subgroup ensemble, EKC! Act II, rehearses at 9:30 a.m., prior to EncoreKC! Chorus.
COVID
After the long season of COVID, EncoreKC! Chorus started up again in the Summer of 2022 but with the requirement for all members to have proof of "full vaccination" and to wear masks at all times. We stopped wearing masks in the fall of 2023 but still required all participants to have proof of COVID vaccination to participate. As a result, almost all of our members have been fully vaccinated and most are keeping up with the updated boosters. We are no longer requiring proof of vaccination, nor are we mandating masks, however, following CDC guidelines, we still strongly encourage everyone to be vaccinated and to stay current with their boosters. We continue to monitor the status of locally-reported cases and pledge to keep our members informed. We keep a supply of masks available for our rehearsals and concerts for anyone who asks.
Our Concert Seasons
EncoreKC! Chorus schedules two or more concert seasons per year. Each season’s duration is approximately ten weeks in length with a culminating concert. There are three seasons with three concert dates for 2024: Apr. 21, July 28 and Nov. 17.
