Kaleidoscope

Instructor: Dr. Teodora Adzharova
Cost: $50 per session. 
Dates: 
Session 1: Thursday, December 8^th, 5 - 7 p.m.
Session 2: Thursday, January 12^th, 5 - 7 p.m.
Session 3: Thursday, February 9^th, 5-7 PM

Session 1 Shostakovich: A life in pictures, stories and music
Born in Russia (1906 – 1975), Dmitri Shostakovich lived and worked through the great turmoil and purges of the Stalinist regime. As the control over free thought and expression tightened, Shostakovich’s musical output was inevitably affected.  In this lecture-recital we will look at the composer’s life, examine a few main events and discover some of the main musical characteristics in his compositions. The recital will conclude with the performance of Shostakovich’s Preludes, Op. 34.

Session 2 Robert Schumann’s piano music
Schumann’s passionate love for Clara Wieck led to the creation of some of the most beloved and personal piano music in the standard repertoire. In addition, his vast knowledge of literature and vivid imagination, inspired the musical portrayal of various fictional characters. In this session we will take a quick look at excerpts from his most famous pieces. We will look for musical clues pointing towards real or fictional characters and discover how this affects our listening and understanding of the music.The evening will end with a performance of Schumann’s Kreisleriana, Op. 16

Session 3: Beethoven and the Classical Style
What is the Classical style? Did Beethoven know he was a Classical composer? In this session we will explore the main musical features of the style we refer to as ‘classical’ today. We will look at the piano sonata form and its evolution through examples going back to Domenico Scarlatti and Antonio Soler.  We will travel through time until we reach those of Franz Schubert. We will take a closer look at Beethoven as the composer who pushed the boundaries of the style and opened the door to Romanticism. The evening will close with the performance of Beethoven’s Piano sonata, Op. 109

*This course will be taught via Zoom. A Zoom link will be emailed to registrants. 

Instructor: Heather Dudley
Session 1: Thursday, October 6^th 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Session 2: Thursday, October 13^th 6:30 PM- 7:30 PM
Session 3: Thursday, October 20^th 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Cost: $175

We have come to expect that contests for the presidency will focus more on vitriol, personal attacks, and disinformation than on a cool-headed discussion of the issues.  This is not new! The first two contested presidential elections—1796 and 1800—will be the focus of this course.  We will look at how the campaign of 1796 established the template for the “the politics of personal destruction.”  Although it might not have seemed possible, the campaign of 1800 sank even deeper into the abyss with each side making frightening predictions about what would happen if the other candidate was elected.  Underpinning the personal attacks was the message about what type of person should be president (hint: manly and Christian.)

The dust didn’t settle after the votes were cast.  This was the first test of the procedure established by our Constitution about what to do when the Electoral College was tied.   It also became abundantly clear that the system first created by the Constitution, where the vice presidency would go to second place, was unworkable.  A president can’t have his political nemesis serve as his vice president. In this course we will also see how the basic ideological differences between the two parties were set.

*This course will be taught via Zoom. A Zoom link will be emailed to registrants. 

Instructor: Heather Dudley
Session 1: Monday, September 19^th 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Session 2: Monday, September 26^th 6:30 PM- 7:30 PM
Cost: $150

Governeur Morris spoke more than any other delegate at the Constitutional Convention and was the one who actually shaped the Constitution into its finished form.  Along with his partner Robert Morris, he helped figure out how a country with no treasury or taxing power could finance a war.  He was also the only foreign diplomat to remain in Paris throughout the Reign of Terror. These are just a few of the highlights of an extraordinary life!  Theodore Roosevelt wrote of Morris in his 1888 biography that “there has never been an American statesman of keener intellect or more brilliant genius.  Had he possessed but a little more steadiness and self-control he would have stood among the two or three very foremost.”  He is certainly a founder who should not be forgotten.

*This course will be taught via Zoom. A Zoom link will be emailed to registrants. 

Instructor: Heather Dudley
Session 1: Monday, November 7^th, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Session 2: Monday, November 14^th, 6:30 PM- 7:30 PM
Session 3: Monday, November 21^st, 6:30 PM- 7:30 PM
Session 4: Monday, November 28^th, 6:30 PM- 7:30 PM
Cost: $195

Patrick Henry refused to attend the Constitutional Convention of 1787 because, as he famously explained, “he smelt a rat.”  His fears were confirmed when he read the new constitution.  Believing that the very “happiness or misery of mankind” was at risk, he went to the Virginia ratification convention to argue against approval.  Employing all the dramatic flair and rhetorical skills for which he was famous, he thundered against the dangers of the new national government.

James Madison was there to counter the long-winded Henry.  He had shepherded the Constitution through the Philadelphia convention, and contrary to Henry, believed that only with a strong central government could our fragile young nation survive.  Henry’s fears were unwarranted argued Madison.  The national government with its system of checks and balances, and clearly enumerated powers posed no danger. Madison’s arguments prevailed, but Henry’s warnings about what the future might bring were important—and many of them came true. 

Instructor: Dr. Teodora Adzharova
Cost: $50 per session. Use the code music to sign up for all 3 for the discounted cost of $75 
Dates:
Sunday, December 4^th, 2022 2 - 3 p.m.
Sunday, January 12^th, 2023 2 - 3 p.m.
Sunday, February 5^th 2 - 3 p.m.

Session 1: Dancing with Bach
In this interactive presentation students will take a short trip back in time to the Baroque era (1600-1750). Once there, they will meet with Mr. Pachelbel, Mr. Handel and the legendary Mr. J.S. Bach. Dr. Adzharova will introduce them to keyboard instruments different from the piano we know today, and explore various historical dances written for those instruments. Together we will dive further and learn a few main dance moves!

Session 2: Singing with Mozart
In our second session we will meet one of the greatest composers for the human voice- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. After we take a quick look at his life story, we will learn about the opera genre which he loved so much. Through pictures, stories, and musical excerpts we will enter the world of magic and discover the story of Pamina and Tamino.

Session 3: Reading with Schumann
Could fiction become music? Could imaginary characters take musical shapes? What would those sound like? In our third session we will meet the musical poet, Robert Schumann. The son of a book seller, publisher and a novelist, Schumann loved to read and write.  Through his highly developed imagination he was able to combine the world of words with that of sound and create some of the best-known piano music written in history. We will take a listen at a few musical excerpts from of his music and see if we can hear the story behind them.

Instructor: Lewis Katz
Cost: $150
Age: Adult
Dates: October 18, October 25, November 1, and November 8
Time: 7:00 PM- 8:30 p.m.

Digital technology has dramatically changed how we take pictures.  This course will help you understand the fundamentals of photography and how they apply to the digitalworld.  The course includes classroom instruction and discussion, hands on learning and field study.  We will cover shutter speeds, aperture of f stops, depth of field, white balance, histograms as well as how to properly compose and image.  Learn how to fully use the features of your camera to create higher quality images that you will be proud to share with family and friends.  This course is not designed for i phone users - it is designed for those that use a DSLR or mirrorless camera.

Instructor: Anita Horwath
Cost: $195
Age: Adult
Dates: Thursdays; 9/15, 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27. 11/3
Time: 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Come explore your imagination and creative side! Class will introduce participants to easy and fun theatre games, while enjoying new ways to express themselves. There is no pressure to perform and everyone from is invited, regardless of prior theater experience.

Instructor: Heather Samet
Dates: 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, and 11/16
Time: 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Cost: $175
Age: Adult

Mah Jongg is a tiled-based game that was developed in the 19th century in China and spread throughout the world since the early 20th century. It is commonly played by four players. Mah Jongg is a game of skill, strategy and luck. I’ve been playing for over 25 years. I will bring my expertise as a teacher as well as my love for the game to my class participants. This class is geared towards beginners.

Cost: FREE
Date: Tuesday, September 27^th
Time: 12:15 p.m.

Free online talk about managing parental stress and anxiety. Register by emailing Liz Kent at liz@perissostherapy.com

Cost: $144
Age: All ages (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Date: Sunday, October 16^th  

Please join Superior Tours as they visit beautiful St. Michaels, Maryland. Named one of the top 10 Best Small Coastal Towns in America by USA Today, St. Michaels is a picturesque harbor on Maryland's Eastern Shore. St. Michaels is known for exceptional restaurants, from quaint romantic bistros to waterfront restaurants, serving fresh seafood including the best tasting crab cakes!  For shoppers, you will find an eclectic range of boutique shops offering specialty foods, jewelry, clothing, home decor and art galleries throughout the town.

We will start our day at the Crab Claw Restaurant (voted best crab cakes by Southern Living Magazine in January 2010).  Enjoy spectacular harbor views from the air conditioned dining room or watch the daily catch arrive on the outdoor deck. You'll enjoy the finest seafood served in the informal Eastern Shore style by folks that know seafood best.

After lunch you are on your own to enjoy a bike ride, shop at the eclectic range of boutique shops offering specialty foods, jewelry, clothing and home decor as well as galleries throughout the town, or visit Justine's Ice Cream Parlour, where they've have been scooping ice cream and selling shakes for over 25 years! 

Trip includes:

• Roundtrip transportation aboard Superior Tours luxury motor coach
• Bottled water served on the bus
• All you can eat, delicious crab feast at the Crab Claw Restaurant 
• Three hours to explore St. Michaels

Times:

• ​​​​​​​10:15 a.m. depart from Towson: Park & Ride at Cromwell Bridge Road, Towson, MD 21204 (Exit 29A off of 695)
• 10:00 a.m. depart from Pikesville: 2801 Smith Avenue, Pikesville, MD 21209 (Greenspring Shopping Center)
• 5:00 p.m. depart from St. Michaels, Maryland

Cost: $224
Age: All ages (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Date: Monday, December 12^th   

Join Superior Tours on their annual trip to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes is an annual musical holiday stage show presented at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The 90-minute show features more than 140 performers and an original musical score, and combines singing, dancing, and humor with traditional scenes

The tour includes:

• Roundtrip transportation aboard our luxury motor coach
• Four free hours in NYC after the show
• Orchestra seat ticket

Times:

• 6:00 am depart from Pikesville: 2801 Smith Avenue, Pikesville, MD 21209 (Greenspring Shopping Center)
• 6:15 am depart from Towson: Park & Ride at Cromwell Bridge Road, Towson, MD 21204 (Exit 29A off of 695)
• 6:30 am depart from Abingdon: Abingdon Park & Ride (Exit 77B off 95, Corner of MD 24 & MD 924)
• 5:00 pm depart from New York City