Encore Wind Symphony

June 14-18
6:00-9:00pm

Conductor: Spencer Hile

Crave a challenge? Love playing exciting music? Perform with EMA’s Encore Wind Symphony this summer.

Access the nomination form

Join us this Summer 2026!

Placement is competitive and open to band students entering 10th*-12th grade and recently graduated seniors. Available openings will be filled by returning musicians from last summer (no audition necessary.) Remaining spots will be filled by teacher recommendation. If you would like to be recommended, share this link with your private or school band teacher.

Please see our EWS Jr. Band for entering grades 7th-9th*

*If your student is entering 9th grade and would like to be considered for the senior band, the student can submit a 2-3 minute video showcasing their musical and technical abilities. See FAQ’s about how to submit the video.

What is the cost to join EWS?

Summer Tuition is $180 early | $195 after April 1. Tuition covers 70% of the total cost to run the program. Donations, grants and ticket sales cover the rest. Comprehensive financial aid is available. Our goal is to make this summer program as accessible for all as possible.

Learn more about Financial Assistance

2026 Performance: Thursday, June 18 @ 7pm

Frequently Asked Questions

Students are accepted by invitation to Encore Wind Symphony based on openings in the section and teacher recommendation. If you are interested in joining:
1. Have your teacher submit a recommendation form by 4/1/26. No audition is necessary.
2. If you do not have a teacher to recommend you, then you should submit your own recommendation form by 4/1/26. No audition is necessary.
New students will be notified of acceptance by 4/8/26.
Registration deadline is 4/21/26.

New students will be placed by invitation and teacher nomination.

Encore Wind Symphony Jr. – entering grades 7 – 9 in the fall of 2026

Encore Wind Symphony Sr. – entering grades 10-12 and recently graduated seniors

Submit a 2-3 minute video showcasing your musical and technical abilities via this link: Perform with us | Encore Music Academy

Returning students from EWS Jr., who are entering 9th grade: videos due 2/22/2026.

New students entering 9th grade: videos due 4/14/26.

Recording Directions and Submission Details:

  • Video auditions do not need to be professional quality.
  • Smartphones and similar recording devices are acceptable and encouraged.
  • Stand facing the camera and at an appropriate distance from the recording device.
  • Face and full instrument must be visible.
  • No editing of videos is permitted.
  • No acoustic manipulation nor audio filters may be used.
  • Videos should be uploaded to YouTube and must have visibility “unlisted” (not public or private) and titled Lastname_Firstname_Instrument. For example: Smith_John_oboe

All students must paste the YouTube URL short link in the Perform with us | Encore Music Academy

Returning students from the 2025 summer are invited to register by 3/1/2026 to secure their spot. No Audition is necessary. Summer Tuition is $180 early | $195 after April 1.

Principal Chair Auditions are optional. Video Submission due 4/28/26.

Audition Requirements: please submit a 2-3 minute video of a piece that best displays your musical and technical abilities.
Submit audition via this link: Perform with us | Encore Music Academy

Audition Results announced: 5/12/26

Recording Directions and Submission Details:

  • Video auditions do not need to be professional quality.
  • Smartphones and similar recording devices are acceptable and encouraged.
  • Stand facing the camera and at an appropriate distance from the recording device.
  • Face and full instrument must be visible.
  • No editing of videos is permitted.
  • No acoustic manipulation nor audio filters may be used.
  • Videos should be uploaded to YouTube and must have visibility “unlisted” (not public or private) and titled Lastname_Firstname_Instrument. For example: Smith_John_oboe

All students must paste the YouTube URL short link in the Perform with us | Encore Music Academy

Principal Chair Auditions are optional.

After preparing it according to the instructions above, submit it by clicking “Perform With Us” or click here. Share your video link as you submit your form.

Rehearsals 6:00-9:00pm
Sunday, June 14-Thursday, June 18, Daily

Concert: Thursday, June 18
Call time 6pm
Concert 7pm

Yes, need-based financial aid is available to all families and individuals. We believe that music is an integral part of everyone’s life. Read our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement.

Learn more about Financial Assistance