Art, Music, Dance and Film
These courses are offered by the Quest Lifelong Learning Community. For more information on Quest, click here and also see more details at the bottom of this page.
ACTING WORKSHOP: BEGINNERS
Coordinators: Panny King, Carolyn McGuire
The Beginners class will continue with new and interesting exercises and improvisations to teach the fundamentals of acting. We will also introduce characterization with the use of short scenes.
ARTISTS & THEIR WORK
Coordinators: Linda Downs, Joan Diamond, Lynnel Garabedian, Bob Reiss
Spring presentations will focus on international, multi-cultural artists throughout the centuries with a particular emphasis on artists who explore aspects of humanity and nature.
CLASSIC ROCK ALBUMS
Coordinators: Steve Koenig, Wayne Cotter
Each session will focus on one album by a band or solo artist and be enriched by related tracks from the band’s career or works by others which shed light on the album. Our definition of “rock” will be inclusive, containing branches of reggae, soul, folk, and country. Some artists we might present include The Smiths, Toots and The Maytals, Jimi Hendrix, Funkadelic, Neil Young with Crazy Horse, Moody Blues, Jethro Tull, Tracy Chapman, and Creedence Clearwater.
CONTEMPORARY OPERA
Coordinators: Steve Koenig, Victor Brener, Frieda Lipp
At each session we view a different opera and engage in a lively discussion of the text, staging, medium, and the historical and cultural backgrounds. This semester may include Harry Somers’ Louis Rielm, Carlisle Floyd’s Susannah, Richard Strauss’ Ariadne auf Naxos, Ernst Krenek’s Karl V., Rued Langaard’s AntiKrist, and Benjamin Britten’s Billy Budd.
FILM DIRECTORS THEN & NOW
Coordinators: Sol Makon, Arlynn Greenbaum, Bob Reiss
Through movie clips and discussion, film lovers will have the opportunity to explore a broad range of noteworthy directors from the silent era to today. We will learn about their techniques, motivations and originality. What makes their films resonate and pass the test of time?
FILM TODAY
Coordinators: Howard Salik, Bobbie Gold, Rita Buttolph
Two critical parts of a Film Today class are: (1) Identify 4 new out-standing movie releases. Members volunteer to present a 5-8 minute critique of each film at our next class meeting followed by audience comments. A follow-up summary is sent to those on our mail list. (2) Film-related past events are highlighted in a 20-minute segment. Past specials include: Milestones in Film History, Film Noir, Women’s Role in Movie Development, and From the Shtetl to Beverly Hills.
JAZZ: THE SOUL AND THE SOUND
Coordinators: Vivian Oliver, Stewart Parker, Deborah Yaffe
This semester Quest’s jazz course will continue to focus on one of the oldest jazz instruments, the trumpet. We will present contemporary jazz trumpeters, those who can be seen performing in New York and other parts of the country. We will look at their lives, influences, evolution of style and legacy to the world of jazz. With extensive use of video and audio material, we will examine artists with a wide variety of styles.
LIFE DRAWING
Coordinators: Carole Abrahams, Paul Adler, Gary Friedland, Marilyn Weiss
Discover the artist living in your head. This is a hands-on drawing class with professional live models. Bring drawing materials—pencils, charcoal, pastels, Conte crayons, pens—and a drawing pad. All supplies may be stored in room 27. Not sure this is for you? We will provide your first day’s equipment. Release your hidden talents—beginners and dabblers are welcome. Everyone works at their own level. Just enjoy being creative!