Hayes School of Music

Appalachian Community Orchestra

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Appalachian Community Orchestra

Since Fall 2024, ACO is a combined Hayes School of Music class and Community Music School program!

Appalachian State University students must register through Appalnet instead of the CMS form, as this is now a Hayes School of Music course as of Fall 2024. 1-credit and 0-credit options are available.

The Appalachian Community Orchestra welcomes musicians of all orchestral and band instruments to make music, build teamwork, learn technique, and perform a concert each semester! Offered through the App State Community Music School, the ACO is directed by Dr. Alexandra Dee, Director of Orchestral Activities at the Hayes School of Music! ACO is an ensemble that draws from the whole community. From middle schoolers (12+) to adults, this is a great opportunity for those who can read music and have at least 2 years' playing experience to dive into challenging repertoire in a supportive environment. 

Dr. Alexandra Dee also conducts the Appalachian Symphony Orchestra, an auditioned ensemble that is open to App State students for course credit or to community participants via Community Music School registration.  

Program Information

  • Age: 12-adult. 
  • Experience: At least 2 years of playing experience and ability to read music fluently. An audition may be necessary. 
  • Instructor: Dr. Alexandra Dee (Director of Orchestral Activities at the Hayes School of Music and Conductor of the Asheville Symphony Youth Orchestra) 
  • Price: Regular price is $250, but need-based pricing options can be selected in registration.
    • Please note that App State students must now register for this course through Appalnet and may not register through the community member form.
  • Location: Broyhill Music Center, Room 119 (Spencer Rehearsal Hall)
  • Time: 6:15-7:30 on Thursdays. 
    • Class will meet according to the App State semester schedule beginning Thursday, January 16. 
    • Concert: Tuesday, April 22nd. 
    • A syllabus will be provided.
  • Media Release Required: Please come a few minutes early to the first rehearsal to fill out the Release for Use of Photography/Video/Sound. This is an App State class whose performances and activities may be photographed, recorded, and published. In order to participate in this ensemble, all community participants must sign a media release on or before their first rehearsal. You can preview or print the Media Release Form here.
  • Participants should plan to attend all rehearsals, since all instrument parts are needed for the other members of the orchestra to rehearse effectively. Please notify the ACO conductor beforehand if you must miss a rehearsal.
  • Participants will need to bring their own instruments.

Register Here!

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

Register here! > https://appstate.irisregistration.com/Form/ACOSpring25

  • If asked for a code, enter ACOSpring25.
  • If you do not have an Iris account, you will need to create one and return to the registration form. 
  • An adult will need to complete the registration. To register another participant in your family, click “Create Additional Registration”

Permission Forms

  • For musicians under 18, 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

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

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.