By EKC! Artistic Director, Pam Smith Kelly
The EncoreKC! Foundation (EKC!) fosters a love for the arts within the community by creating an inclusive and accessible artistic environment for adults aged 50 and over, regardless of their experience or ability. Established in 2021, the EKC! Foundation strengthens community bonds through diverse outreach programs, focusing on music and cultural diversity. These initiatives include performances and educational opportunities across three annual sessions: spring, summer, and fall. Each session offers a balanced mix of musical genres, featuring guest composers, artists, and ensembles in choral concerts.
Participants can join a range of musical groups, including a 70-member SATB chorus, a 24-member SATB chamber choir, music reading classes, brass ensembles, woodwind ensembles (starting Fall 2024), and a Beginning Ukulele class (also starting Fall 2024). Future offerings will include a handbell choir, an SSA choir, and world drumming opportunities.
The foundation also offers internships for collegiate music education students, who work with the EKC! Chorus leadership team under the guidance of the Artistic Director. These internships provide valuable experience in teaching vocal techniques, instruction, and conducting to older adults.
All conductors, accompanists, instructors, and leadership team members are volunteers dedicated to providing professional instruction to the age 50+ community. Membership in all ensembles is open, with no auditions required. Assistance is provided as needed, and there is no attendance policy, ensuring a supportive learning and performance environment for everyone. Scholarships for enrollment are available through the Joe Hoffman Scholarship Fund.
The EncoreKC! Foundation partners with Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Overland Park, Kansas. Rehearsals and instruction take place at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, with choral concerts held for the public, three times a year at Village Presbyterian Church on Antioch.
The EncoreKC! Chorus will hold a summer concert, “We Are Family,” on Sunday, July 28 at 3:00pm, at Village Presbyterian Church on Antioch. This free concert for the public will feature choral works that celebrate community unity through arts and music, with selections like Sing Community, Sing Peace, All Through the Night, Both Sides Now, Journey On, I Carry You in My Heart, There’s No Business Like Show Business, Swingin’ With the Saints, Yacht Rock Medley, and Disco Survives Medley.
The EncoreKC! Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization registered in the State of Kansas. For more information, visit encorekc.org. If you’re 50 or older, come sing, learn, and play with EncoreKC!
