Encore's Purpose and History
Encore Chamber Ensemble is an amateur string ensemble for beginning or recently returning adult players of violin, viola, cello, and double bass. I formed this ensemble in 2021 so that I would have other amateur musicians with whom to play music.
If you played a string instrument when you were younger and would like to start again, or if you are learning as an adult and would like the chance to play in a group of people with a similar desire to make music together, then come check out this ensemble. My goal in creating Encore is to have a fun, supportive, noncompetitive environment for adults of all ages who wish to participate with me in collective music-making.
Participants should have basic music reading skills. For beginners, it is recommended that you have studied your instrument for at least 1 year. There are no auditions.
Where/When: Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 in Fair Oaks. (Specific location will be provided upon registration.)
Participant Cost: $18 per rehearsal, paid at the beginning of each month, pays for our facility rental, sheet music, and a conductor.
Check out our FAQ for lots more details.
Have questions or comments? Email me at: encorechamberensemble@gmail.com
Meet Encore's Founder/Director
Donna Alpert
I took up violin lessons for the first time when I retired in 2016. In 2019 I wanted to play with others, so I formed a "late starters" string quartet which began with a 3 line ad on Next-door, and which we named “SacTown Strings.” However, we had no viola player. So in 2020 I took up the viola. When Covid hit, we made “shelter-in-place” videos in order to keep playing, and posted them on YouTube on our SacTown Strings channel. In addition to the quartet, I also wanted to form a larger ensemble with whom I could play chamber music in the Fair Oaks area, so in 2022 I created the Encore Chamber Ensemble.
Playing together with other beginner/intermediate musicians brings me the greatest joy. I don’t always hit the right notes….but as we say in our group, IT’S ALL ABOUT THE FUN! I hope you will join us!