Appalachian State University - Community Music School

01/13/2026

Come join us! We have opportunities available for student of all ages. Registration information is on our website: music.appstate.edu/cms

08/15/2025

The Community Music School at Appalachian State University’s Hayes School of Music welcomes new members to our youth and adult music programs!

Visit music.appstate.edu/cms for more information, including class details, pricing, and tuition assistance based on financial need. We look forward to making music with you!

- Appalachian Youth Chorale - Begins Sept. 2. Tuesdays 5:00-5:50pm. AYC is an exciting choral program for youth ages 7-14 (students 15-18 may join as high school mentors).

- Appalachian Community Orchestra - begins August 21. Thursdays 6:15-7:30pm. Age 14-adult. Those who can read music and have at least 2 years' experience can dive into challenging orchestral repertoire in a supportive environment.

- Appalachian Symphony Orchestra - begins August 19. Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:30-5:30pm. A successful audition is required before registering for A*O. Auditions are held August 16-17.

- Let’s Play Piano! - Begins August 25. Mondays 5:15-6pm and 6:15-7:00pm. Group piano class for beginning students ages 7-12

- Private Lessons - dates and times vary. Lessons may begin the week of Aug. 25 or later (after placement and registration are completed). Individual instruction with excellent teachers in our community. We offer lessons for a wide range of instruments, ages, and experience levels.

- Appalachian Chorale - begins August 18. Mondays 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Open to adult singers who can read music and carry their part in four-part harmony. Community member registration is paused due to reaching capacity, but please visit music.appstate.edu/appchorale to see the latest updates or join the waitlist.

Visit us at music.appstate.edu/cms to learn more and register!

01/18/2025

The Appalachian Youth Chorale begins Tuesday, January 28, and we welcome all kids who are interested in singing with a group - no experience needed to join!

- Tuesdays 5:00-5:50pm
- January 28 - April 8
- Ages 7-14 (students ages 15-18 may join as High School Mentors)
- Directed by music education professor Dr. Katy Strand

Visit the Community Music School website to learn more about pricing and registration, then to enroll in the Appalachian Youth Chorale!

https://music.appstate.edu/about/community-music-school/programs/boone/group-programs/appalachian-youth-chorale

09/02/2024

🎶 Exciting News for Fall 2024! 🎶

We’re thrilled to announce that there are still spots available for the Appalachian Youth Chorale this semester! Starting September 3, our vibrant choral program will meet every Tuesday from 5:00 to 5:50 PM.

The AYC is a fantastic opportunity for young musicians ages 7-14 to enhance their vocal skills, build confidence, and make music with friends. Plus, we’re looking for students ages 15-18 to join us as High School Mentors and inspire our younger singers!

🌟 Ready to join? Register now at music.appstate.edu/cms. We can’t wait to make music with your child and create an amazing season of musical growth and fun!

If you have any questions or need more info, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help!

08/15/2024

Register now for music programs for youth and adults! Details and registration links for all programs are at music.appstate.edu/cms

01/18/2024

Register now for Community Music School programs for youth and adults! Visit music.appstate.edu/cms to learn more and enroll.

• Need-based pricing options are available for group programs
• All group programs are led by App State faculty

Appalachian Youth Chorale
Conductor: Dr. Katy Strand
Ages 7-14
Date(s): 5:00-5:50pm on Tuesdays beginning Jan. 30.

Appalachian Chorale
Conductor: Dr. DaVaughn Miller
Date(s): 7:00 - 9:00 pm Mondays beginning Jan. 22.
Ages 14-adult.

Appalachian Community Orchestra
Conductor: Dr. Alexandra Dee
Ages 12-adult with music reading ability.
Date(s): 6:30-7:20 pm Thursdays beginning Feb. 1.

Private Lessons
Ages vary by instructor (typically 5-adult)
Accepting new students through March 31.
Times are arranged with the individual instructor within these times: Monday-Thursday 4:00-8:00pm, Friday 4:00-6:00 pm.

https://music.appstate.edu/cms

09/07/2023

Register now for Community Music School programs!
Visit music.appstate.edu/cms to learn more and enroll.
Classes and lessons begin the week of Sept. 11. All classes are currently accepting new and returning participants!

12/06/2022

Come listen to Songs of Hope presented by App Chorale and Glee Club tonight at 8:00pm in Rosen Concert Hall!

Admission is free, and the concert will be live streamed on the Hayes School of Music Performance page.

See you then!

12/01/2022

Hear the Appalachian Chorale and Glee Club on Tuesday at 8:00!

Appalachian Chorale & Glee Club: Songs of Hope
Tuesday, Dec. 6, 8:00pm
Rosen Concert Hall - Free Admission

With the tenor-bass Glee Club and the full sound of the Appalachian Chorale, this concert covers styles from classical to gospel! The ensembles join the sounds of their voices and hands together for the final piece, Clap Praise! by Diane L. White-Clayton, drawing the concert to a powerful conclusion. The ensembles are directed by Dr. DaVaughn Miller with collaborative pianists Tyler Dellaperute and Dr. Joby Bell.

Program:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IsE6dx8Ja5XCv3rN8TbbnuVYyM1sSkry/view

Visit music.appstate.edu/performances for a live-stream and a list of upcoming events.

11/29/2022

The Appalachian Youth Chorale (part of the Community Music School), directed by Brandon Winbush with collaborative pianist Elizabeth Salter, will perform tonight in Rosen Concert Hall.

Tuesday, Nov. 29 at 6:00pm - Rosen Concert Hall
Free Admission - Will not be live-streamed
Concert credit for Hayes School of Music students; please scan in and out.

09/02/2022

Our first class session of the Fall is the Appalachian Youth Chorale! Register here to join us on Tuesday:
https://music.appstate.edu/about/community-music-school/programs/boone/group-programs/appalachian-youth-chorale

Brandon R. Winbush is the new conductor of AYC after having worked with the singers as the collaborative pianist for years. We welcome Dr. Elizabeth Salter as the new collaborative pianist!

Mr. Winbush is the choir director at Watauga High School. He is a graduate of Appalachian State University, where he studied piano with Dr. Rodney Reynerson and choral conducting with Dr. Stephen M. Hopkins. He is a member of both the American Choral Directors' Association and the National Association for Music Educators.