Beginning this Fall, the TSO will be the new home for the semi-professional Encore Symphonic Winds, led by Tim Topolewski. We are excited about the opportunities this will provide for adult musicians in the surrounding counties to perform at a very high level. Founded in 1989, Encore’s mission is to offer our community excellent music in an entertaining way through four seasonal concerts a year while providing quality experiences for the musicians, allowing them the opportunity to return their talents to the community. Encore Symphonic Winds consists of approximately 50 exceptionally talented amateur musicians from the 7-county Grand Traverse region, and continues to serve the community by making music easily accessible to everyone.
Upcoming concerts, free and open to the public at First Congregational Church in Traverse City:
October 8, 3 pm – “Bravo Encore, Bravo”
December 9, 3 pm – “In the Season of Giving”
March 10, 3 pm – “Winds of Spring”
May 19, 3 pm – “Let Freedom Ring”
About the Director:
DR. TIMOTHY TOPOLEWSKI
A native of Michigan, Dr. Topolewski began his professional career while in high school when he was selected, through international competition, to perform as soloist and conductor with band chorus and orchestra on a summer tour of the major cities of Mexico. He has appeared as conductor, clinician, or soloist on the conference programs of the American Bandmasters Association, Midwest Band and Orchestra Convention, the College National Band Directors Association and the National Band Directors Association. He has conducted national and international orchestra and band festivals including performances in Melbourne and Brisbane Australia, East Berlin, Dresden, Potsdam and Leipzig Germany.
Prior to his appointment at the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, New York, Dr. Topolewski served as clarinet soloist with the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” in Washington, D.C. He holds a B.S. degree in music education from Michigan State University, a M.M in music education from the Catholic University of America and a Doctor of Musical Arts as full scholarship recipient from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.
Dr. Topolewski retired as Distinguished Teaching Professor of Music from the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, New York in 2007. He currently resides in Williamsburg, Michigan.
