Under the direction of Dr. Ken Gargaro, The Encore Players Artistic and Music Director, the Encore Singers is comprised of mature singers who envision a world where song restores the joy of life to both participants and listeners. Two concerts plus a few community appearances comprise the season. No experience required, the only requirement is the ability to match pitch and carry a tune. And of course, the love of singing and a willingness to join a community of new friends.
Every season, the Encore Singers takes the stage twice and each concert has its own personality, both directed by Company Artistic and Music Director Dr. Ken Gargaro.
A high-energy celebration of the music of our generation. Rock n’ Roil classics seasoned with famous selections from The Great American Songbook and a few modern pop classics
Our signature seasonal show, featuring beloved Broadway favorites, popular classics, and cherished holiday music — a warm, festive tradition for our singers and our community alike.
Encore Singers welcomes every voice, whether you've sung in choirs for decades or haven't sung since your school days. We'll meet you exactly where you are. There is no audition per se but you will be asked to match pitch and sing a bit of Amazing Grace or America the Beautiful to place you as a soprano, alto, tenor or bass.
Annual Membership Fee: $95, for the year, covering both the Spring Pops and Holiday Performances. This fee underwrites the cost of an accompanist and an occasional instrumentalist or soloist.
Rehearsals: Held during daylight hours — no evening driving required
Rehearsal Schedule:
Spring Pops Concert: April 12 – April 29
Holiday Performance: November 15 – December 8
Concert Dates:
Spring Pops Concert April 30 and May 1
Holiday Performance December 9 and 10
Location: St. Vincent Theater at Vincentian, 8200 McKnight Road, McCandless Township
Each season builds toward our two concerts one rehearsal at a time. We start with warm-ups and learning the music in sections — sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses — before bringing it all together as a full ensemble under Dr. Ken Gargaro's direction. Rehearsals are held during daylight hours, so there's no need to worry about evening travel. By the time we reach dress rehearsal, you'll be singing in harmony with people who've become genuine friends.
Can't read music? No problem — many of our singers learn by ear, and our Dr. Gargaro will help you every step of the way. Nervous about performing? So was almost everyone in the chorus, once. This is a supportive, no-pressure environment built for joy, not perfection.
Love music but not sure singing is for you? There's still a place in Encore Singers:
Section Leaders: experienced singers who help mentor their section
Accompanist/Music Support: for those with piano or instrumental skills
Front of House: ushering and hospitality for concert night
Volunteers: general concert and rehearsal support
Do I need to audition?
No! There are no auditions for the Encore Singers. . . but you will be asked to match pitch and sing a bit of Amazing Grace or America the Beautiful to place you in a section.
What if I can't read music?
That's completely fine. Many of our singers learn by ear, and we teach each part step by step.
What if I've never sung in a chorus before?
No worries. We'll help you find your voice part and build your confidence rehearsal by rehearsal.
Do I need to know which voice part I sing?
Not at all. We'll help you find the right fit at your first rehearsal.
What if I'm nervous about performing?
Completely normal, even lifelong singers get butterflies. Our chorus is built on encouragement, not judgment, and you'll never sing alone.
How much does it cost?
$95 for the year, covering both the spring pops concert and the holiday performance. This fee underwrites the cost of an accompanist and an occasional instrumentalist or soloist
What's the time commitment?
Twice weekly rehearsals held during daylight hours, building toward each concert. Full schedule details are shared at registration.
How many concerts do you put on each year?
Two with a few community appearances. A spring pops concert featuring the Great American Songbook and rock 'n' roll classics, and a signature holiday performance of Broadway favorites, popular classics, and beloved seasonal music — both directed by Company Artistic and Music Director Dr. Ken Gargaro.
Under the direction of Dr. Ken Gargaro, The Encore Players Artistic and Music Director, the Encore Singers is comprised of mature singers who envision a world where song restores the joy of life to both participants and listeners. Two concerts plus a few community appearances comprise the season. No experience required, the only requirement is the ability to match pitch and carry a tune. And of course, the love of singing and a willingness to join a community of new friends.
Every season, the Encore Singers takes the stage twice and each concert has its own personality, both directed by Company Artistic and Music Director Dr. Ken Gargaro.
A high-energy celebration of the music of our generation. Rock n’ Roil classics seasoned with famous selections from The Great American Songbook and a few modern pop classics
Our signature seasonal show, featuring beloved Broadway favorites, popular classics, and cherished holiday music — a warm, festive tradition for our singers and our community alike.
Encore Singers welcomes every voice, whether you've sung in choirs for decades or haven't sung since your school days. We'll meet you exactly where you are. There is no audition per se but you will be asked to match pitch and sing a bit of Amazing Grace or America the Beautiful to place you as a soprano, alto, tenor or bass.
Annual Membership Fee: $95, for the year, covering both the Spring Pops and Holiday Performances. This fee underwrites the cost of an accompanist and an occasional instrumentalist or soloist.
Rehearsals: Held during daylight hours — no evening driving required
Rehearsal Schedule:
Spring Pops Concert: April 12 – April 29
Holiday Performance: November 15 – December 8
Concert Dates:
Spring Pops Concert April 30 and May 1
Holiday Performance December 9 and 10
Location: St. Vincent Theater at Vincentian, 8200 McKnight Road, McCandless Township
Each season builds toward our two concerts one rehearsal at a time. We start with warm-ups and learning the music in sections — sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses — before bringing it all together as a full ensemble under Dr. Ken Gargaro's direction. Rehearsals are held during daylight hours, so there's no need to worry about evening travel. By the time we reach dress rehearsal, you'll be singing in harmony with people who've become genuine friends.
Can't read music? No problem — many of our singers learn by ear, and our Dr. Gargaro will help you every step of the way. Nervous about performing? So was almost everyone in the chorus, once. This is a supportive, no-pressure environment built for joy, not perfection.
Love music but not sure singing is for you? There's still a place in Encore Singers:
Section Leaders: experienced singers who help mentor their section
Accompanist/Music Support: for those with piano or instrumental skills
Front of House: ushering and hospitality for concert night
Volunteers: general concert and rehearsal support
Do I need to audition?
No! There are no auditions for the Encore Singers. . . but you will be asked to match pitch and sing a bit of Amazing Grace or America the Beautiful to place you in a section.
What if I can't read music?
That's completely fine. Many of our singers learn by ear, and we teach each part step by step.
What if I've never sung in a chorus before?
No worries. We'll help you find your voice part and build your confidence rehearsal by rehearsal.
Do I need to know which voice part I sing?
Not at all. We'll help you find the right fit at your first rehearsal.
What if I'm nervous about performing?
Completely normal, even lifelong singers get butterflies. Our chorus is built on encouragement, not judgment, and you'll never sing alone.
How much does it cost?
$95 for the year, covering both the spring pops concert and the holiday performance. This fee underwrites the cost of an accompanist and an occasional instrumentalist or soloist
What's the time commitment?
Twice weekly rehearsals held during daylight hours, building toward each concert. Full schedule details are shared at registration.
How many concerts do you put on each year?
Two with a few community appearances. A spring pops concert featuring the Great American Songbook and rock 'n' roll classics, and a signature holiday performance of Broadway favorites, popular classics, and beloved seasonal music — both directed by Company Artistic and Music Director Dr. Ken Gargaro.
