With a mass orchestra reading led by Camp Kirkland, a ministry concert and testimonial led by guitarist Rodrigo Rodriguez, worship led by “Doxology” from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, a praise band workshop led by Richard Kingsmore, Master Classes for all orchestral and praise band instruments taught by 15 contracted instructors, and much more, the Instrumental ENCORE gave between 250-300 instrumentalist and directors of churches from multiple states across the united States an event benefitting the church instrumentalists in every way from music for the church to music missions across the world.

Some testimonial comments for this year’s ENCORE are: Lise’ Brinkley from Rainbow Forest Baptist Church, Troutville, Virginia wrote, “I enjoyed playing with some of the other instrumentalists.  I learned a few more things about arranging.  And I was reminded that my reason for playing music is to glorify God.” Dan Ridley, Minister of Music at Raleigh’s Hayes Barton Baptist says, “One of the powerful purposes of Instrumental ENCORE is to provide an environment for instrumentalists to find their place in ministry in their own church and to the entire world. We have seen so many become involved in giving of themselves in instrumental missions all over the world.  This has an added impact on their own local church as the church captures the vision as well.”

The ENCORE is a cooperative program between the North Carolina Baptist State Convention Music and Worship, South Carolina Baptist State Convention Worship and Music, the ENCORE/Global Missions staff located in the Atlanta, Georgia area, the over 20 member instrumental team from North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Georgia and the host church which was First Baptist Church, North Spartanburg, South Carolina this year and has been Tri City Baptist Church, Conover, North Carolina of the past several years. The next Instrumental ENCORE is scheduled for May 14-15, 2010 to be held at First Baptist Church, North Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Fred Weber is the Chairman of the Instrumental Encore Committee and is the Instrumental Team leader of the Music and Worship Team at the North Carolina Baptist State Convention.