Four States Singing School -- Our History and Purpose

History

Our school was founded in 1983. It was the fulfillment of a dream of brother Arvle Dodson of Texarkana, Texas. A songleader since his youth, he had attended some of the many Praise Camps that were available then and determined to create a school that would accomplish the same goals in our time.

By the time of his death in 1997, brother Dodson had seen the school fulfill his dream and fill to capacity every year. An award is given in his name each year to a student who exemplifies his spirit of love for singing and love for God’s people.

Oversight

The Four States Praise Camp is overseen by the elders of the Broad Street church of Christ in Mineola, Texas.

From 1994 through 2003, our camp was hosted by the Sojourners, owners of Camp Bee in Marshall, Texas. Without their constant help and support, we could never have grown to the point that we had to move! To learn more about the Sojourners, visit the Sojourner's website.

Purpose

The Four States Praise Camp exists to train God’s people to lead, sing, and write songs of praise to God and encouragement to each other.

We seek to fulfill this purpose with the highest standards of excellence. Most of our instructors have earned at least a bachelor’s degree in music. We teach music from its fundamentals through advanced harmony and four-part composition and arranging. Our emphasis is on singing, so we also teach sight-singing and ear training using the solfegge (do-re-mi) method.

Since 2004, a full music computer lab has been used to assist our students with the most modern means possible.

Age Range

Although the majority of our students are aged 10-18, 30-40% of our students each year are adults. One of the unique appeals of our school is the way that students of all ages form lasting bonds of friendship..