In this “heartrending, passionate, and surprisingly humorous account of the conjunction between art and death” (Andrew Solomon, New York Times bestselling author), acclaimed opera singer Charity Tillemann-Dick recounts her remarkable journey from struggling to draw a single breath to singing at the most prestigious venues in the world after receiving not one but two double lung transplants. Charity Tillemann-Dick was a vivacious young American soprano studying at the celebrated Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest when she received devastating news: her lungs were failing, her heart was three and a half sizes too big, and she would die within five years. Medical experts advised Charity to abandon her musical dreams, but if her time was running out, she wanted to spend it doing what she loved. In just three years, she endured two double lung transplants and had to slowly learn to breathe, walk, talk, eat, and sing again. With new lungs and fierce determination, she eventually fell in love, rebuilt her career, and reclaimed her life. More than a decade after her diagnosis, she has a chart-topping album, performs around the globe, and is a leading voice for organ donation. Weaving Charity’s extraordinary tale of triumph with those of opera’s greatest heroines, The Encore illuminates the indomitable human spirit and is “an uplifting story of overcoming significant odds to fulfill a dream” (Kirkus Reviews).

Here are eight more stories of Grace, the popular character from Amazing Grace and Starring Grace. Grace finds that her family is changing and so is her group of friends. There's a new girl who puts Grace's nose out of joint, a production of Sleeping Beauty that aims to be very different, a school bully to contend with, and goodbyes to be said to a friend who moves away. Grace has to adapt to a new member of the family, and learns how it feels to lose someone. And as always, when things change for Grace, she turns to stories for inspiration.

Celebrated Lyrical Solos, Book 3 by Robert D. Vandall is designed to aid students with musicality when playing lyrical music. The series features favorite Vandall solos as well as newly composed pieces, each one perfect for developing skills in performing this style of music. The pieces in each book have beautiful melodies, colorful harmonies and a variety of tempos and moods, all offering opportunities for shaping and molding expressive moments. Titles: * Atwood Lake * Columbine Waltz * Dreamscape * Evening Shadows * Fond Memories * Light Air. 24 pages.

Celebrated Lyrical Solos, Book 5 by Robert D. Vandall is designed to aid students with musicality when playing lyrical music. The series features favorite Vandall solos as well as newly composed pieces, each one perfect for developing skills in performing this style of music. The pieces in each book have beautiful melodies, colorful harmonies and a variety of tempos and moods, all offering opportunities for shaping and molding expressive moments. Titles: * Iberian Nocturne * Improvisation * Interlude * Lakeside Retreat * Leaves of Green * Remembrance * Rings Around the Moon. 24 pages.

The Celebrated Christmas Duets series features arrangements of sacred carols and secular songs that are favorites of piano students at all levels. New and exciting harmonies and rhythms create satisfying musical experiences, and careful balancing of the primo and secondo parts gives both performers a chance to shine. Titles: * Believe (from The Polar Express) * Deck the Halls * The Hallelujah Chorus * Joy to the World * O Come, All Ye Faithful * Silent Night

The Celebrated Christmas Duets series features arrangements of sacred carols and secular songs that are favorites of piano students at all levels. New and exciting harmonies and rhythms create satisfying musical experiences, and careful balancing of the primo and secondo parts gives both performers a chance to shine. Titles: * Deck the Halls * Santa Claus is Comin' to Town * Silent Night * Ukrainian Bell Carol (Carol of the Bells) * We Wish You a Merry Christmas

The Celebrated Christmas Duets series features arrangements of sacred carols and secular songs that are favorites of piano students at all levels. New and exciting harmonies and rhythms create satisfying musical experiences, and careful balancing of the primo and secondo parts gives both performers a chance to shine. Titles: * Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella * Frosty the Snowman * Infant Holy / Away in a Manger * Joy to the World * O Come, All Ye Faithful. 28 pages.

This practical book and its accompanying downloadable resources include over 100 schedules to help elementary schools raise student achievement.