Every semester The Office of College Activities offers a series of programs designed to enrich the lives of Marist students physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. Each program lasts ten (10) weeks and is held once a week for one hour. The following programs will be offered in the Fall 2009 semester.
Pilates
Dance
Beginner Guitar
Intermediate Guitar I
Intermediate Guitar II
Bagpipes
Yoga
Sign-ups for all Red Fox Enrichment classes will take place on Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at 12:00pm at the College Activities Office. All programs cost $5 for the 10 week program, with the exception of Bagpipes, which costs $20. Students may sign-up for one RFE class with valid Marist ID, but may wait-list for additional classes depending on availability. Students may enroll in only one class time for Pilates and Bagpipes.
Pilates with Gayle DiLorenzo
Tuesday's 6:15pm - 7:15pm & 7:30pm - 8:30pm
This class focuses on the principles of Pilates: Centering, Control, Concentration, Precision, Breath, and Flow. The focus is on your core abdominal muscles initiating every movement. A great full-body workout, leaving you feeling toned and rejuvenated. You'll need to bring a mat, be sure it's thick enough to cushion your spine. (Yoga mats are generally too thin). Comfortable, but fitted clothing is recommended, no shoes are needed and socks are optional. Stay hydrated, bring water!
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN PILATES (As of October)
The students have progressed from Beginner level exercises to exercises with a higher degree of difficulty.The students are displaying increased Core strength, improved balance and coordination!
Dance Lessons with Luis Perez
Wednesday's 11:00am - 12:00pm
Learn how to Salsa with Luis Perez, a native of Cuba and an accomplished performer. Luis has performed in the National Tour of Pinnochio, West Side Story, and Fiddler on the Roof. The class includes a short warm up using the basic steps of salsa. Within a few short weeks, you'll progress from a short combination to a full routine. Before you know it,you will be dancing like a pro!
Introduction to Guitar with Helen Avakian
Learn the basics of playing guitar, from how to tune, to forming chords, accompanying songs and playing solos. Strumming, single note picking and fingerpicking will be explored. Fundamentals of music such as rhythm and song structure will be covered as well as finger exercises to develop strength and dexterity. Lots of "hands-on" experience playing together as a group in a variety of styles including alternative, folk, blues, pop, classic rock, and perhaps some Flamenco. Some of the styles will be determined by class interest. Student needs their own guitar. A book of music, exercises and information will be provided by the teacher.
"WHAT'S HAPPENING" IN BEGINNER GUITAR (As of October)
After starting from absolute beginning level in September, Introduction to Guitar class students are playing songs from the Beatles, Bob Dylan, the Cranberries, Jewel, and some Ray Charles blues. They have also have had an introduction to fingerpicking, a variety of strumming patterns and basic guitar technique. Coming soon will be blues improvisation, alternative rock. and Flamenco.
Intermediate Guitar I with Helen Avakian
Wednesday's, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
This class pickes up where Intro leaves off. More advanced chords, strums, fingerpicking patterns and lead guitar techniques will be covered. Songs from classic rock to present day pop plus any styles the class wishes to explore including country and jazz for example. Student needs their own guitar and some guitar playing experience equivalent to the Intro guitar class. Written music, exercises and information will be provided by the teacher.
"WHAT'S HAPPENING IN INTERMEDIATE GUITAR II (As of October)
So far, topics explored in the Intermediate 1 Guitar class include music theory, moveable barre chord forms and scales, and how to find any note on the fingerboard. The students have worked on composing blues solos, improvisation, and more advanced fingerpicking. They have also been playing the Rolling Stones song “Paint It Black,” Dave Matthews Band “Ants Marching,” and Eric Clapton’s “Signe.”
Intermediate Guitar II with Helen Avakian
Wednesday's, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
This class follows Intermediate I. More advanced songs, scales, chords, rhythm, lead and fingerpicking will be explored. Again the styles will vary and be determined in large part by class interest. Student needs their own guitar and more extensive playing experience than Intermediate Guitar I. Written music, exercises and information will be provided by the teacher.
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN INTERMEDIATE GUITAR II (As of October)
Intermediate 2 Guitar class has largely been spent focussing on songs by student request. These include Island In the Sun by Weezer, Saints and Sailors by Dashboard Confessional, and Sitting, Waiting, Wishing by Jack Johnson. Classic rock tunes Norwegian Wood (The Beatles) and Hotel California (The Eagles) are also on the plate. In addition, this class has been using the capo, becoming acquainted with alternate tunings, and learning more advanced fingerpicking techniques.
Bagpipes with Janet Whalen
Wednesday's, 11:00am -12:00pm and 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Come a be a part of history as Marist College forms it's first regimental pipe band. During this 10 week introductory course, on a practice chanter, you'll learn the scale and enough basic embellishments to play your first tune. Let's see if you're up to the challenge of playing a bagpipe!
Yoga Lessons with LoriAnn Paul
Thursday's, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Yoga is a superb form of physical exercise balancing strength, flexibility, endurance and relaxation/stress management skills. These classes incorporate gentle stretching and a series of yoga postures, designed to stretch, tone and strengthen particular parts of the body. Students will also learn ancient yoga breathing exercises, which help to strengthen the lungs, heighten mental clarity, calm the nervous system, and improve sleeping patterns among other things.Students should bring a mat, and wear loose, comfortable clothing. Please try to arrive a few minutes early, so that you have time to relax before class begins. It is best to perform postures on an empty stomach, so you may wish to wait one to two hours after a full meal before practicing. You may, however, choose to have a glass of juice or piece of fruit up to an hour before.
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN YOGA (As of October)
Yoga students are learning how to do Sun Salutations, as well as an entire series of interesting yoga postures, designed to stretch, tone and strengthen different parts of the body. Students have been learning yoga breathing techniques that help to strengthen the respiratory system as well as the immune system – just in time for cold and flu season! Furthermore, just a minute or two of alternate nostril breathing can help to focus the mind and calm the nerves before any important exam. Finally, students enjoy a different meditation at the end of each class to help calm the mind and bring everything into balance – body, mind and Spirit.
