Jason Weinberger of the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony will discuss the social history of music when the Keep on Learning community education series resumes in September.
Weinberger, the symphony’s conductor, artistic director and CEO, will explore “Music through the Ages,” tracing the evolution of the orchestra against the backdrop of social and political dynamics from the 16th century through the present.
“I wanted to give people a glimpse inside the orchestra and provide a context for the music that isn’t always there when folks go to a concert. People don’t always realize that orchestra selections are tied to the social and political life of the community at that time,” Weinberger said.
He hopes the wide-reaching topic will give attendees a “greater appreciation and deeper sense of what is happening on stage” during any symphony performance.
The class meets Thursday mornings, Sept. 3, 10, 17 and 24 in the Heritage Room of Saemann Student Center. Coffee will be served at 9 a.m., followed by the class from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Parking is available near Saemann Student Center for those entering campus by Wartburg Boulevard.
Pre-registration is not required. The first class of each session is free; a $30 fee due at the second class covers the rest of the session.
Other topics offered in the series will include “Spaceship Earth,” in October; “A Little Knight Reading: The Other Wes Moore,” in November; “Presidential Partnerships: American Presidents and First Ladies,” in January; “Letters Home: Exploration of the Solar System,” in February; “The Spirit Lake Massacre of 1857: A Broader Perspective,” in March; and “Surprising Texts from the Bible,” in March and April.
A one-day-only course in October will focus on “Music and the Wartburg Castle.”
The Keep on Learning series is sponsored by Waverly Health Center. The Wartburg Alumni & Parent Relations Office coordinates Keep on Learning with the assistance of a volunteer committee. For more information, call 319-352-8491, email alumni@wartburg.edu or visit www.wartburg.edu/kol.