This class looks at popular music during the 1930s. What a decade it was for American songs! Some songs thumbed their nose at the Depression with wild optimism while others were laments during hard times. Songs from the movies, Broadway, and Tin Pan Alley make up the 1930's songbook with such songwriters as Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, Rogers and Hart, and others. We will also hear from the best vocalists during the Depression, including Al Jolson, Shirley Temple, Bing Crosby, Ethel Waters, Judy Garland and many others.

The class is part-lecture, part-listening to classic recordings of outstanding songs.

Thomas Hischak is a retired Professor of Performing Arts from the State University of New York College at Cortland. He is the author of over thirty books on theatre, film, and popular music.

Class sessions will be on Mondays, June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 from 9:30 to 11 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

Group singing class is focused on the basics of classical singing technique.  You'll learn exercises to improve your breath control as well as your vocal strength, range and clarity.  You'll also have a chance to apply your new technique to the repertoire of your choice.  

Please bring two printed copies of the sheet music for a song of your choice to work on over the course of the month. Students of all levels are welcome.

Singing teacher and classical singer Abigail Dyer was born in West Orange, New Jersey. With a private voice studio in St Augustine Beach and over 20 years' experience teaching opera professionals and amateur singers alike, Abby specializes in developing healthy vocal technique in the service of expressive singing.

Abby is a graduate of Vassar College (BA) and Columbia University (MA, M.Phil., Ph.D.), and the Mannes College Wagner Theater Program.

Class sessions will be held Tuesdays, June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 10:15 to 11:15 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Come explore the world of Blues Guitar in a fun group setting.

Requirements:

• 12 Bar Chord Progressions - Multiple Keys
• Dominant 7th Chords
• Minor Pentatonic Scales and Riffs
• Playing well known Blues songs together
• Blues Phrasing

Dennis Fermin has been playing guitar for over 30 years and joyfully helping others learn to play along the way. As a graduate from Musician's Institute of California, he has the skills and the patience to teach on many different topics and styles of music. Currently you can hear him perform locally as Fermin Spanish Guitar.

Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays, June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 1 to 2:30 at River House (179 Marine St.   St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Come join us for a fun filled group course where we will all be playing several classic pop and classic rock favorites together. Focus will be on tightening up our chord changes, learning new songs and having fun!

Requirements:

• Ability to play basic open string chords reasonably well
• Instrument
• Music stand
• pen or pencil

Dennis Fermin has been playing guitar for over 30 years and joyfully helping others learn to play along the way. As a graduate from Musician's Institute of California, he has the skills and the patience to teach on many different topics and styles of music. Currently you can hear him perform locally as Fermin Spanish Guitar.

Class sessions will run on Wednesdays, June 3, 10, 17, 24 from 9:45 - 11:15 a.m. at River House, 179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084.

For ages 18 and up.

Come join us for a fun filled group course where we will all be playing several classic pop and rock favorites together. Focus will be on tightening up our chord changes, learning new songs and having fun!

Requirements

• Ability to play basic open string chords reasonably well
• Instrument
• Music stand
• Pen or pencil

Dennis Fermin has been playing guitar for over 30 years and joyfully helping others learn to play along the way. As a graduate from Musician's Institute of California, he has the skills and the patience to teach on many different topics and styles of music. Currently you can hear him perform locally as Fermin Spanish Guitar.

Class sessions will be held on Wednesdays, June 3, 10, 17, 24 from 11:30 to 1 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.