Hayes School of Music

Appalachian Youth Chorale

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Appalachian Youth Chorale

The Appalachian Youth Chorale is a choral ensemble consisting of 10 weekly group sessions. We will work on confidence while singing alone and in a group, explore and learn songs from a variety of cultures and genres, and culminate the session with a final concert for the class - all in a fun and engaging environment.

  • Age: 7-14 (students age 15-18 may join as High School Mentors)
  • No prior singing experience is necessary.
  • Instructor: Dr. Katy Strand with collaborative pianist Elizabeth Salter
  • Price: Regular price is $250, but need-based pricing options can be selected in registration.
  • Location: Broyhill Music Center Room 225
  • Times: 5:00-5:50pm on Tuesdays beginning January 28. Class will meet 10 times.
    • Final performance on April 8, 2024. 
    • No class on March 11. 
  • Music will be provided. Students will be issued a folder with their music.

Dr. Katy Strand is the conductor of the Appalachian Youth Chorale! Dr. Strand has extensive experience with K-12 choral instruction and previously taught the App Rocks! class with the Community Music School. In her work as the Dottie Sink Sykes Distinguished Professor of Music Education at the Hayes School of Music, Dr. Strand teaches music education courses for App State students and publishes research in the world of music teaching.

Register Here!

Before registering, please read the Community Music School's Musician Handbook.

Register here! > https://appstate.irisregistration.com/Form/AYCSpring25

  • If you do not have an Iris account, you will need to create one and return to the registration form. 
  • If asked for a code, enter AYCSpring25. 
  • A parent/guardian will need to complete the registration. To register another student in your family, click “Create Additional Registration.”

Permission Forms

  • A parent/guardian will need to fill out the Youth Form online before the first class.  The link will be sent to registrants and posted on the website when it is is time to fill out. 
  • All participants (and parents/guardians), please come a few minutes early to the first class to fill out the Media Form. We will provide blank copies. You can preview the Media Form here.

Connect with CMS!

Payment and Pricing Options

Offering this program costs the Community Music School $250 per participant. Depending on the program, our expenses include faculty, assistants, staff/administration, facilities, instruments, music, books, supplies, stands, and more. 

We are still testing a model in which participants can select need-based pricing options for group classes on the honor system. By selecting an amount according to your needs, you can help us sustain this program!

Based on financial need, you may select the regular tuition or a reduced payment from the options below during the registration process. At this time, no waiting or approval is required to select these options. Tuition level selected does not affect a student's priority in joining the class, which is solely based on the order in which Iris registrations are completed. 

  • Pay $250 - Regular Class Tuition
  • Pay $150 - Need-based pricing option
  • Pay $75 - Need-based pricing option
  • Pay $25 - Need-based pricing option

Registrants needing their full class tuition waived due to financial need should (1) complete the registration form up until the final payment screen, then (2) email asucommunitymusic@appstate.edu with the reason for your request.  Currently, no formal application is needed for this. After we waive the charge, you will need to return to the form and complete your registration. 

What to Expect

When you come to a rehearsal with the Appalachian Youth Chorale, you will experience a fun and fast-paced rehearsal that focuses on developing musicianship skills along with vocal skills. We learn the basics of music note reading, utilizing solfege to learn how to sing music by sight. Additionally, we have fun exploring our voices and learning how to work together as a group. The rehearsal is a safe space for everyone to learn and grow in a positive environment. We sing a variety of music to include songs from around the world and from different time periods. We like to move and express music with our whole bodies. We teach performance etiquette and discipline but in a positive way that still allows for self expression. Above all, we are a place for young musicians to sing, inspire and celebrate their unique voices!