Special Classes

Time to put on your blue suede shoes and journey back as we explore the music, the movies, and the life of Elvis Presley himself! Join local musician and instructor Katrina DeVona as we trek through an exciting time in music history. Elvis spearheaded the revolution that changed music as we know it today. From the dancing to the singing to the stars he collaborated with on his way to the top, this class will explore the moments that influenced an entire generation. Elvis continues to be one of our favorite artists of all time. This class will cover his career highlights as well as the parts of his life that made him one of the most unique individuals in history. Dancing and singing along is encouraged!

Grab your saddle shoes and take a trip back to one of the most influential times in music history! Join local musician and instructor Katrina DeVona as we journey through the first chapters of what would become the Rock n’ Roll Revolution. Buddy Holly, Ray Charles, Chubby Checker, and the “King of Rock n’ Roll” himself – Elvis Presley! This class will explore the stories that influenced a generation of music pioneers while enjoying chart toppers from the 1950s that we still know and love today. Dancing and singing along is encouraged!

A class open to all levels of experience, participants will explore what it takes to put on a Shakespearean play. During each class, students will immerse themselves in famous storylines by reading from script excerpts. You’ll will have the chance to participate in both group scenes and solo monologues. For the final class, we will put on our very own show where family and friends will be welcome to come and enjoy the performances!

Madama Butterfly, Turandot, La Traviata, Pagliacci, the Barber of Seville. In this class, we will take a deep dive into discovering the world of Italian opera! Join Claire Taylor, professional opera singer and Hartt School trained vocalist, and listen to stories of her experiences singing in Italy and visiting Italian composer Giacomo Puccini's birthplace in Lucca! We’ll listen and discuss amazing singers like Maria Callas and Luciano Pavarotti who brought the music of these Italian composers to life. There is so much rich history to be learned, beauty to be revealed, and of course, drama to unfold!

Hartt School-trained singer Claire Taylor will take you on a journey exploring ABBA, a Swedish pop group formed in Stockholm during the early 1970s. ABBA is well known for their hit tracks, “Dancing Queen”, “SOS”, “Fernando”, and more. You may have heard one their most famous songs, “Mamma Mia!” which was featured in the 2008 US Blockbuster movie “Mamma Mia!” starring Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfreid. Enjoy a class full of ABBA history as we unpack the occasionally drama-filled relationships between the band mates. We will also have local guest artists come and perform the songs of ABBA live so get ready to be the dancing queen!

Students in this class will explore the golden age of musical theater. Participate in round table discussions and listen to live performances of “The Sound of Music”, “Carousel”, “Guys and Dolls”, among others. Each week, participants will study a new song and discover the beautiful meaning behind the lyrics. Musical and song requests will be taken on the first day of class so be sure to bring a favorite tune for us to sing together!