MUSIC - LESSONS & APPRECIATION                                                            

#169 EVERYONE CAN SING! In a supportive and fun environment, learn vocal techniques and skills and develop self-confidence. Learn about projection, relaxed breathing, how to find the right key for your voice, how to interpret a song, how to conquer any stage fright, and more.  Singing will add joy to your life. All are welcome! (Instructor, Heather Simmons)
8 Sessions     Jan. 28-Mar. 24        SHS     Monday          7:00-9:00 p.m.         $169

#238 BEGINNING GUITAR ~ The benefits of learning to play a musical instrument are well documented. You may already have a guitar in the house. Now you can learn what you need to get started ... tuning, rudimentary technique and understanding of music notation and tablature ... using familiar songs to make learning fun! Participants supply their own instrument (left-handed guitars are recommended for left-handed players) (Instructor, Gene Pino)
5 Sessions     Apr. 21-May 19        SHS     Monday          8:15-9:15 p.m.         $89
Gene Pino studied under Chuck Wayne and Linc Chamberland, attended Berklee College of Music and The Manhattan School of Music. He teaches private lessons in his Westport Studio and has been teaching guitar for 30 years. One grad of the prestigious University of Miami School of Music says, “Gene Pino is….. by far the best teacher player, and mentor of all of them.”

#193  INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC CONNECTION ~ Still have your old musical instrument? Come join us and get back into the fun of playing with others.  We will use different combinations of instruments and play in small groups.  Bring any music you have.  Relearn your instrument and explore music together in a class filled with encouragement and team spirit.  Pianists, woodwinds, brass, strings and percussion – all are welcome!  (Instructor, Heather Simmons)
6 Sessions     Apr. 21-June 2          SHS     Monday          7:00-9:00 p.m.         $139
Heather Simmons studied flute and voice at the University of Southern Mississippi.  She currently has a private flute studio at the Westport School of Music and performs regularly in WSM Faculty Chamber Music Concerts and at the Westport-Weston United Methodist Church.

#280 SWINGING THE BLUES ~ Join us as we survey the first half of the 20th century covering the historical roots and influences of “blue music” as it developed and morphed into the many forms and permutations known as Jazz, R & B, urban Blues, Soul, Rock–n –Roll, etc.  Possible appearances by guest artists. (Instructor, David Saltzman)
10 Sessions   Jan. 31-Apr. 10        SHS     Thursday       7:00-9:00 p.m.         $149
David Saltzman has been studying and playing “blue music” throughout his life.

DANCE                                                                 top of page

TAP DANCING LESSONS ~ Are you looking for a fun way to get some great exercise?  Have you always wanted to take dance lessons but never had the chance?  Did you dance when you were younger and would like to pick it up again?  Are you just looking to do something new and different?  Then these are the classes for you!  Beginner through intermediate levels welcome.  You will get a great workout while learning one of the most beautiful performing arts – DANCE.  (Instructor, Sandy Adamczyk)

#277 DANCE YOUR WAY TO FITNESS AND FUN ~ Do you like to dance or want to learn?  In this energetic class, you’ll develop style, balance and a better understanding and feel of music and dance.  Learn the different rhythms and basic dance moves to music ranging from African and Spanish melodies to rock and roll to classical waltz.  Get a great aerobic workout while having fun.  No partner required. (Instructor, Sandra Adamczyk)
12 Sessions   Jan. 28-Apr. 28        SHS
Monday          8:00-9:15 p.m.         $149
Sandra Adamczyk is an experienced, award winning professional dancer and dance instructor.

FILM                                                           top of page

FORBIDDEN HOLLYWOOD II ~ With the coming of sound, a new honesty was evident in Hollywood filmmaking, emphasizing heavy doses of sex, crime, infidelity and drug abuse. From 1929 to 1934, these movies enraged civic groups. Movie moguls decided to institute their own set of rules which were rigidly adhered to for decades. Come experience some of these “pre-code” treasures which will be shown on film and will be accompanied by notes and a Q & A. Join film historian Lou Sabini as he guides you through what was the most fascinating era in film history. (Instructor, Lou Sabini)

#279 WHAT’S SO FUNNY ~ What could be more fun than diving into the archives in order to re-examine the comic artists of the last hundred years?  Much like the great musicians, their humor reaches across the generational divide.  W.C. Fields, Laurel & Hardy and Jack Benny still pack a terrific comic punch.  We will explore their work and many others through film, TV, radio transcripts and recordings.  (Instructor, David Saltzman)
10 Sessions   Jan. 29-Apr. 8           SHS     Tuesday         7:00-9:00 p.m.         $149 

ACTING/DRAMA                                                                 top of page

#259 WESTPORT COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE THEATRE WORKSHOP ~ co-sponsored with the Westport Country Playhouse ~ Join us as we explore the world of the play "Time of My Life" - written by Alan Ayckborn and directed by Stephen DiMenna.  In our first session, we will examine the play from the point of view of a director, actor and designer.  We will discuss issues that arise within the text and you will create your vision of design for the production. During the following week, each student will attend a performance of the production (at a performance of their choice).  For the final session, you will review the performance, and discuss how your vision differed or was actualized on stage.  If available, members of the artistic team will speak with the class about their process when approaching a play.

Session One: March 26       7:00-8:30 p.m.         SHS
Session Two: Choose the performance date of your choice from April 1-19 excluding Opening Night of Saturday, April 5
Session Three: April 9         7:00-8:30 p.m.         SHS
Total Package Price: $150.00

#264 ADVANCED ACTING WITH AL PIA ~  For stage, TV, and film. An individual approach to acting technique in a relaxed, confidence-building environment. Mr. Pia, an experienced university instructor and awards winning director employs the renowned Stanislavski technique - the most respected approach to acting. Sharpen your acting skills with the performance principles of Constantin Stanislavski to help keep you on track. Prerequisite: Intro. to Acting or prior acting experience. Limited enrollment.
8 Sessions     Jan. 30-Mar. 26        SHS
Wednesday   7:00-9:00 p.m.         $159
Al Pia, an experienced university instructor and award winning director, has written "On Stage!" and “Acting the Truth:  The Acting Principles of Constantin Stanislavski and Exercises:  A Handbook for Actors, Directors and Instructors of Theatre”.  Mr. Pia was featured in the October 2007 issue of Westport Magazine. 

COLLEGE THEATRE AUDITIONS COACHING (Ages 17 & up) ~ Are you auditioning for a performing arts college?  Let David Roth, director of the award-winning Staples Players, coach you to success in your audition monologues and/or songs.  In private lessons, Mr. Roth will help find the meaning behind the piece, share invaluable audition tips, help you gain confidence, and work with you to make your audition piece the best that it can be.  While no guarantee of college admission can be offered, Mr. Roth has an excellent success rate with helping students get into prestigious acting programs.  Private coaching sessions will be scheduled individually.  (Instructor, David Roth)
#610a   Monologues only – 3 hours of coaching           $250
#610b   Monologues AND songs – 5 hours of coaching            $385