The aims of this class are to encourage hearts surrendered to Christ, hands skilled to fruitful labor, and peaceful homes of blessing, beauty and joy.  Together the students will knit, sew, and embroider.  The class will memorize scripture and read the Bible.  Other books and poetry encouraging purity, modesty, hospitality, obedience to God, devotion to family, reliance on prayer, and a life-long love for the Word of God. 

 

     This class focuses on both technical and musical aspects of ensemble playing.  We accept students who play any orchestral instrument at a Suzuki book level 2 or above (students with competent treading skills not in the Suzuki program are welcome!)  Students will learn basic music theory in addition to ensemble skills, such as basic sight singing and dictation.  There are two teachers for this class.  A hearing will be on the first day of class.  This is not an audition, but the teachers will hear every student play individually:  a scale, a piece, and some sight reading.  This is meant to judge the levels of the students so they can assess and best form this class for the participants.  Depending on interest and playing levels, we may have more than one ensemble group, then all combine for music theory each class.  There is at least one performance planned each semester, with details announced later.

 

Mrs.  Shannon Harden started playing cello in 7th grade, and since then, has participated in the Albuquerque Youth Symphony, All State, and received a minor in music from UNM.  In addition, she teaches private music lessons and conducts a class at a local community center.  She is a former RGES student.

 

Mrs. Laura Wright has grown up playing the violin and began teaching private lessons 10 years ago.  She has played in the Albuquerque Youth Symphony, All State, and minored in music at UNM.  She is a former RGES student.

 

     This fun and accurate history of Philosophy course covers from the beginnings of formal philosophy in Greece, with emphasis on the big three:  Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle, and surveys to the present day philosophers.  Our goal is to provide the student with 1) an extremely brief overview of the history of Philosophy, Logic, and World Religions,  2) an understanding of how Philosophy influences our culture today, 3) a confirmation of Christianity's philosophical plausibility, and 4) a thirst for wisdom.

 

Pastor David Megill has a BA in English Literature with a minor in religious studies from UNM.  He and his wife homeschool their 7 children.  David is pastor of Lifesong Community Church in Rio Rancho.

 

     This class is a study of Jewish culture and history beginning with the biblical account of Abraham and ending with current events in Israel.  Students study key people and places, Jewish holiday feasts, customs, and historical events such as the captivity and release from Egypt in the time of Moses and the Holocaust during World War II.  They read relevant Jewish literature including Elie Wiesal's Night, a personal account of the Holocaust.  They participate in a Passover Seder, and have opportunities to try writing and pronouncing Hebrew words.

 

Mrs. Shannon Harden earned her BA in Psychology and a minor in Music from UNM.  She is a former RGES student and has a long interest in the Jewish people and Israel.

 

RGES Chorus - Mondays 9:30 am - 11:30 am 

     This class is for students who would like to greatly improve their singing and musical skills in the course of one school year!  Although we will sing at the same Christmas and Spring Concerts along with the Concert Choir, our focus is learning basic music reading, ear training, and singing skills, rather than learning as many pieces as the Concert Choir.  The class size is limited to 20 students to give each student individualized attention.  An audition is requested but not required.  Please email Mrs. Mouchet (mrsmouchet@msn.com).

 

RGES Concert Choir - Mondays 12:oo pm - 2:00 pm

     This choir is for the more advanced singer/musician.  The required audition will consist of singing Amazing Grace, rhythm reading, tonal memory test, range assessment, interval recognition (written), and note names (written).  Class size is limited to 30.  We hope to have many performance opportunities.  (Those students selected for All-State Choir will not need to audition.)  Please email Mrs. Mouchet (mrsmouchet@msn.com).