Kimmel’s Adult Education Series Launched
‘Mondays at the Merck’ Will Offer Learners a Variety of Interactive, Hands-On Music Classes
December 15, 2004
Adults will be offered five different opportunities to learn about various genres of music through interactive 90-minute sessions on Mondays each month for a nominal fee. Sessions will be taught by the Kimmel Center’s teaching staff and special guests.
"As we look to expand our educational programs it seems natural for the Kimmel Center to offer adults a chance to use the incredible facility for more than concert attendance," said Mervon Mehta, Kimmel Center VP of Programming and Education. "We also want to give our talented teaching staff an opportunity to be creative in different ways. As we have done with all of our educational programs, the adult series will grow in stages. We will launch the series in January with five classes, learn from our experiences and expand the series in future seasons. All of the classes are participatory, so if you’ve ever had an urge to play a steel drum, sing in a gospel or play some Ellington, here is your chance."
Sessions will include:
January 24 & 31
Symphonic Jazz
Symphonic Jazz will explore the sophisticated melodies, innovative orchestrations and progressive harmonies utilized by composers of this genre. The classes will be lead by Marc Johnson, jazz musician and Kimmel Center teaching artist. Music ensemble experience and/or training required. Fee is $60 for two sessions.
February 7 & 14
The Origins & Roots of Gospel Music
The Origins & Roots of Gospel Music will trace the roots of gospel music from the traditional creations of Thomas Dorsey to the modern, polyphonic arrangements of Richard Smallwood. Carol Frazier, Kimmel Center teaching artist and music director of the New Covenant Church of Philadelphia, will lead the sessions. Participants will form their own gospel ensemble. No prior musical ability required. Fee is $60 for 2 sessions.
April 18 & 25
Composing & Arranging Music Using Music Software
This class offers students the chance to create compositions and arrangements using various music software. The sessions will be led by Marc Johnson and are limited to five participants. Students will have the opportunity to play and compose utilizing keyboards and computers provided by the Kimmel Center. Basic piano ability required. Fee is $60 for two sessions.
April 11,18, 25 & May 2
The Pipe Organ Tour
In anticipation of the completed Verizon Hall organ in May 2006, this tour will introduce students to the sights and sounds of the magnificent pipe organs housed in historic edifices in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas including visits to the Kimmel Center’s Verizon Hall; University of Delaware’s Bayard Sharp Hall; Wanamaker Organ in Lord & Taylor’s; Tindley Temple United Methodist Church; Girard College; and the Cathedral Basillica of Saints Peter and Paul. Steven Hirt will act as moderator and tour guide and Lynn Dobson, builder of the Kimmel Center’s organ will lead the first session. Participants will meet each session at the Kimmel Center. Bus travel is included in the tuition fee. Fee is $150 for four sessions.
May 16 & 23
Instruments of the Caribbean
The Steel Drums will introduce students to the captivating, lush sounds of percussion instruments invented in Trinidad. Sessions will be taught by Harvey Price, professional percussionist and steel drum manufacturer. No prior musical ability required. Fee is $60 for two sessions.
For further information and to register for classes call 215-790-5896 or visit www.kimmelcenter.org/education.
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