Maestro David Dworkin Returning For An Encore ‘Conductorcise’ Class

SOUTHBURY — They laughed, learned that John Phillips Sousa played the violin as well as wrote marches, and joked that the ladies might start dancing as they conducted a Hungarian piece.

The past three years’ Conductorcise classes with Maestro David Dworkin at Walzer Family Jewish Community Campus were such a big hit that all the participants clamored for more. So on Tuesday, June 7, at 11 am, the award-winning conductor and professional clarinetist will return to the Love & Knishes Lunch Program at Jewish Communities of Western CT, 444 Main Street North, to lead another class. Afterwards, the maestro will join participants for lunch at 12:15.

Suggested donation is $5.50 for seniors and $8 for those under the age of 60.

The exuberant and passionate maestro emphasizes that you do not need a musical background or any athletic ability to have fun with this program. Clad in sneakers and casual clothes, Maestro Dworkin will lead men and women of all ages through a presentation with many types of classical music while also instructing them on basic conducting techniques.

For the third year, participants will also be joined by students from the federation’s Alef-Bet Preschool. Waving batons or chopsticks, participants are able to combine the rare delight of strengthening the body and mind through physical activity, relieving stress and building aerobic stamina.

At the last class, participants’ ages ranged from 4 to 90, with some people moving their whole bodies and others conducting from a chair or just watching. The energetic Dworkin, age 70, says Conductorcise can help strengthen the heart and open the ears while offering an invigorating upper body workout and improving listening skills.

Reservations must be made immediately 3 for this program. To RSVP, call program director Debby Horowitz at 267-3177 extension 105.