Dec. 26, 2012:  The US space shuttle program and the pipe organ will be examined in two "mini-courses" on January 16, 17, and 18 sponsored by the Friends of the Library at Sarah Lawrence College.

"The U.S. Space Shuttle Program: Anatomy of  'Epic Fails' in Science and Engineering" will be taught by Sarah Lawrence College's vice president of administration, Tom Blum, who has studied the American space program for decades, and Scott Calvin of the college's physics faculty.  Classes will be held from 10:00 am to noon on January 16, 17, and 18 in the Marshall Field Music Building, Room 1.

"For three decades, the space shuttle program was demonstrative proof of American technological hegemony," said Blum.  "Paradoxically, it brought quantum achievements in the science and engineering of human space flight while, ultimately, leading the US space program into its current state of crisis."  This mini-course will examine some of the practical benefits that emerged from the program and will consider how the Challenger and Columbia disasters continue to have an impact on the development of new and risky technologies.

In "Bach and the Organ," music faculty member Martin Goldray will examine the pipe organ as a musical and technological achievement and as an instrument that was central to the music of J. S. Bach.  The first two classes will focus on the construction of the mechanical organ of the 18th century, the musical and acoustic elements that give the organ its distinctive character as a musical instrument, and the choices that an organist makes in developing the interpretation of a piece of music.  In the third class, there will be demonstrations of these features and performances of Bach's organ music.  Classes will be from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.  The first two classes will be held in the Marshall Field Music Building, Room 1, and the third class will be at Christ Church Bronxville.

"Bach was my primary reason for learning the organ," said Goldray, explaining that Bach's music is central to the organ repertory.  Comparing the organ to the piano, he said that "it is an enormously different technical and musical instrument." 

Mini-courses are free for current Friends of the Library members and $45 for non-members; the $45 fee includes membership for the year.  Tea and coffee will be provided between the two courses; a bag lunch is encouraged.  Bringing something to share would be welcomed.

For more information, please contact Susan Gleason at 914-395 2472 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

If weather is uncertain, please contact Susan or check the college's website at www.slc.edu.

Pictured here:  Martin Goldray at Christ Church's organ.

Photo by Quyen Nguyen