Workshops & Festivals

Join us for "Stars, Stripes, & Steinways," a piano festival for high school and collegiate pianists at Messiah University on February 15, 2027, from 10am–5pm! Explore American music through instruction from our classical and jazz piano faculty, special topic classes, ensemble rehearsals, and interactive activities. The day will conclude with a performance at 4pm that family and friends are welcome to attend. Registration by the deadline is $30 and includes lunch, a special-edition t-shirt, and a Route 88 Pass for collecting stamps throughout the day. Don't miss the exciting chance to collaborate with other pianists from our region!

Register at the below link:

https://mcadmissions.messiah.edu/register/pianoday27

T-Shirts provided to everyone who registers by the deadline (February 3, 2027)-Cost is $30

For more information, email piano@messiah.edu

The Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz (CPFJ) Jazz Camp serves music students ages 12-18, of all instruments and voice and is conducted by professional jazz musician-educators. Students who seriously desire to further their musical education and, in particular, to learn about jazz improvisation, are welcome.

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The Messiah University Middle School Band Clinic will be held on the campus of Messiah University from June 17-19, 2025 for upcoming 7th and 8th grade students.

Dr. Jenny Neff, will be the featured clinician and the clinic will include masterclasses with Messiah faculty, lunch on campus, daily rehearsals and more!

June 17, 2025 - 8:00AM-4:00PM, 6:00PM-9:00PM (rehearsal)

June 18, 2025 - 9:00AM-4:00AM

June 19, 2025 - 9:00AM-4:00PM, 4:00PM Public Concert

Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass
Monday, July 13, 2026 - Friday, July 17, 2026

A new Messiah string camp for young string players entering grades 3-6 (Students should have 6 months to one year of playing experience)

Monday - Thursday. 8:30AM-11:50AM
Friday 8:30AM - 2:00PM

Tuition: $185

Sample Schedule
8:30AM - arrival

8:45AM-10:00AM - Orchestra rehearsal (with stretching breaks)

10:00AM-11:00AM - Masterclasses. Students will be divided by instrument and will get a chance to work on setup and technique through fun games and activities with teachers specializing in their instrument.

11:00AM-11:50AM - Enrichment time. Students will have a variety of musical activities that could include singing, movement and rhythm games, watching performances and fiddling.

Friday Schedule:
11:45AM-12:15PM - Lunch (bring your own)
12:20PM-12:45PM - Rehearsal in Parmer Hall
1:00PM - Performance for family and friends

Camp Faculty:
Kerry Harker-Roth - camp director/teacher coordinator
James Nackley - orchestra director
String specialists

The Summer Orchestra Camp, offers an exciting opportunity for approximately 100 students entering grades 7 through 12 to play in chamber ensembles, two large orchestras, master classes and take courses in musicianship, all taught by an expert faculty of artist-teachers comprised of Messiah University faculty and orchestral educators of Central Pennsylvania. Additionally, students attend outstanding performances of guest artists and performances as part of the Market Square Concert Series.

Faculty members include: Dr. Timothy Dixon, Kerry Harker-Roth, Ai-Lin Hsieh, Krista Kriel, Brian Krauss, James Tung and Adam Cordle

Tuition:

Residents - $740

Commuters - $640

The Messiah University Orchestral Conductors Symposium serves as both a forum and a classroom for music educators in the orchestral arena. Conductors work with authorities in the field, including Dr. Timothy Dixon, Director of Orchestral Studies, to develop and refine technique both on the podium and in score study.

The Messiah University Wind Conductors Symposium was developed to create an opportunity for music educators to work with noted authorities in the field of rehearsal techniques and conducting. The Symposium will be lead by Dr. James Colonna, Director of Bands, Messiah University.

The Messiah University Choral Conductors Symposium allows music educators to further their experience in the field of choral conducting. Dr. Rachel Cornacchio will lead this year's annual symposium.