Hayes School of Music

Appalachian Chorale is a joint program between the Hayes School of Music and the Community Music School! App State students must register through Appalnet.

The Appalachian Chorale is a large choral ensemble open to all students, faculty, and members of the High Country community, with no audition required. The Chorale provides an opportunity for musical growth and enjoyment through the rehearsal and performance of choral masterworks. Any interested singer who can read music and carry their part in four-part harmony is encouraged to join.

The Appalachian Chorale is directed by Dr. Jordan Shomper, Assistant Professor and Director of Choral Activities in the Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University. He also conducts the University Singers and teaches courses in conducting, choral methods, and choral literature.

Program Information

The ensemble is currently capped at 30 community members (= non-App State students) due to room capacity and safety reasons. This will be the first 30 non-student individuals to have completed registration and payment in the Iris form. Walk-up registrations/participants are not accepted this season. Before heading to rehearsal, please ensure you have fully registered in Iris (you will immediately receive messages titled "Informational Email" and/or "Payment Receipt" if successful). The form will automatically stop accepting entries when the cap is reached. The registration link is available further down this page. 

The registration period for Appalachian Chorale is in August and January of each year. Visit this page at those times to join the Appalachian Chorale.

Community members will register for the Appalachian Chorale through the Community Music School. App State students must register through Appalnet.

• Age: 18-adult (age 14-17 with prior permission of App Chorale director)
• Experience: Any interested singer who can read music and carry their part in four-part harmony is encouraged to join.
• Instructor: Dr. Jordan Shomper
• Time: 7:00-9:00pm
• Dates: Mondays, August 18 - December 1, 2025
  • No class on September 1st or October 13th
  • Concert Date: November 18th, 8:00pm, Rosen Concert Hall
• App Chorale follows the Appalachian State University semester schedule.
• Location: Broyhill Music Center, Room 214 (This is in the back corner of the 2nd floor across from the elevators.)
• Price: $150 (tuition assistance available - see updated process below)

Additional Information:

• A syllabus will be provided.
• Participants are expected to attend all rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances.
• High school students 14 and up may join with the approval of the App Chorale director. Interested high school students should email Dr. Jordan Shomper (shomperjm@appstate.edu) for permission prior to registration. 

Looking for a choral opportunity for youth ages 7-14? Join the Appalachian Youth Chorale! 

App State students (all majors), you will need to register for Appalachian Chorale (MUS 1109) through Appalnet, not through the Community Music School. For questions about registering as an App State student, contact the music office at music@appstate.edu.

Community Member Registration and Payment Link (Not for Course Credit):

https://appstate.irisregistration.com/Form/AppChoraleFall25

25 out of 30 community participants registered (as of 10:00am on August 8). The form will stop accepting entries once the maximum of 30 is reached. 

Registration Tips

• If asked for a code, enter AppChoraleFall25.
• For technical help with Iris Registration forms, please contact Carey Driskell (driskellc@appstate.edu, (828) 262-2942) in the Office of Conference and Event Services.
• For participants under 18 (accepted only with prior permission of App Chorale director), a parent/guardian will need to complete the registration. To register multiple participants in your family, click “Create Additional Registration.”

Tuition Assistance

Participants who require tuition assistance beyond the $75 option shown in the registration form may request it through the following steps. Please pursue this option right away if needed, since registration is capped at 30 community members in order of registration. 

1. Complete the Iris registration form up until the final payment screen. This will save your progress and you may exit without making a payment.
2. Please email asucommunitymusic@appstate.edu with a statement describing your circumstances/financial need and we will review your request as promptly as possible. 
3. After you hear from us that your amount due has been adjusted, return to Iris to complete your order. Your registration is not complete until after the payment office has manually adjusted your tuition balance AND you have returned to the Iris form to check out. The process may take up to 2 business days; at any time you may choose to forgo the application and finish regular payment/check-out to immediately secure a space.