Chorister’s Workshop 2025 - Tuesday, October 7
This years workshop will feature Dr. Adam Potter!
High school choristers will spend the day taking elective classes, enjoying a voice recital, lunch in the dining hall, singing alongside Messiah’s Concert Choir, and performing a final concert open to the public at the end of the day. High school directors will also have the opportunity to take continuing education classes (PA Act 48 credit if applicable) with Messiah’s conducting faculty. All of these events will occur in the state-of-the-art Calvin and Janet High Center for Worship and Performing Arts.
The day begins with check-in at 8:00 a.m. in the High Center lobby. Rehearsals and workshops take place throughout the day from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a final concert showcase at 5 p.m.
Registration for Messiah’s Chorister’s Workshop 2025 is not yet open. To receive an email when registration opens, email choristersworkshop@messiah.edu.
Teachers not bringing choristers are welcome to attend for a cost of $20.
Contact choristersworkshop@messiah.edu with questions about the event.
Worship Conference - The Porter's Gate with Sandra McCracken
Saturday, February 15, 2025
- Date: February 15th, 2025
- Location: Calvin and Janet High Center for Worship and Performing Arts
- Time: 8:30am - 9:30pm
- Cost: $50 for Conference and Concert; Concert only $20 for adults; $15 for seniors (age 60 and over); and $5 for Messiah University students (with ID) and youth (18 and under).
The Porter's Gate with Sandra McCracken
Feb. 15
8:30 a.m. Registration
9 a.m. Conference
7:30 p.m. Concert
Messiah University is pleased to welcome The Porter’s Gate and Sandra McCracken for a day-long conference/concert event on Saturday, February 15, 2025. Elements of the conference include at least three workshop ‘tracks’ – songwriting for the local church (including the Brethren in Christ songwriting initiative); the importance of choral music in the life of the church (choral music sessions led by Dr. Joy Meade); and worship leadership that invites congregational participation.
All meals are included in the conference cost, and the day concludes with a full concert event featuring The Porter’s Gate and Sandra McCracken. Everyone involved and interested in church music is warmly invited to attend!
Ticket prices for the conference and concert are $50. To purchase, please contact the Messiah University Box Office at 717-691-6036 option #1 or online at messiah.edu/tickets. When purchasing tickets, the concert ticket must be selected first. After adding the concert ticket to cart, the conference add-on may be selected for purchase.
Ticket prices for the concert only are $20 for adults; $15 for seniors (age 60 and over); and $5 for Messiah University students (with ID) and youth (18 and under). To purchase, please contact the Messiah University Box Office at 717-691-6036 option #1 or online at messiah.edu/tickets.
Piano Celebration Day for High School Students
February 16, 2026
Tshirts provided to everyone who registers by the deadline-Cost is $20
For more information, email piano@messiah.edu
CPFJ Jazz Camp
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 – Saturday, June 14, 2025
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.
Middle School Band Clinic
June 17-19, 2025
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
Elementary Orchestra Camp
Monday, July 14, 2025 - Friday, July 18, 2025
Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass
Monday, July 14, 2025 - Friday, July 18, 2025
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 coodinator
James Nackley – orchestra director
String specialists
Orchestra Camp
Sunday, July 13, 2025 – Saturday, July 18, 2025
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, and Adam Cordle
Orchestral Conductors Symposium
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.
Wind Conductors Symposium
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 2019 Symposium will feature Paul Popiel, Director of Bands at the University of Kansas, Dr. James Colonna, Director of Bands, Messiah University.
Choral Conductors Symposium
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.