Four States Singing School -- Home Page

Changes, Changes!

The Four States Singing School is now Four States Praise Camp! We moved to Camp Canfield near Canfield, AR. This new location offers us many more opportunities, both for instruction and recreation, plus more room to grow! Last year went very well, and new improvements to the facility should make this year even better. We are excited about the camp this year, and look forward to seeing you there!

The Twenty-Sixth Annual Session will be from June 8 - 13, 2008. Pre-registration is first come, first served, and must be completed by June 2, 2008. Click here to print out a pre-registration form from the website.

We have pictures from previous years available. Please click here to see what the school is like with your own eyes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it cost?
When does it start and end?
What will I eat?
Where will I stay?
What will I do each day?
How should I dress?
Who are the teachers?

What does it cost?

Total cost for the week of school is now $160.00. This amount includes your room, meals, tuition, supplies, and a CD to help you learn some of the music before camp starts.

Bring extra money if you want to buy between-meal snacks and soft drinks($10-20), a t-shirt ($10.00), a cd of the final program ($7), or a pitch pipe ($22.50).

When does it start and end?

Registration begins Sunday, June 8, 2008 at 2:00 pm. Please do not arrive early. No one will be present to assist you until 1:30.

The School ends on Friday night, June 13, 2008, at the conclusion of the final program (usually around 6:00). You will not be able to stay overnight at the camp on Friday.

What will I eat?

You will eat often and well. Wayne and Pat Moses from Atlanta, Texas oversee a kitchen staff that produces what we believe to be the best camp fare anywhere. We have yet to receive complaints about the food!

Where will I stay?

Our new location allows everyone who wishes to stay in air-conditioned cabins. If you wish to bring an RV, please speak with Steve Neville for reservations.

What will I do each day?

After breakfast the whole school meets for an outdoor devotional in the cool of the morning. Following a brief group voice lesson, we divide into music theory or song writing classes, grouped by knowledge and experience. The morning ends with a full group rehearsal of songs of praise and encouragement. Most of these are more challenging than you usually find in a hymnal.

After lunch the women and girls join together for a ladies’ chorus rehearsal, while the men and boys go to song leading classes grouped by experience and ability. Next we divide up into our theory classes again, this time to practice ear training and sight singing skills.

Last on the afternoon schedule is a group rehearsal for the more advanced singers. While they are rehearsing, the younger students are learning more music fundamentals, such as the history of some of our hymns and the basic process of writing a song. Every year our younger students write a song based on scripture as a cooperative effort, which is usually presented on the final program.

A new addition this year is a fully equipped music computer lab, available for instruction, composing, arranging, and ear training.

Two hours of free time precedes supper. After supper we have another full group rehearsal, followed by free time until lights out.

This year's free time will have many more choices, including swimming, volleyball, tennis, and a softball field.

How should I dress?

The Four States Praise Camp is, among other things, a school. Therefore, students should bring clothes appropriate for a Christian school. Specifically, the clothes should be modest and should not have any risque or unchristian writing, captions, or pictures. Shorts may be worn during recreation times, but they must be knee length. Please do not wear shorts to Praise Camp classes. The rooms are air-conditioned!

Who are the teachers?

All of our instructors are faithful members of churches of Christ. All of them also hold at least a bachelor’s degree in music.

Brother Tom Chapin, who has taught at our school since its beginning, is the lead instructor. He is very ably assisted by brothers Charles Davis, Randy Daw, Joe Chase, Missy Weaver, and Thomas Chapin. Other qualified men and women are also used in teaching roles from year to year.

Certificates of instruction are available that are accepted by many schools and home schooling organizations toward fulfilling music requirements.