What if your student(s) came out of this summer with greater musical confidence and deeper musicianship? What if this also encouraged them to better imitate their Heavenly Father, who sings over them with joy? And what if they could do all this while building friendships around a shared love of singing and choir? Sound good?

Welcome to Jubilate Deo Summer Music Camp (pronounced You-Bee-Latte Day-o), a unique opportunity for students ages five through graduated seniors to grow in their musical gifts in both challenging and joyful ways. Throughout the week, students dive into singing, folk dancing, music theory, Bible study, art, and more, all while preparing for a final concert and family folk dance.

Each year, the camp centers around a theme chosen by our visiting camp music director, Dr. David Erb. Students work toward a Saturday morning concert that showcases their learning and growth. Every day begins at 8:30 a.m. with morning prayer and singing, followed by an exhaustingly good time of choir rehearsals, folk dancing, Bible lessons, games, and artistic creativity.

In an age when music and the arts are often treated as optional extras, Christians must be intentional about cultivating a love for music in themselves and their children. Our Jubilate Deo Summer Music Camp isn’t just a way to fill summer break—it’s a meaningful opportunity to train students to become skillful singers who understand the joy and purpose of making music. Jubilate Deo stands apart as the only camp of its kind in the South, where music literacy is intentionally paired with a biblical vision for music and singing.

David Erb holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Erb earned a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from Westminster Choir College of Rider University in Princeton, New Jersey, in 1997.

Jarrod Richey holds a B.A. from Louisiana Tech and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. He completed his Kodály certification at Wichita State University and currently serves as Academic Dean of the Redeemer School of the Arts.

Sarah Davis is a talented pianist and organist at Church of the Redeemer. She teaches K4–6th grade general music alongside Mr. Richey at Geneva Academy and holds a Kodály music certification from Wichita State University. Sarah especially enjoys working with the youngest music campers.

Katie Mook returns to the Jubilate Deo Camp staff as elementary instructor. She teaches music and choir at Ascension Classical School in Shreveport, Louisiana. She recently completed her Kodály certification at New Saint Andrews College in Moscow, ID.

Annette Larsen returns to Jubilate Deo Summer Music Camp to work with the 5th-6th grade Graders. She teaches Kodály music classes at T.S. Cooley Elementary in Lake Charles, LA. She received her national Kodály music certification from McNeese State University.

Angela Littlejohn returns to music camp to help with the junior high camp classes. She teaches music at the Ozarks Christian Academy in West Plains, Missouri. She received her Kodály music teacher certification from Wichita State University.

Ed Varela returns to the music camp staff this year. He is the music teacher at Trinitas Christian School in Pensacola, FL. He received his Kodály music teacher training at New Saint Andrews College as part of the Chenaniah Summer Music Institute. He is a talented pianist.

Pastor Uriesou Brito returns to us from Providence Church in Pensacola, FL. Pastor Brito's boisterous Brazilian excitement brings a joy to chapel and Bible class alike.

Bethany Wilkins teaches upper school drawing and art for Geneva Academy in West Monroe, LA. She is passionate about helping students find beauty in the art around them as well as in how to create beautiful art to the glory of God.

Denise McLain has served in administrative support at Jubilate Deo for the past few years and returns this year as our lead Administrator. She’s a joyful mother of six daughters, a new son-in-law, Samuel Husted, and wife to Brian of 28 years. Together, they serve at Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville, Alabama.

Each day, students take part in chapel, singing, folk dance lessons, art and Bible classes, music games, and choir rehearsals. A mid-morning snack is provided before dismissal.

Each day, students engage in chapel, singing, folk dance, art and Bible classes, score study, choir and section rehearsals, and more. Campers should bring a cold sack lunch and a water bottle.