Church Choir Festival

Sunday, February 4, 2024

Dear Church Musician Colleagues,

I’m writing to invite you and your church choir singers to Messiah University’s second annual Church Choir Festival 2024! Last year was a beautiful success with great music and learning for all participants. This year’s festival will take place on February 4th, 2024 in beautiful Parmer Hall at the Calvin and Janet High Center for Worship and the Performing Arts. This one-afternoon festival will provide area church choirs with the chance to fellowship together by learning and performing diverse anthems of the Christian faith in a large festival choir conducted by Messiah University music professors and alongside Messiah University’s 48-voice Concert Choir. In addition to choral clinics and performance, the afternoon will also include lifelong-learning classes for singers and directors by professors of theology, hymnology, Christian ministries and music. The cost for participation is $25 per singer which includes all music and an afternoon snack, and all proceeds support Messiah University’s choir outreach tours.

Festival Repertoire:

My God is a Rock – Spiritual arr. Parker/Shaw

A New Jerusalem Arise – Kyle Pederson

Abide With Me – arr. Andrew Meade

Hear How His People Sing – Dr. Michael Harcrow, Professor of Music

Festival Schedule:

12:30pm: Registration Begins

1:00-3:00pm: Rehearsal

3:00-3:45pm: Lifelong-Learning Classes

Theology of Great Hymns of the Faith – Dr. Doug Curry

Singing Stories of Hope – Pastor David Flowers

Choir’s impact on wholistic wellness – Dr. Rachel Cornacchio

Vocal Fitness for the Volunteer Singer – Dr. Joy Meade

3:45-4:15pm: Meet & Greet Snack Break

4:15-5:15pm: Rehearsal

5:30-6:30pm: Festival Performance and Hymn Sing

(Audience welcome, no tickets required)

Singers can register individually by email, mail or by calling the music office. Directors can register singers as a group by email or mail via the Church Choir Festival Registration Form. Registration is open until February 2nd, 2024.

Please feel free to reach out with questions to Dr. Joy Meade – jmeade@messiah.edu, 610-513-1909.

Warmly,

Joy Meade, D.M.A.

Director of Choral Activities

Doug Curry, D. Min.

Worship Pastor