09/02/2026
✨ Get to Know Our Staff ✨
Our Get to Know Our Staff series continues with someone whose story, faith, and love of music are woven deeply into the history of First United Methodist Church of Houma.
Meet Michael C. Klaus, our Director of Music!
Many around the church know him as Mike, Mikey, Michael, Klaus, or perhaps even “Music Man,” “Pitch Pipe,” or “Mr. Music!” Whatever you call him, we're grateful for the gifts he shares with our church family.
As our Director of Music, Michael leads the music ministry at Houma First, including our Chancel Choir and Modern Worship Band. He also helps with seasonal sessions of our Youth Band and Kids Choir, along with providing oversight for the church's Audio/Visual ministry.
Michael is a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church of Houma. He was baptized here in December 1986, and Methodism has been part of the Klaus family for at least four generations. His father, Dr. Kenneth S. Klaus, served as Director of Music at Houma First from 1985 until his retirement in 2022.
Michael's musical journey at our church began as a child in the Cherub Choir and Early Choir, followed by the Voices of Light Youth Choir and becoming a founding member of our Youth Band. After high school, he joined the church staff and helped launch an adult worship band and contemporary worship service. In 2010, he became Associate Director of Music, working alongside his dad, before eventually stepping into his current role as Director of Music.
Today, Michael has the joy of helping people of all ages discover ways to share their musical gifts with our church. Whether singing, playing an instrument, or serving behind the scenes with Audio/Visual, he loves helping others use their talents to worship and serve.
But there's more to our Music Man!
Since 2010, Michael has also been blessed to co-write, arrange, record, and perform original music with the local band Voodoo Bayou. The band has released two albums and has had the opportunity to open for nationally known artists at festivals throughout Louisiana and Alabama. Their newest album, Step Into The Sun, was released in June 2026.
Michael is married to his college sweetheart, Rachel Billiot Klaus, and together they are the proud parents of Genevieve and Evangeline. Michael also serves as a General Music teacher at St. Bernadette Catholic School, where he has been part of the faculty for 16 years.
Outside of music and ministry, Michael is a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan and enjoys Nicholls State and LSU sports, U.S. history, WWII airplanes, fishing, golf, and—most importantly—time with family and friends.
We are incredibly grateful for the generations of music, faith, and service that Michael represents at First United Methodist Church of Houma. His story is a beautiful reminder that the gifts we receive from one generation can become blessings that are shared with the next.
We're thankful for you, Michael, and all the ways you help make a joyful noise for the Lord!
