Meet a Credo Alum:

Katie Smith James, Viola

During her 2007 and 2008 summer breaks from Baylor University where she studied Music and Classics, Katie attended the Credo summer festival in Oberlin. Katie says that "Credo taught me how to love other people and use music to do it. It also taught me that little people can do big things, and that God does the impossible through our everyday lives." In fact, Katie has gone on to do big things! In addition to teaching at the Vanguard College Preparatory School and Central Texas String Academy, Katie founded and directs the Prelude: Gloria! summer festival, a program modeled after Credo's mission to Develop, Acknowledge, and Respond.

Testimonials

What better way to explain the success of Credo programs than with the words of our alumni? We proudly present testimonials from Credo students, professionals, and parents.

What Students Are Saying:

“I can't even express what a perfect combination of work and play I find there. The Credo environment is what really makes me want to keep returning. I just feel so renewed and energized.”

“This year at Credo, I discovered new heights and depths of personality and maturity that I had never known existed.”

“My focus has been solidified and reassured, music has become a deeper part of my life.”

“Credo was truly a life changing experience. I've done many things with music, but none has impacted me like Credo. I was in a piano quartet with incredible players who pushed me well beyond anything I was capable of doing!”

What Professionals Are Saying:

The high level of communication and professionalism shown by all the student groups, performing after just a few days of rehearsals, came from something other than technical level or coaching; it stemmed from a real commitment, a belief in working together towards a greater goal.

— theStrad Magazine

I have learned that I can count on a level of maturity, sense of community, and kindness from the students that have participated in Credo before coming to Oberlin. Not only are they outstanding musicians, they are good people.

— Marci Alegant, Associate Dean, Oberlin Conservatory

I know of no other place quite like this. We teach our students that the love and discipline that leads them to become musicians in the first place is an extension of what makes them better, more giving people.

— Stephen Clapp, Dean Emeritus, The Juilliard School

Credo is one of the very few places where musical excellence is fully integrated with a musician's spiritual development. At Credo, the whole person is addressed, nurturing the body, mind and spirit.

— Anne Martindale Williams, Principal Cellist, Pittsburgh Symphony

It is an exciting prospect to see aspiring young musicians who are searching out their calling come together over great works of chamber music. The spiritually and musically hungry student cannot help but benefit from the intensity of focus and the personal relationships that Credo provides.

— Lee Joiner, String Department Chair, Wheaton Conservatory

What Parents Are Saying:

"Credo's impact on our life continues in a tangible, daily way. We are all immensely grateful."

"Credo has not only been a positive musical and personal summer experience for my daughter, but one that I am quite sure will shape her for the rest of her life."

"Our daughter came home from Oberlin with a joy like we have not seen from other music programs."

"There are few places for teens to go, to leave home for an adventure, where everyone is genuinely welcome, and where integrity, uprightness, and wholesomeness are the norm. That, of course, is available to all who participate in Credo."

“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable — if there is anything excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.”