Ridgefield Public Schools Continuing Education Program

Music, Online Music, and Acting

Music

Orchestra Revisited
For those who have fond memories of playing in the orchestra in middle school and high school and would like to revisit those good old times, now’s your chance! Meg Collins Stoop will direct an ensemble class with orchestral music suited to the instrumentalists signed up to take the class. Students will supply their own instruments and music stands, and will pay a music fee of approx. $20 at the first class. Meg Collins Stoop has an M.A. in music composition, is conductor of the Adesso Choral Society, and teaches music theory at the Westport School of Music. Please indicate your instrument on the registration form.
6 Sessions $71 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $36) + $ Mtls.
Wed., 4/23, 30; 5/7, 14, 21 & 28; 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.; ERMS

Learn to Play the Didgeridoo!
The didgeridoo is an ancient wind instrument from Australia. It is very easy to play, no matter how old or young you are. It does not require any musical skill. Playing the didgeridoo has many positive effects on your health. It frees up your breathing. It makes your body feel alive through its vibration. It reduces stress. It helps you center and calm down, just like meditation does. Playing the didgeridoo is also the best preparation to playing brass instruments like the trumpet and trombone. But the most important thing: playing the didgeridoo is FUN. You may purchase a didgeridoo from the instructor at class for $10. Taught by Brigitte Pohl-Knijff. Brigitte Pohl-Knijff has a degree in Health Arts and Science and a Diplomate of the Institute for Music and Health in New York, where she learned to play the didgeridoo and how to use it for a healing purpose. She has taught many healing card and didgeridoo workshops.
2 Sessions $24 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $12) + $ materials
Mon., 4/28 & 5/5; 8:00-9:30 p.m.; ERMS

America’s History Through Songs and Musicals, Part 2
History, music, and movies -- what could be more fun than seeing the history of the 20th century through its popular culture? In these three sessions, we will review the tragedies, triumphs, mood, fads, and trends in America from 1950 to 1970, through the great songs from movies, musicals, television, and records. This was a pivotal period in the history of the USA and its popular music - a time of both The Sound of Music and “The Sounds of Silence.” The dreams of the nation arereflected in movie musicals such as The Sound of Music and its counter culture is displayed in songs such as “The Sounds of Silence.” Come listen, learn, and sing along. Taught by Michael Garber. Taught by Michael Garber. Michael Garber, PhD, is a theatre and film historian, lecturer on popular music, and a leader of community music outreach programs.
3 Sessions $36 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $18)
Thur., 5/15, 22 & 29; 2:30 to 4:00 p.m.; Venus Bldg.

Music Appreciation Workshop Series
Music is created for all the senses, most especially the soul. Experience this encapsulated workshop in Music Appreciation. It features satisfying explorations into the history, elements, and terms of music, with real-time exhibition of the spectrum of main-stream creation. Materials are heard in LP and CD stereo format, all discussed in the purpose and principal of aesthetics. Taught by Kenneth Lundquist, Jr. Kenneth Lundquist, Jr. is a musician, poet and small business marketing consultant who enjoys teaching and sharing his passion for music with others.
Price per Session $19 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $10)
All sessions meet at the Venus Building, 2nd floor

The Beatles to The Bee Gees; Thur., 5/1; 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Venus Bldg.
Gregorian Chant to Frank Sinatra; Thur., 5/8; 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Venus Bldg.

Online Music

Introduction to Online Music
Radio stations, music stores, live music performances, and music libraries are online 24-7-365 and can provide instant access-legally-to millions of current and out-of-print songs, artists, and albums. This course will explore and compare popular song downloading services such as iTunes, Rhapsody, and Yahoo Music Unlimited, some of which also offer unlimited streamed listening for a monthly fee (imagine playing any of 1,000,000 songs for half the cost of a music CD. Music streaming technology also puts most radio stations online, so that you can listen to morning classical music in Seattle while eating your lunch. If you have hesitated to adopt high-speed broadband internet access, online music provides dramatic incentive.
2 hours $36 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $18)
Call 431-9995 for information.

Acting

Acting
This is a hands-on course in which participants will read and perform scenes from plays. They will discuss their characters with the teacher and receive suggestions and notes on their portrayals from him in the way that directors work with actors. The goal is for participants to convincingly portray their characters, and to feel comfortable performing before an audience. No memorization will be required unless desired by particular participants, but it will be encouraged to give students a fuller understanding of the total acting experience. Taught by Barry Corn. The teacher is an experienced actor and director.
8 Sessions $116 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $58) + $ Mtls.
Fri., 2/1, 8, 22, 29; 3/7, 14, 28 & 4/4; 2:45 to 4:45 p.m.; Venus Bldg.