🎼Ken & Rená McAllister School of Music
4482 County Road 9
Estillfork, AL 35745
4482 County Road 9
Estillfork, AL 35745
About the Ken & Rená McAllister School of Music (KRMSM)
Founded in 2010 by Ken and Rená McAllister, the Ken & Rená McAllister School of Music (KRMSM) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Christian music camp dedicated to inspiring the next generation through the power of music. What began as a small day camp offering free classes in music theory, shape notes, and harmony, has grown into a thriving program that now welcomes nearly 300 students each year.
From the very beginning, our mission has remained clear: to provide a nurturing environment where children and teens can grow musically and socially—completely tuition-free. Our focus on shape-note singing and harmony not only teaches valuable musical skills but also cultivates a deep love for music and fellowship.
In the early years, KRMSM functioned solely as a day camp, with families traveling from as far as Indiana to Florida. The need for daily transportation and lodging presented ongoing challenges. As the camp grew, it became clear that a permanent home was necessary to relieve the financial and logistical burdens on families. Though we rented various spaces over the years, the costs were significant.
In 2023, we experienced a turning point: the opportunity to purchase a small facility in Limrock, AL. Shortly afterward, God opened another door—making it possible to sell that property and acquire the former Paint Rock Valley Lodge & Retreat in Estillfork, AL. Nestled on 8 acres, this beautiful campus features a spacious lodge, four cabins (two used as classrooms), two bathhouses, multiple pavilions, and 70 RV hookups. This now serves as our permanent home, providing a stable foundation for KRMSM’s future.
KRMSM operates entirely through the generosity of volunteers. Our instructors, camp parents, and kitchen crew donate their time and talents, making it possible to provide each child with three meals a day, snacks, and a safe, enriching experience—all at no cost to families.
At KRMSM, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to experience the joy of music, regardless of financial background. Through God’s continued provision and the dedication of our community, this vision lives on.
Founded in 2010 by Ken and Rená McAllister, the Ken & Rená McAllister School of Music (KRMSM) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Christian music camp dedicated to inspiring the next generation through the power of music. What began as a small day camp offering free classes in music theory, shape notes, and harmony, has grown into a thriving program that now welcomes nearly 300 students each year.
From the very beginning, our mission has remained clear: to provide a nurturing environment where children and teens can grow musically and socially—completely tuition-free. Our focus on shape-note singing and harmony not only teaches valuable musical skills but also cultivates a deep love for music and fellowship.
In the early years, KRMSM functioned solely as a day camp, with families traveling from as far as Indiana to Florida. The need for daily transportation and lodging presented ongoing challenges. As the camp grew, it became clear that a permanent home was necessary to relieve the financial and logistical burdens on families. Though we rented various spaces over the years, the costs were significant.
In 2023, we experienced a turning point: the opportunity to purchase a small facility in Limrock, AL. Shortly afterward, God opened another door—making it possible to sell that property and acquire the former Paint Rock Valley Lodge & Retreat in Estillfork, AL. Nestled on 8 acres, this beautiful campus features a spacious lodge, four cabins (two used as classrooms), two bathhouses, multiple pavilions, and 70 RV hookups. This now serves as our permanent home, providing a stable foundation for KRMSM’s future.
KRMSM operates entirely through the generosity of volunteers. Our instructors, camp parents, and kitchen crew donate their time and talents, making it possible to provide each child with three meals a day, snacks, and a safe, enriching experience—all at no cost to families.
At KRMSM, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to experience the joy of music, regardless of financial background. Through God’s continued provision and the dedication of our community, this vision lives on.
James Kenneth McAllister
(December 6, 1961 - December 24, 2014)
KEN McAllister
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN GA: James Kenneth “Ken” McAllister age 53 of Lookout Mountain Georgia died suddenly at home Wednesday morning, December 24, 2014 surrounded by his family. He was a member of West Cove Holiness Church. He was very affectionate when it came to his spiritual belief. He loved going to church since he was a child. He spent many years traveling and singing in a gospel quartet. He loved mentoring young people and they loved him for the time he sacrificed to be with them. He with his wife, Rena co-founded the Summer Music Camp. The camp was offered to everyone at no charge so anyone that loved music could attend. He was a wonderful “Cabin Dad.”
He had a unique love for old thing, especially antique cars. He was often told he was born in the wrong century. He was a member of the Dade Cruisers. Most of us, including his family never knew what he might drive up in next.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Fay McAllister; grandparents, Roy and Lucille McAllister, Obie McLain (Pop), Roy and Leona Bailey.
He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Rena. Best friends, they did everything together, work, sing, pray and travel. He also leaves behind a son, Eric McAllister, daughter-in-law, Amber McAllister and the pride and joy of his life, grandson, Joshua McAllister; two brothers, Mark (Phyllis) McAllister, Mike (Peggy) McAllister, both of Big Cove, Alabama; several nieces and nephews; special friends, Jack and Millie Pollock, Lookout Mountain, GA.
The family will receive guest at Griffin Holiness Church, Lookout Mtn, GA
Friday December 26, 2014 from 4:00 PM ~ 9:00 PM
Saturday from 9:00 AM ~ 3:00 PM
Funeral services will be 3:00 PM Saturday December 27, 2014 at Griffin Holiness Church with Brother Aaron Wooten, Brother Bradley Wooten and Brother Wayne Guffey officiating.
Interment will be held in Lake Hills Memorial Gardens, Trenton, GA
Arrangements by Moore Funeral Home, Trenton, Georgia.
(December 6, 1961 - December 24, 2014)
KEN McAllister
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN GA: James Kenneth “Ken” McAllister age 53 of Lookout Mountain Georgia died suddenly at home Wednesday morning, December 24, 2014 surrounded by his family. He was a member of West Cove Holiness Church. He was very affectionate when it came to his spiritual belief. He loved going to church since he was a child. He spent many years traveling and singing in a gospel quartet. He loved mentoring young people and they loved him for the time he sacrificed to be with them. He with his wife, Rena co-founded the Summer Music Camp. The camp was offered to everyone at no charge so anyone that loved music could attend. He was a wonderful “Cabin Dad.”
He had a unique love for old thing, especially antique cars. He was often told he was born in the wrong century. He was a member of the Dade Cruisers. Most of us, including his family never knew what he might drive up in next.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Fay McAllister; grandparents, Roy and Lucille McAllister, Obie McLain (Pop), Roy and Leona Bailey.
He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Rena. Best friends, they did everything together, work, sing, pray and travel. He also leaves behind a son, Eric McAllister, daughter-in-law, Amber McAllister and the pride and joy of his life, grandson, Joshua McAllister; two brothers, Mark (Phyllis) McAllister, Mike (Peggy) McAllister, both of Big Cove, Alabama; several nieces and nephews; special friends, Jack and Millie Pollock, Lookout Mountain, GA.
The family will receive guest at Griffin Holiness Church, Lookout Mtn, GA
Friday December 26, 2014 from 4:00 PM ~ 9:00 PM
Saturday from 9:00 AM ~ 3:00 PM
Funeral services will be 3:00 PM Saturday December 27, 2014 at Griffin Holiness Church with Brother Aaron Wooten, Brother Bradley Wooten and Brother Wayne Guffey officiating.
Interment will be held in Lake Hills Memorial Gardens, Trenton, GA
Arrangements by Moore Funeral Home, Trenton, Georgia.
2023 Performance
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