Students will select classes from the following time blocks: 12:30-1:25, 1:30-2:25 and/or 2:30-3:25. Classes are offered for ages 4-5, 6-8, 9-13, and 13-18 (note 13 year olds have options). All classes are offered independently, with the exception of choir and drama for the 9-12 age group, which must be taken together as this is a musical production that operates as one work through two separate classes.
12:30 PM - 1:25 PM
Elementary Art (Ages 6-8)
Teacher: Maren Wynn
Contact: maren@agapemusicarts.com
Cost: $150 (1st semester $75 due upon registration, 2nd semester $75 due January 14th)
Class Size: 12 students
Hi! My name is Maren Wynn. I was homeschooled for most of my education and grew up loving the Lord. When I was little, I was always doodling in church pamphlets while I should've been paying attention. I did outgrow that habit, but I never outgrew my love for art. Since then I've taught myself painting, drawing, clothing design, etc. I adore the passion and creativity that naturally flows through children. In my class I look forward to teaching them how to refine it and learn the fundamentals of art all while glorifying God.
All finished student artwork will be displayed at the end of year art show & concert.
"But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand." Isaiah 64:8
Supplies Needed: Students will need a sketchbook and drawing pencils. All other supplies will be provided.
Payment: Cash, check or Venmo @Maren-Wynn (please list your student's name in the memo)
Beginner Ballet (Ages 6-10)
Teachers: Amani Sweeney and Kaiyah Sweeney
Contact: amani@agapemusicarts.com
Cost: $165 (1st payment of $85 due at registration, 2nd semester payment due by January 15th)
Sibling Discount available.
Class Size: 10 students
This class will introduce the basic terms and steps to understand the building blocks of ballet. We will be learning steps at the barre along with center work and creative dance. Our goal is to teach the art of ballet in a Christ-centered environment. We will perform a dance at the Agape Concert and Art Show in April.
“Let them praise His name with dancing and make music to Him with timbrel and harp.” Psalm 149:3
We are sisters who have always been homeschooled. We’ve both been dancing for over ten years and we study ballet under Denyse Looney of Dutchess School Of Performing Arts. We are very excited to share our love of ballet!
Supplies provided: End of the year costume (performance skirt)
Supplies needed: Ballet slippers, appropriate dance wear
Payment: P.O. Box 22, Verbank NY 12585
Recorder Ensemble (Ages 9+)
Teacher: Jennifer Mery
Contact: jennifer@agapemusicarts.com
Cost: $100 (1st semester $50, 2nd semester $50)
10% discount on your second child in the same class and 20% discount for any of your additional children for the same class
Class Size: 20 students
Hi, My name is Jennifer Mery. I was a homeschooling mother of eight, and now I am a homeschooling grandmother of many more. I love Jesus, Family, Church, the Bible, Homeschooling and Worshiping the Lord through music. I studied Music Education at The King's College in Briarcliff, New York and several instruments privately from a young age. My mother, a professional opera singer, passed down her love for music to all of her children. I love every aspect of teaching music to children of all ages. I especially love to convince them that they can do more than they believe they can and to challenge those who are confident to stretch their skills to the next level and do it all for God's glory and the encouragement of others.
For the Recorder Ensemble class, my assistant teachers and I will begin with prayer and Bible memory verses about music. Our first lessons on this beautiful and versatile instrument will be learning to blow very gently to produce a sound pleasing to the ears of all who hear it, especially of their family members while they practice at home. Next, we will learn the fingering, a few notes at a time, until we have learned the c-scale plus a few more notes. A good foundation in rhythm and notes values will also be included. In a very short time they will be able to play a few simple songs they recognize. Students with prior experience will learn advanced melodies. All will learn simple or advanced harmonies, depending on their level of skill and interest. Our goal is to have two to four songs ready for our Spring Concernt with two to four parts or even more parts for each song, again, depending on skill level and interest. My dream and hope and prayer is that we will be able to play for a Nursing Home some time during the year with however many students might be available, on a completely voluntary basis. As always, we will encourage new friendships to develop which we hope will last a lifetime, as I have seen in my own adult children's lives!
Supplies provided: sheet music
Supplies needed: Yamaha Baroque Soprano Recorder, available for $6-8. If another brand is used, Baroque fingering is required.
Payment: cash or check to be given on the first day of each semester or by mail: 4 Spoor Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
Musical Drama (Ages 9-12) – Students must be registered for both Musical Choir & Musical Drama.
Teacher: Alicia Donnelly
Contact: alicia@agapemusicarts.com
Cost: $150 - (1st semester $75 due 10/2, 2nd semester $75 due 1/14th). Ask about sibling discount.
Class Size: 30 students
Hi! My name is Alicia Donnelly and I have been homeschooling for the past 24 years. Three of my children are grown and my 4th, Matthew, is in 12th grade. I will be teaching drama this year at Agape. My hope is that your children will love acting and demonstrating God’s love through the performing arts!
I have always loved performing. As a child and teen I took dance and voice classes. I would always perform in our church plays and skits as well as recitals. Since becoming a homeschooling mom I had a vision for incorporating drama into homeschooling. I have taught in co-ops over the last 18 years.
For the 9-13 drama class we will be doing a musical this year called , 'Faith News', created by Christy and David Semsen. This class will coincide with the 9-13 music class as well. You must take both classes to be in this musical.
We will have speaking parts, choreography for the songs and skits within the singing. I plan on teaching the basic elements of acting whileusing drama games and exercises as tools for learning. I hope to make this an exciting and fulfilling year for my students.
Supplies Provided: Choir book, music and costumes/accessories
Supplies Needed: Folder or binder with paper and or notebook, pen and pencil, and costumes may need to be purchased as needed
Payment: 76 West Long Meadow Drive Staatsburg, NY 12580 or Paypal – makdonnelly@yahoo.com friends and family, please. Thank you.
Note: Please review dates of classes and extra rehearsals to be certain of your ability to commit to the entire year. We will be having a parent/teacher meeting on September 24th 1:30-2:30, (books will be handed out then), and Auditions October 1st 3:30-5
High School Art 101/Advanced Art Techniques (Ages 13+)
Teacher: Juliet Sweeney
Contact: juliet@odellci.com
Cost: $175 (first payment of $88 due at registration, 2nd semester payment due by January 15th)
Sibling discount available.
Class SIze: 16 students
In this class, we will be covering the fundamentals of art and also discovering different styles and techniques, experimenting with a variety of mediums. All finished student artwork is displayed at the Art Show during the Agape Spring concert. **For advanced students who have already taken art classes with me, they will be taught further concepts and techniques to build upon what they have learned in previous years with me.**
I have a BFA with a specialization in Drawing and Painting. I am a homeschooling mom of two teens. I have volunteered with the high school and young adult ministries at CCHV for over 20 years. I am excited to work with your teens, getting to know them and their interests in art.
Supplies Needed: Students will need a sketchbook and drawing pencils. All other supplies will be provided.
Payment by venmo or mail: P.O. Box 22, Verbank NY 12585
1:30 PM - 2:25 PM
Elementary Choir (Ages 6-8)
Teacher: Jennifer Mery
Contact: jennifer@agapemusicarts.com
Cost: $100 (1st semester $50, 2nd semester $50)
10% discount on your second child in the same class and 20% discount for any of your additional children for the same class
Class Size: 20 students
Hi, My name is Jennifer Mery. I was a homeschooling mother of eight, and now I am a homeschooling grandmother of many more. I love Jesus, Family, Church, the Bible, Homeschooling and Worshiping the Lord through music. I studied Music Education at The King's College in Briarcliff, New York and several instruments privately from a young age. My mother, a professional opera singer, passed down her love for music to all of her children. I love every aspect of teaching general music to children. I especially love to convince them that they can do more than they believe they can!
For Elementary Choir, my assistant teachers and I like to begin with prayer and a bible memory verse. Next, we will sing a few easy songs and then on to vocal warm-up exercises, including solfege exercises (do, re, mi...). Thirdly, we work on concert songs and Christmas carols (for the Fall semester). Fourthly, we do movement songs to get the wiggles out and just have fun. After a bathroom and water break, we finish with lessons using simple classroom instruments (such as triangles, thythm sticks, homemade tambourines, handbells, boomwhackers, etc) to teach reading music, rhythm values, melodies and harmonies as appropriate for their skill level. Additionally, we like to encourage new friendships to develop which we hope will last a lifetime as I have seeen in my own adult children's lives! And lastly, we showcase what we have learned and especially what the children seemed to enjoy most, at our Spring Concert.
All supplies will be provided.
Payment: cash or check to be given on the first day of each semester or by mail: 4 Spoor Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
Middle School Art (Ages 9-12)
Teacher: Veronica Stouter
Contact: veronica@agapemusicarts.com
Cost: $150 (first payment due at registration, 2nd semester payment due by January 14th)
Sibling discount available.
Class Size: 16 students
Let's learn foundational art concepts, build skills, and get inspired by the ultimate artist - God!
Examples of finished artwork from each student will be displayed at the end of the year concert & art show.
I am a graduate of Pratt Institute with a BA in Communication Design and worked professionally as a graphic designer. I look forward to meeting everyone and making art together!
Supplies: Students will need a sketchbook and drawing pencils. All other supplies will be provided.
Payment: Cash, check or Venmo @Caleb-Stouter (please list your student's name in the memo)
Musical Choir (Ages 9-12) - Students must be registered for both Musical Choir & Musical Drama.
Director: Georgia Santo
Contact: georgia@agapemusicarts.com
Cost: $150 (1st semester $75 due upon registration, 2nd semester $75 due January 14th)
Sibling discount available; $5 off each sibling
Class Size: 30 students
This will be a 24 week program that coincides with the 9-12 musical drama class. We will culminate with a production of, ‘Faith News’ created by Christy and Daniel Semsen. Faith News is a fun, faith building musical that takes on numerous stories of Faith in scripture and brings them to life. FNN Faith News Network brings news from the Heavenly Broadcast system and encourages all to believe anything is possible when we trust God’s plan for our lives. Students will learn to sing in a choir, act, and experience performing our final show in May. Students will also learn solfedge, sight singing, part singing, proper singing technique, music notation, and how to work and have fun as a team of performers.
I graduated from the Crane School of Music with a bachelor’s in music education. Going on to teach General Music and Choir in my former elementary school, we soon had our first child. From that point on we decided to homeschool our five children. Three have graduated and I have two wonderful teenage boys with me now. We have loved the opportunity to bring the Agape program to fellow homeschooling families as a way to glorify God in developing these skills, gifts, and creative interests in children. Agape is the word for God’s unique love and, above all things, we aim to create an atmosphere that reflects this; thus we focus on a safe, encouraging learning environment where children can grow.
Supplies Provided: Music book, sight singing take homes
Supplies Needed: Folder with pockets, pencil, dry erase marker, highlighter, costuming as needed in April
Payment by mail: 149 Rombout Rd Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 or Paypal: gsantoagape@gmail.com or Venmo: @gsantoagape (please send as family/friend and list your student's name in the memo)
*Please review dates of classes and performance to be certain of your ability to commit to the full program.
Please note: Orientation; September 24th 1:30-2:30 (books will be handed out)
October 1st: 3:30-5- audition time slots available
High School Drama (Ages 13+)
Teacher: Alicia Donnelly
Contact: alicia@agapemusicarts.com
Cost: $130.00 (1st Semester $65.00 due by 10/1, 2nd Semester $65.00 due 1/14)
Class Size: 15 students
Hi! My name is Alicia Donnelly and I have been homeschooling for the past 24 years. Three of my children are grown and my 4th, Matthew, is in 8th grade. I will be teaching the High School drama this year at Agape.
I have always loved performing. As a child and teen I took dance and voice classes. I would always perform in our church plays and skits as well as recitals. Since becoming a homeschooling mom I had a vision for incorporating drama into homeschooling. I have taught in co-ops over the last 15 years and have directed plays and skits as well. My hope is that your children will love acting and demonstrating God’s love through the performing arts!
For the Teen class this year we will be using a book called Drama, A Comprehensive Guide to Dramatic Elements and Style as well as teachings and games from dramanotebook.com Part of the year we will be learning exercises, completing various assignments and games as well as writing our own things. The students will learn Vocabulary, Staging, Set and Costume Design, and many other areas of Film, TV and Theater. I can't wait to see what the new year brings us and I hope the kids have as much fun learning as I do teaching!
Supplies Needed: Notebook and or Binder with paper. Pens and pencils.
Payment by mail: 76 West Long Meadow Drive Staatsburg, NY 12580. Paypal: makdonnelly@yahoo.com friends and family please.
Orientation will be on September 24th 1:30-3:30
2:30 PM - 3:25 PM
Pre-school Music (Ages 4-5)
Teacher: Jennifer Mery
Contact: jennifer@agapemusicarts.com
Cost: $100 (1st semester $50, 2nd semester $50)
10% discount on your second child in the same class and 20% discount for any of your additional children for the same class
Class Size: 20 students
Hi, My name is Jennifer Mery. I was a homeschooling mother of eight, and now I am a homeschooling grandmother of many more. I love Jesus, Family, Church, the Bible, Homeschooling and Worshiping the Lord through music. I studied Music Education at The King's College in Briarcliff, New York and several instruments privately from a young age. My mother, a professional opera singer, passed down her love for music to all of her children. I love every aspect of teaching general music to children. I especially love to convince them that they can do more than they believe they can! Additionally, we like to encourage new friendships to develop which we hope will last a lifetime!
For pre-school music, my assistant teachers and I begin with prayer and a bible memory verse. Next, we sing a few familiar and easy-to-learn songs to warm up. Thirdly, we use a lot of movement with our song choices, including a bit of American Sign Language, colorful bandanas, homemade rice shakers, homemade tambourines, etc. Then comes their bathroom and water break (please bring water bottles that are clearly marked with their first and last name). Finally, we learn rhythm values using clapping and simple classroom instruments such as rhythm sticks, jinglebell bracelets and triangles. These rhythm exercises will give them a good foundation to learn how to read music in a future music class.
All supplies will be provided.
Payment: cash or check to be given on the first day of each semester or by mail: 4 Spoor Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
Elementary Drama (Ages 6-8)
Teacher: Alicia Donnelly
Contact: alicia@agapemusicarts.com
Cost: $130 (1st semester $65 due 10/1 , 2nd semester $65 due 1/19th)... Ask about a sibling discount.
Class Size: 12 students
Hi! My name is Alicia Donnelly and I have been homeschooling for the past 24 years. Three of my children are grown and my 4th, Matthew is in 12th grade. I will be teaching Elementary Drama this year at Agape.
I have always loved performing. As a child and teen I took dance and voice classes. I would always perform in our church plays and skits as well as recitals. Since becoming a homeschooling mom I had a vision for incorporating drama into homeschooling. I have taught in co-ops over the last 18 years. My hope is that your children will love acting and demonstrating God’s love through the performing arts!
For the 6-8 Drama class we will be learning about basic acting skills and movement through storytelling, games and different assignments through several books and websites. The children will explore different emotions, characteristics, traits, actions and more. Our end of the year skit will be something worth watching for sure!!
Supplies Needed: Folder, paper, pen, pencil
Payment: 76 West Long Meadow Drive Staatsburg, NY 12580 or Paypal – makdonnelly@yahoo.com friends and family, please. Thank you.
Orientation will be September 24th 1:30-3:30
High School Choir (Ages 13+)
Director: Georgia Santo
Contact: georgia@agapemusicarts.com
Cost: $125 (1st semester $60, due upon registration, 2nd semester $65 due January 14th)
Sibling discount available. $5 off each sibling
Class Size: 30 students
This will be a 22 week program that culminates with a concert on April 24th. Students will learn proper, healthy singing technique, part singing, sight singing, choral reading, daily warmups, and will experience a variety of musical styles and cultures as well as the joy of singing together as a choir. Students should be prepared to work hard and diligently practice their parts at home as each part is important to the whole. Students will come away stronger, more confident musicians and enjoy the teamwork with friends.
I graduated from the Crane School of Music with a bachelor’s in music education. Going on to teach General Music and Choir in my former elementary school, we soon had our first child. From that point on we decided to homeschool our five children. Three have graduated and I have two wonderful teenage boys with me now. We have loved the opportunity to bring the Agape program to fellow homeschooling families as a way to glorify God in developing these skills, gifts, and creative interests in children. Agape is the word for God’s unique love and, above all things, we aim to create an atmosphere that reflects this; thus we focus on a safe, encouraging learning environment where children can grow.
Supplies Provided: choral music and sight singing prints
Supplies Needed: pocket folder, pencil, highlighter
Payment by mail: 149 Rombout Rd Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 or Paypal: gsantoagape@gmail.com or Venmo: @gsantoagape (please send as family/friend and list your student's name in the memo)