Who We Are
Encore Vocal Ensemble reimagines the choral experience with a bold theatrical twist, empowering a diverse community of artists through authentic storytelling and artistic growth.
Through mainstage and community performances, Encore members share their love of live performance with the San Diego region while expanding their capabilities as performers. Beyond the stage, Encore fosters a vibrant and inclusive community, bringing people together through a shared passion for music, collaboration, and artistic growth.
Non-Profit Status
Encore is committed to contributing to the arts community in San Diego. We are a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Tax ID# 45-2038760.
Artistic Team
Tim McKnight
Artistic Director
Tim McKnight has proudly served as Encore Vocal Ensemble’s Music/Artistic Director since 2012. Tim originally hails from the Midwest where he received his Bachelors in Music Education and his Masters in Accompanying & Vocal Coaching from the University of Illinois @ Urbana-Champaign. Over the past 17 years, he has also served as the Director of Music at Chalice Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Escondido. Tim is a private piano teacher, accompanist, vocal coach, and award-winning musical theatre director & conductor. He has received 3 National Youth Arts Awards for Outstanding Music Direction as well as 4 nominations for his work at J*Company Youth Theatre in La Jolla. In addition, Tim has had the honor of being the Music Director for the Broadway San Diego Awards since their inception in 2014.
Zachary Manlapid
Assistant Music Director
Zachary Manlapid (he/him) is a conductor, music director, singer, and violist who was born and raised in San Diego. He attended Palomar College before transferring to UC Berkeley, earning his BA in Music. He later earned his Master of Music (MMus) in Choral Conducting at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. He currently works as the Director of Choirs at Mt. Carmel High School. When he's not stuck in rehearsal, Zach loves playing video games, cooking/baking, and riding rollercoasters. He’s happy to be working as the Assistant Music Director for Encore Vocal Ensemble.
Our Board of Directors
Dennis Schamp
President
Strait Hicklin
Treasurer
Chrissy Allen
Outreach Chair
Matt Soto
Vice President
Shae Hudson
Marketing Chair
Emmercelle De Leon
Production Co-Chair
Ken Peter Lee​​
Secretary
Carin Scheinin
Development Chair
Vivian Schmitz
Membership Chair
We are proud to receive funding from
California Nonprofit Performing Arts Grant Program
California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program
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Financial support is provided by the City of San Diego
