Workshops & Festivals

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.
 

Tshirts provided to everyone who registers by the deadline-Cost is $10

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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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-11:45AM
Friday 8:30AM – 2:00PM

Tuition: $170

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-11:45AM - 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

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

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 2019 Symposium will feature Paul Popiel, Director of Bands at the University of Kansas, 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.