This presentation provides a view from the conductor's podium. Why is there a conductor in the first place? What are the challenges faced by the conductor? What is the origin of orchestra customs and how have they changed over time? Using music and visuals, the music director and conductor of the Arlington Philharmonic and the Amadeus Orchestra explores these questions in an engaging talk that will bring you inside the world of the conductor.

Thomas Gainsborough was one of England’s earliest “homegrown” geniuses. A boy prodigy, largely self-taught, witty, convivial, musical, Gainsborough was widely known and admired for his fluid handling of paint. He and Joshua Reynolds dominated portrait painting in the 1770s and 1780s. Exactly 100 years ago the iconic Blue Boy left English shores, sold to an American. Now it has returned to London’s National Gallery as the focal point of an Anthony van Dyck exhibition. This lecture will survey the whole of Gainsborough’s career with special emphasis on van Dyck’s influence and the Blue Boy in particular.

Almost from the moment books appear in history, there has been movements to ban, or even prosecute, books. Mike Bevel will look at the history of censorship and explore the typical characteristics of banned literature.

Taxing the population is not a modern concept. Sumerians have tax records dating to 3300 BCE, while the Egyptians organized the first formal tax collection in 3000 BCE, to be followed by all empires and nations hence. Why is taxation necessary? Who pays taxes and who doesn’t? What do we get from our taxes? What categories of tax are compulsory? Do taxes preclude the printing of money? Follow the history of taxation to understand why some are reluctant to pay taxes and others gladly comply.

Transgender people live “normal” lives, lives filled with hopes and dreams, careers and goals, and children and families.  This class will provide information for attendees, and their families and social networks, about the trans community’s experiences and concerns.

The Battle of Waterloo in 1815 was one of the turning points in modern history; it ended the Napoleonic Era, and forcefully ushered the central figure of that time – Napoleon himself – out of European politics and into remote exile. But while everyone has heard of the battle, few people know what actually transpired – and why. This second session will recount the battle, hour by hour, with particular emphasis on lost opportunities. Where possible, the words of the actual participants will form the narrative background as we examine not only the plans and thoughts of the generals, but the impressions of the lower ranks as they fought – and died.  (For Part I of this series, see class #129.)