Academics

Lifelong Learning

The ANC Secondary Schools—in partnership with Bryn Athyn College and the General Church Office of Education—offers non-credit courses and activities to the adult community. All are welcome to join a community of individuals with similar interests without the pressures of quizzes, tests, and major term papers.

To register for classes contact Scott Daum at the Office of Education by phone (267-502-4950) or E-mail him anytime at scott.daum@newchurch.org .

Summer Offerings for 2012:

Theatrical Production with T4Y Playmakers

Led by Heather Gregg, Jordan Cooper, and Kristin Lindsay
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. June 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20 (with optional participation during performance weekend: June 21 – 24).
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Cost $150
Location: Mitchell Performing Arts Center

This course will serve as an introduction to the theatrical production process through practical experience. Initial sessions will focus on analysis & pre-production preparation. Later sessions will coincide with T4Y Playmaker’s first summer production, The Secret Garden, and therefore provide firsthand insight and practical experience in all areas of the production. Participants will assist with lighting, costuming, props, scenery, sound, and much more. They will receive an overview of the casting and directing process and observe rehearsal in progress. Participants will have the opportunity to volunteer outside of sessions and assist during performances if they choose.

Heather, Jordan, and Kristin are all graduates of Shenandoah Conservatory, class of 2009. In 2010, they had a crazy idea to put on a show for children in only 7 days with no money. Since then, T4Y Playmakers has put on three children’s shows and is gearing up for another successful run at the Mitchell Performing Arts Center in the summer of 2012. T4Y stands for Theater for Youth. The acronym comes from the Theatre for Youth program of study offered at Shenandoah Conservatory. It focuses on the power of theater in the lives of young people. T4Y Playmakers embrace this area of theater and the uses it performs in instructing a younger generation in the value of living life with the whole mind, body, and spirit.

Book Talk 2: Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Led by Scott Daum
Tuesdays and Thursdays, July 10, 12, 17, 19
7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Cost: $60 ($50 if registered by June 1; $70 after June 29)
Location: Bryn Athyn College, Doering Center, TBD

Considered one of the most influential books written in the 1900s, Lord of the Flies focuses on a group of very young British school boys, who have crash-landed on a deserted island during an evacuation effort at the start of World War III. The boys discover quickly that they will have to care for themselves until the adult world discovers them, so they set about to govern themselves. Deeply symbolic, the novel explores the heroic and destructive aspects of human nature.

Scott Daum taught English at the Academy of the New Church Secondary Schools for twenty years before becoming the Principal of the Boys School. Besides his family, he loves nothing more than to discuss a good book.

Ensemble Percussion Experience

Led by Donna Bostock
Mondays and Wednesdays, July 9, 11, 16, 18
7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Cost: $60 ($50 if registered by June 1; $70 after June 29)
Location: Academy Secondary Schools Campus, Third Floor of the Fine Arts Building

Donna Bostock is a performing percussionist in multiple bands. She is a teacher at the Academy of the New Church and other institutions. While traveling to areas such as Cuba, Bolivia, Brazil and Spain she has been gathering a large range of cultural rhythmic material and is excited to share it with anyone who is interested. This is a “hands on” workshop format that will include playing with sticks, congas, snare drums, large bass drums, hand-bells, wooden boxes, and more. There will be something for everyone in this workshop. Beginners to advanced musicians, you will all walk away with something invaluable. Students who took the fall course are encouraged to sign up.

Tai Chi

Weina Toscano
Mondays and Wednesdays, July 23, 25, 30, and August 1
7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Cost $60 ($50 if registered by June 1; $70 after June 29)
Location: Academy Secondary Schools, Asplundh Field House, Dance Studio

and again on:

Tuesdays and Thursdays, August 14, 16, 21, 23
7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Cost $60 ($50 if registered by June 1; $70 after June 29)
Location: Academy Secondary Schools, Asplundh Field House, Dance Studio

Originally developed in ancient China for self-defense, Tai Chi has evolved into a graceful form of exercise that is now used to promote personal energy. Tai Chi includes rhythmic patterns of movement that are coordinated with breathing to help build physical strength and balance and to reduce stress. Because Tai Chi is a low impact activity, adults are able to participate at a level suitable to their age and physical ability. The class is limited to 12 people. Recommended for beginners and students who took the spring course.

A native of China, Weina Toscano has studied Tai Chi and Kung Fu since she was seven years old. She is a licensed instructor in both forms in Shanghai and has been teaching the many benefits of Tai Chi since coming to live in the United States.