Encore Chorale, the nation’s largest choral program for older adults, returns to the Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua to present a week-long choral institute for adults over the age of 55 from Aug. 24-29. The Encore Choral Institute is now in its seventh season at Chautauqua and the program draws singers from across the country interested in improving their vocal technique and spending a week in a beautiful setting with like-minded individuals. Registration is open for the program.

Jeanne Kelly, Encore founder, is the artistic director for the program, and will share conducting duties this year with Jeffrey Dokken, composer and choral conductor from Washington, DC. Kelly has more than 30 years of experience as an operatic performer, voice instructor, choral director and music school director. She started Encore Chorale in 2007, which now has more than 680 participating singers in 13 chorales in the Baltimore-Washington DC area. Dokken has his Master’s Degree in Choral Conducting and currently conducts the Symphony Orchestra of Northern Virginia and the associated chorale, as well as three of the DC area Encore Chorales. He is also music director and conductor-in-residence for Kaiser Permanente.

Singers will begin their day with a stretch/yoga class followed by a full choral rehearsal. After lunch singers will choose from a vocal technique class, a choral sectional, or free time. Another choral rehearsal will follow later in the afternoon. Repertoire will include classical pieces, spirituals, oratorio selections, songs from the American Songbook and Broadway favorites. All levels of vocal experience are welcomed and singers may be seated for rehearsal and performance. A grand finale performance open to the community will be the culminating event of the program.

Participants will stay at the historic Athenaeum Hotel overlooking picturesque Chautauqua Lake. The program fee is all-inclusive to cover hotel accommodations, all meals, all program materials, and expert instruction from program instructors. There are no gate pass fees or parking charges. Bus transportation is included for travel around the institution grounds. Local area residents are welcome and pay an adjusted commuter fee.

The deadline to register is July 31, 2014. Please contact Encore at 301-261-5747 or email info@encorecreativity.org for more information or to receive a brochure by mail. Register online on Encore’s website at encorecreativity.org.

Encore Creativity for Older Adults is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to providing an excellent and accessible artistic environment for older adults, either beginning, intermediate, or advanced levels, who seek arts education and performance opportunities under a professional artist.

Founded in 2007, Encore currently has 13 Encore Chorales in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC serving over 650 singers, and 4 affiliate chorales nationally.