MISCELLANEOUS – 2020

Here you will find miscellaneous one-of-a-kind webinars that don’t fit neatly into any of our Quest courses. To view a video click on the link below its description. Once the video window comes up (in a new tab), click on the start button to begin.

POLITICAL THOUGHT
The Declaration of Independence

Presenter: Jim Brook
Presentation Date: April 23, 2020

The Declaration of Independence has been referred to as ‘The Birth Certificate of the United States of America.” What might this mean? What should it mean? This presentation will begin with a brief summary of events leading up to and following the drafting of the Declaration so that we can appreciate it in its historical context. We will then read the Declaration in full, stopping to considered the (possible) meaning and importance of critical words or phrases. We conclude with a consideration of what significance the Declaration had to the colonists in 1776 and what significance it has to us in 2020.

CREATIVE ARTS DAY
Creative Arts Presentations: June 14, 2020

Presenter: Mary Ann Donnelly
Presentation Date: June 14, 2020

Here we are seen and heard. There are poetry and prose readings and a PowerPoint presentation of members’ art works in various mediums including oil, watercolor, pen and ink, jewelry, sculpture, and photography.

ORIGINAL PLAY
Mr. Jefferson’s Women, a Play by Bob Reiss

Presenter: Roy Clary
Presentation Date: June 17, 2020

In his own words, Thomas Jefferson portrays the women in his life and defends his relationship with his slave, Sally Hemings. Included in this video is a “talkback” held after the performance.

MODERN JAZZ
Stan Getz, Jazz Tenor Saxophonist

Presenter: Sol Makon
Presentation Date: November 18, 2020

During the course of his professional musical career, from 1943 through 1991, Stan Getz adopted, in order, the jazz styles of big band, bebop, cool jazz, bossa nova, and fusion rock, and incorporated them into his repertoire. At the core of his tenor saxophone playing, was a highly personal style of a warm, lyrical tone, which fellow jazz musicians labeled “The Sound”. Getz was held in such high esteem, that even John Coltrane stated “We’d all sound like that if we could”.

We will follow Stan Getz’s musical achievements, from his youth until his final concert performance. For most of my talk, I will present a selection of recordings or taped stage performances, with Getz partnered by jazz musicians, including John Coltrane, Chet Baker, Joao Gilberto, and Kenny Barron, among others.
Stan Getz stated “There are four qualities essential to a great jazzman: they are taste, courage, individuality, and irreverence”. Getz had those attributes in abundance.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Three Acclaimed Female Dancers in Film Musicals

Presenter: Sol Makon
Presentation Date: December 2, 2020

From the mid 1940’s until the late 1950’s, during Hollywood’s Golden Age of film production, three film musical female dancers, in terms of talent and technique, dominated other female dancers. In particular, Vera-Ellen, Cyd Charisse, and Ann Miller were charismatic in excelling at their craft. With their distinct dance styles, they dazzled and enthralled movie audiences.

For each dancer, we will briefly explore her life and film career, and then view some of her classic performances, in several short film clips