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, staff, 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. James Douthit, Former Dean and Professor of Piano in the Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University. 

Program Information

The ensemble is currently capped at 35 community members (= non-App State students) due to room capacity and safety reasons. This will be the first 35 non-student individuals to have completed registration and payment in the Iris form. Walk-up registrations/participants are not accepted. 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.

Registration opens at the beginning of August, and all interested members will be sent a notification email as soon as it is live. If you know of someone who would like to be added to that mailing list, they can reach out to asucommunitymusic@appstate.edu with their preferred contact information.

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. James Douthit
• Time: 7:00-9:00 pm
• Dates: Mondays,  August 17- November 30, 2026
  • No rehearsals on September 7 (Labor Day), October 5 (Fall Break) and November 23.
  • Concert Date: November 10, 2026, 8:00 pm, Rosen Concert Hall. Repertoire:  Requiem by John Rutter.
• App Chorale follows the Appalachian State University semester schedule and any changes announced by the University.
• 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. James Douthit (douthitjr1@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/AppChoraleFall26 

23 out of 35 community participants have registered as of 2:00pm on August 7. The form will stop accepting entries once the maximum of 35 is reached. 

Registration Tips

• If asked for a code, enter AppChoraleFall26.
• 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 listed on the registration form may request it by following the steps below.  Please pursue this option right away if needed, since registration is capped at 35 community members, in the order they registered. 

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 receive communication that the 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 complete regular payment/checkout to immediately secure a space.