Summer is often viewed as a challenging season for children’s music ministry. Attendance can be unpredictable, families are traveling, and the idea of mounting a children’s musical can feel overwhelming when routines are relaxed and calendars are scattered.

And yet—summer can be one of the most effective and joyful times to engage children musically.

Across the country, churches and Christian schools have discovered a remarkably practical solution: a short-term summer musical “camp”—four Saturdays, two hours each week—that culminates in a meaningful performance for the congregation and families. When thoughtfully planned, this approach not only works…it thrives.

This model has been used successfully coast-to-coast, year after year. It’s flexible, achievable, and deeply impactful—for children, parents, leaders, and the wider church community.

Let’s explore why this format works so well, and how to plan and execute it with confidence.

Why a 4-Saturday Musical Camp Is So Effective

1. It Respects Real Summer Schedules

Summer is not the time to ask families for long weekly commitments. The brilliance of a four-Saturday format is its clarity and simplicity:

• Four Saturdays

• Two hours each session

• One clear goal: a finished musical

Families know exactly what they’re committing to. Directors can plan efficiently. Children understand the “arc” of the experience—and that sense of momentum is incredibly motivating.

2. It Creates Focus Without Fatigue

Two hours is a sweet spot. It’s long enough to accomplish meaningful work, but short enough to keep energy high and attention focused. With intentional pacing—music learning, movement, rehearsal, and creative activities—children stay engaged rather than overwhelmed.

And because the commitment is short-term, children often bring a level of excitement and anticipation that can be harder to sustain in longer, open-ended rehearsal schedules.

3. It Ends With a Real, Meaningful Goal

Children thrive when they are working toward something. A performance—whether in a Sunday morning service, a Saturday or Sunday matinee, or a special family presentation—gives the entire camp a sense of purpose.

It’s not “practice for practice’s sake.”
It’s storytelling, worship, and celebration coming together in a moment the whole church can share.

Choosing the Right Musical: Keep It Achievable

The key to success is choosing the right kind of musical.

For a four-week camp, the ideal choice is a 20 to 25-minute children’s musical that is:

• Tuneful and memorable

• Narratively clear

• Age-appropriate

• Flexible in casting

• Supported by strong rehearsal and teaching resources

Musicals published by Jubilate Music Group are especially well suited for this format. Titles such as The Big Fish, Noah’s Rockin’ Ark Adventure, or Family Tree have been used successfully in exactly this way. These works are intentionally designed to be learned efficiently—without sacrificing musical integrity or storytelling depth.

Just as important, the accompanying resources—listening recordings, scripts, and director helps—allow leaders to spend less time “figuring things out” and more time working directly with children.

Structuring the Four Saturdays

While every church or school will tailor the experience to its context, the following framework has proven to be both realistic and effective.

Saturday 1: Welcome, Music Discovery & Story Introduction

Focus:

• Building excitement and community

• Introducing the story and musical world

• Teaching key songs

A typical session might include:

• Icebreaker games and name activities

• Listening to demo recordings

• Teaching one or two core songs

• Introducing the story and characters

• Simple rhythm or pitch games to reinforce musical skills

This first day sets the tone. Children should leave energized, humming tunes, and eager to return.

Saturday 2: Expanding the Music & Beginning Blocking

Focus:

• Learning additional songs

• Introducing movement and staging

• Reinforcing teamwork

Activities might include:

• Warm-ups that teach healthy singing

• Adding harmony or echo parts

• Simple blocking for group numbers

• Musical games that reinforce tempo, dynamics, or expression

This is often when the musical begins to feel “real” to the children—and that’s when confidence starts to grow.

Saturday 3: Putting the Pieces Together

Focus:

• Running longer sections of the musical

• Refining movement and transitions

• Building musical confidence

This is the week to:

• Run the show in larger chunks

• Introduce any props or simple costumes

• Practice entrances and exits

• Encourage expressive singing and storytelling

Children often surprise themselves during this session. What felt new just weeks ago now feels achievable—and exciting.

Saturday 4: Polishing & Preparing to Share

Focus:

• Confidence, clarity, and celebration

• Full run-throughs

• Preparing hearts as well as voices

This final rehearsal should be encouraging and affirming. It’s not about perfection—it’s about helping children feel prepared and proud of what they’ve accomplished.

Many directors also take time to:

• Talk about why the story matters

• Connect the musical’s message to faith and daily life

• Pray together before the upcoming presentation

Blending Music Learning Activities Into Each Week

One of the hidden strengths of this model is the opportunity to teach music while rehearsing a musical—without children even realizing it.

Each week can naturally incorporate:

• Rhythm games using body percussion

• Pitch exploration through echo singing

• Listening skills through call-and-response

• Expressive singing tied to storytelling

These moments don’t feel like “lessons.” They feel like play—and yet they build real musical skills and confidence.

The Performance: Flexible and Meaningful

The culmination of the camp can take several forms:

• A Sunday morning worship service

• A Saturday or Sunday matinee

• A special family and congregational presentation

The key is choosing a format that fits your community and calendar. The performance doesn’t need elaborate sets or costumes. Children’s confidence, clear storytelling, and joyful singing are more than enough.

And often, these performances become powerful moments of congregational connection—parents see their children leading, learning, and worshiping in a new way.

Why This Works for Christian Schools, Too

This model translates beautifully into Christian school settings. Summer programs, enrichment camps, or early-fall intensives can all use the same structure.

Schools benefit because:

• The time frame is clear and efficient

• The musical reinforces biblical values

• Students gain confidence in performance and teamwork

• The final presentation strengthens school-community relationships

More Than a Musical—A Transformative Experience

What makes a four-Saturday musical camp so powerful is that it’s more than a production.

It’s:

• Children discovering their voices

• Friendships forming quickly and meaningfully

• Scripture and faith being embodied through story and song

• A church or school seeing children not just as participants—but as leaders

Time and again, churches report that these camps become highlights of their year—not because they are complicated, but because they are intentional, joyful, and achievable.

A Summer Worth Planning

If you’ve ever thought, “We’d love to do a children’s musical, but summer just feels impossible,” this approach offers a hopeful, proven alternative.

With the right musical, clear structure, and a spirit of encouragement, a four-Saturday summer camp can become one of the most rewarding ministry experiences you offer—one that continues to resonate long after the final note is sung.

And most importantly, it reminds children that their voices matter—not someday, but right now.

Leadership, Wisdom, and a Life Well Lived
By Mark Cabaniss

It was 1986 when I first met Jim Van Hook. I was young, eager, and standing at the very edge of what would become a lifelong journey in the music business. Brentwood Music, the company Jim founded, led, and poured his heart into, had just become my first ever publisher. Brentwood published a choral anthem I had written titled Break Forth Into Joy. I could not have known it at the time…not only did that moment mark the beginning of my career in the music business, but one of the most formative relationships of my life.

It was Ed Kee, then the Creative Director of Brentwood Music (who also became a lifelong friend), who first introduced me to Jim. Eventually, Jim would create a job for me at Brentwood. From the outset, it was clear that Jim was something special. Brentwood Music was already becoming legendary: creative, ambitious, and full of energy…and Jim was its steady, visionary center. Over time, the company would grow to remarkable heights, eventually acquiring several other companies, including Benson Records and Publishing, where Jim himself had gotten his music business start in 1978. In a beautiful full-circle moment, that acquisition would ultimately become what we now know as Brentwood Benson (of which another Jim Van Hook “disciple” – and lifelong friend –  leads again, Dale Mathews).

For the past 40 years, I have often said, and I have never once exaggerated: “Jim Van Hook taught me everything I know about the music business.” Every word of that is true. For that reason, and with immense gratitude, I joyfully dedicated my book 88 Keys to Music Business Success to him.

Jim was a natural teacher. He began his career teaching college at the age of 24, something (among several things) we always shared a special bond over since my first job out of graduate school likewise was teaching college at that age. Teaching was never just something he did; it was who he was. 

Not only did Jim teach me the music business, he taught me how to live well. I quoted his wisdom countless times during the 15 years I taught as an adjunct professor at Belmont University (a role I held thanks to Jim bringing me into that world). I have quoted his lessons to colleagues, students, and team members at every company I’ve been privileged to serve to this day. Everyone who knows me knows I am an unabashed Jim Van Hook fan and friend. I often say, only half-jokingly, “He forgot more about the music business than I’ll ever know.”

The six years I spent under his wing at Brentwood Music remain, without question, among the happiest and most fulfilling years of my entire career. The company Jim built was creative, challenging, demanding, and deeply rewarding, but just as importantly, it felt like family. That was no accident. Jim led with clarity, kindness, and an unwavering belief in people.

Jim touched countless lives not only through the organizations he led (especially Brentwood Music) but through teaching, not only early in his career, but later as the first Dean of Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business. Long before that, he had already impacted numerous lives through church music, helping build and lead one of the largest church music programs in the nation with a thriving music ministry that involved hundreds of musicians. The young adult music ensemble of singers and instrumentalists he founded named “Bridge” toured coast-to-coast and even landed a deal with Benson Records. As stated earlier, his journey then led him to Nashville and to a job with one of the most storied companies in Christian music publishing and recording – The Benson Company. There he rose to the role of Senior Vice President.  He eventually left Benson to start Brentwood Music in 1981, and as they say, “the rest is history.”

When Brentwood Music’s meteoric rise garnered the attention of many much larger companies, Jim sold it when the right offer came along that would assure the company’s further growth and impact.  The new owners wisely insisted Jim stay on and continue to lead it, which he did to even greater heights (by then, it was known as Provident Music Group). When he eventually retired from Provident and stepped into his role at Belmont, Jim famously quipped, “I’ve failed miserably at retirement.” If that was a failure, it was one of the very few I ever knew him to have.

When I left Brentwood Music in 1995 to pursue the next chapter of my career (accepting a position with a Brentwood competitor) Jim threw me a going-away party. He invited over 100 people and had a host do a tribute evening of sorts – complete with an engraved/matted/framed cover collage gift of some of my favorite writing/producing moments at Brentwood. That was Jim. Gracious. Confident. Generous. Secure enough in himself to celebrate people even when their paths diverged. We remained close from that day forward, and his influence on my life only deepened.

Jim’s absence can never be filled. His wisdom cannot be replaced. His generosity and warmth cannot be duplicated. And his sharp, understated, wonderfully dry sense of humor, one not everyone immediately caught, can never be imitated. Except, perhaps, by me. That’s because I was the designated “Jim imitator” at company parties and gatherings, a role I played proudly. Whenever Jim saw me do it, he laughed and laughed. He loved it.  That’s because Jim never took himself too seriously. His down-to-earth Southern roots and upbringing wouldn’t allow it. But he understood the difference between humor and flippancy, and he never confused the two. He knew when it was time to have fun, and when it was time to be serious. His life’s work proved that balance and discernment matter.

But my imitation of Jim went far beyond those moments. I tried to emulate his leadership, his integrity, his discernment, and his humanity. I figured if I could get even one-tenth as close to his level of success and impact, I would consider my life well spent. “Shoot for the moon,” I told myself, “and maybe I’ll hit the stars.”

I once heard it said, “Never hitch your wagon to someone’s star if their life doesn’t reflect true, measurable success.” In an industry where talk is cheap and (often empty) promises are plentiful, real results are precious. Jim Van Hook’s life backed up his success in every way that mattered. I am profoundly grateful that I hitched my wagon to his star all those years ago.

Of the countless things Jim said to me that I remember: “The bigger the splash, the greater the ripples.” Well, Jim’s “life splash” will ripple forever.  

The greatest gift I received from that long and meaningful ride was Jim’s enduring friendship and infinite wisdom…gifts that will continue to guide and inspire me until the day I rejoin him, and so many others we love, in that great cloud of witnesses.

While Jim always enjoyed reminiscing with me, he always looked to the future and not the past.  He was always ready for the next thing. And now he has the ultimate and greatest "next big thing."

Thank you, Jim, for the lessons in the music business and life. Your teaching days on earth are over now, but your legacy and impact will continue to resonate.  Always.

By Mark Cabaniss

For numerous decades, church choirs have been the defining sound of music worship in the United States and around the world. But as congregations have aged and worship styles have shifted, many church musicians find themselves asking the same question: 

Where are the younger singers?

While the stereotype persists that choirs are “for older folks,” the reality is more nuanced and far more hopeful. Across the country, churches that intentionally cultivate younger participation are seeing encouraging results. Choirs are not fading; they are evolving. And where the evolution is done thoughtfully, they are thriving with new generations.

This blog explores proven strategies, drawn from congregations that have successfully attracted younger adults, that help revitalize choirs, build intergenerational community, and ensure a vibrant future for church choirs.

1. Lowering the Barrier of Time Commitment

One of the biggest hurdles younger adults face is not musical interest but schedule overload. The era of the predictable weeknight routine is long gone. Today’s younger adults navigate a world of variable work schedules, children’s activities, side gigs, and family responsibilities.

A weekly, 90-minute rehearsal that demands unwavering attendance can feel like an insurmountable obstacle. But churches that rethink the commitment model are seeing remarkable engagement.

Shorter Rehearsals
Directors transitioning from 90-minute rehearsals to 60 or 70-minute sessions report increased attendance consistency and improved morale. Younger adults appreciate the respect for their time, and older singers often welcome the change as well.  That’s not to say a “bonus rehearsal” during seasonal crunch times still might not be in order, but you get the idea.

Rotating Participation
Some choirs have adopted a flexible approach: members may sign up for one month at a time, or for specific services they can commit to. This structure acknowledges the realities of modern life while maintaining musical excellence through thoughtful planning.

Project-Based Singing
Instead of asking for a full-year(s) commitment from everyone, many churches now organize around musical “projects” to attract young singers:

• A fall anthem series (4-6 weeks)

• A Christmas concert

• A Holy Week choir (Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday)

• A summer worship choir (often with simplified/reduced rehearsal expectations)

This creates entry points that feel doable and non-intimidating. Younger singers often begin by joining one project, then find themselves returning again and again or becoming a permanent part of the group.

The lesson? Commitment should feel invitational, not obligatory. When churches make it easier to say yes, younger adults do.

2. Offering Childcare: The Game Changer

If one single strategy consistently transforms choir demographics, it is this: provide childcare during rehearsals.  

For adults in their 30s and 40s (prime singing age) childcare is often the main barrier keeping them from participating in any midweek church activity. When childcare is provided:

• Parents feel welcomed rather than excluded.

• Singing becomes one of the few “adult only” experiences many parents get weekly.

• Couples can participate together.

Even small churches can implement this effectively:

• Partner with the youth group (many teens are grateful for a paid babysitting opportunity).

• Provide a designated room with supervised activities.

• Rotate volunteers on a predictable schedule.

Churches that offer dependable childcare during rehearsals routinely report significant increases in younger choir members, sometimes within weeks. The return on this investment is huge.

3. Blended Repertoire That Resonates Across Generations

Another key factor in attracting younger singers is repertoire that feels meaningful and relevant while still uplifting the congregation. Younger adults are not necessarily opposed to traditional church music; many appreciate its beauty and depth. But they also respond warmly to music that reflects their own worship vocabulary.

Modern Hymnody
Hymns from trusted writers from today bridge generations with rich theology and accessible melodies. Arrangements of such hymns for choir can be particularly engaging for younger singers.   That’s not to say of course the solid and classic hymns of the faith should be reduced…but a mixture of classics and new will keep things fresh and appealing across generations.

Click here to discover new hymns for worship from Hymns Now.

Contemporary Worship Anthems
Certain contemporary worship songs – when arranged thoughtfully for choir – can integrate seamlessly into traditional or blended services. These pieces give younger singers a familiar musical landscape while offering the choral depth loved by older members.

Cinematic and Modern Choral Textures
Many young adults recognize musical influences from film scores, pop, indie worship, and modern classical styles. Anthems with warm harmonic palettes, subtle rhythmic energy, or atmospheric accompaniments often resonate strongly.

The goal is not to chase trends but to curate repertoire that:

• Honors the church’s identity

• Allows the choir to shine

• Speaks to multiple generations

When younger singers feel the choir is musically relevant and not dated, they stay.  I’m not saying you should “dumb things down” musically, but choose your repertoire carefully that speaks to older and younger alike.  Some pieces will speak to older folks and others to younger ones.  Mission accomplished.

4. Creating Intergenerational Ensembles That Inspire Participation

One of the most beautiful elements of choral singing is its ability to bring generations together. Younger singers are more likely to join and remain when they feel connected to people of different ages.

Churches with successful intergenerational choirs often:

• Invite teens to join seasonal projects

• Pair younger singers with experienced mentors in their section

• Feature occasional combined children/youth/adult choir Sundays

• Celebrate long-time members openly while welcoming new voices equally

This creates a choir culture that feels like a family rather than a club. Older members often express renewed purpose when investing in younger singers. Younger adults, meanwhile, value the authenticity and wisdom of older generations.

Intergenerational choirs grow not only in size but in richness of community…a powerful draw for younger adults seeking connection in an increasingly disconnected world.

5. Fostering Community, Not Just an Ensemble

Younger generations often join choirs not only for music but for relationship and purpose. A choir that operates strictly as a musical unit – rehearse, sing, go home – misses opportunities to build lasting engagement.

Thriving choirs incorporate:

Shared Meals & Fellowship
A quarterly potluck, pizza night, or post-service brunch goes a long way toward making rehearsal feel like the gathering of a beloved community.

Pastoral Care
Choirs often become one of the most caring groups in the church. Younger singers are deeply moved when they see compassion in action – prayer chains, support during hardships, gestures of love.

Opportunities to Contribute
Today’s younger adults want to make a difference. Churches can nurture this by inviting:

• Young adults to lead warm-ups

• Members to share devotionals

• Tech-savvy singers to assist with audio/visual needs

• Volunteers to help plan social events

When people feel they have a place to contribute – beyond singing – they feel ownership. Ownership leads to longevity.

6. Lowering the Musical Intimidation Factor

Many younger adults who love music feel uncertain about joining a choir, especially if they don’t read music fluently. Churches that normalize “come as you are musically” lower this psychological barrier.

Helpful practices include:

• Warm, personal invitations rather than general announcements

• Encouraging beginners to sit near supportive singers

• Teaching parts in creative ways (rehearsal tracks, sectional rehearsals, learning apps)

Some choirs publicly affirm:
“You don’t have to read music to join—just bring a willing heart and a love for singing.”
This simple statement, spoken sincerely, can change everything

7. Communicating the Purpose: Choir as Ministry and Worship, Not Performance

Younger generations are very “purpose driven.” They want to know why something matters.

Churches that articulate clear purpose statements such as:

“We lead our congregation in worship.”
“We create beauty that opens hearts to God.”
“We serve our church through music and community.”

…find that younger adults respond deeply.

When choir is framed not as “a weekly rehearsal commitment” but as a ministry with spiritual mission, it resonates far beyond the notes on the page.

8. Leadership Tone: Invitation Over Expectation

Finally, the attitude of leadership shapes culture. Directors who welcome imperfection, celebrate progress, and cultivate joy build choirs people want to be part of.

Younger adults are particularly sensitive to:

• Authenticity

• Encouragement

• Flexibility

• Grace

A director who embodies these qualities inspires long-term loyalty across generations.

The Bottom Line: A Vibrant Future for Church Choirs Is Possible (and Needed!)

Yes…church choirs today skew older in much of the United States.
Yes…many congregations face shrinking participation.
Yes…vibrant choirs have an amazing and immeasurable impact on their church and community.

But the story is far from over. Choirs are uniquely positioned to offer community, beauty, purpose, and multigenerational connection – qualities younger adults crave in an increasingly fragmented culture.

Churches that rethink structure, repertoire, community-building, and communication are discovering what many long suspected:

Younger adults can and will love choirs. They just need choirs that love them back.

A thriving intergenerational choir is one of the most compelling ministries a church can offer. And when younger singers find a place in the choir, the entire congregation feels the renewal.

The future of church choirs will not look exactly like the past. But where intentionality meets openness, and where tradition meets welcome, the choir’s voice will continue to rise: strong, beautiful, and full of life for generations to come.

By Susan Eernisse

Presenting a children’s musical can be a great springboard to beginning a children’s choir at your church. Musicals can also bring energy and excitement to an existing children’s choir program, whether the program is thriving or in need of an infusion of energy and creativity. Although large churches with unlimited resources can offer huge productions, musicals can also be produced simply with a small cast and minimal resources. If you have been reluctant to stage a musical for whatever reason, perhaps now is the time to give it further consideration. 

Why Musicals? 
As you think about the value of musicals and discuss possibilities with your ministry team, create a list of positives. Here’s a short list to get you started.
- An appealing musical with a strong message and developmentally appropriate music offers children the opportunity to examine, grow, and share their faith in a unique way. 
- The weeks of preparation promote unity and a strong sense of purpose as children learn important spiritual truths and expand their musical skills. 
- The project can be multi-generational in scope as youth and adult volunteers can be enlisted as actors, rehearsal assistants, prompters, artists, publicists, photographers, builders, costume designers, snack hosts, and more – a great way to strengthen community!
- The performance can become a “front-door” to church engagement as friends and extended family members who have never attended a worship service come to see and hear their special child.

Reviewing and Selecting a Musical
Before you begin your search, you should assess your particular situation, the resources you have, the performance venue, the makeup of your group (ages, abilities, parental support), and the type of musical that would most closely align with your church’s mission. Do you want a musical based on a biblical character or significant event in the Bible? Or perhaps you want a contemporary setting with a spiritual application. Decide when you will present the musical and determine the category of musical that will be best – seasonal/holiday or non-seasonal. Make note of the performance time of each musical and look for any “extras” offered by the publisher: performance recordings, download options, practice recordings, rehearsal helps and tips, etc. Here is a list of considerations as you review each musical. 

Make a checklist of these and other relevant points as you review potential choices. After making your top selections, consider a listening session with your ministry team to make the final call. 

Final Tips
By now you have noted my love of lists. Let me leave you with one more. 
Keep these things in focus as you and your team work with the children:  
- Set realistic goals and expectations for yourself, the children, and all volunteers.
- Highlight spiritual connections regularly.
- Point out and explain Biblical truths – read related scriptures, never assuming they already know the stories and verses. (Create games to help with teaching and memorization.)
- Rehearse the prominent musical features in each song – make the children successful musicians, not just rote learners with a demo recording – teach for the future! 
- Establish a calm, stress-free atmosphere for kids and teachers – be aware of children with performance anxiety and other issues that may be triggered. 
- Use a team approach with no “superstars” – everyone should be valued and included.

A musical can lay the groundwork for starting, restarting, or enhancing children’s choirs in your church. Capitalize on the energy and enthusiasm of the moment and look for ways to involve more families in your children’s choir ministry. Choir in general and musicals specifically will leave a lasting impact on the children and their families/audience for years to come.

Jubilate Music Group has a complete catalog of bestselling children’s musicals for Christmas, Easter, and all year long including the new Mystery at Christmas Manor.  Click HERE to peruse those publications.

Susan Eernisse is a veteran children’s music director and writer/editor of children's music materials. She is a respected children's choir clinician and has served on the faculties of children's music camps and festivals for many years.  She is the Children’s Music Editor for Jubilate Music Group, which has a complete catalog of children’s musicals.