Appalachian Community Orchestra
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 App State CMS and directed by Watauga High School orchestra and band directors Mr. Will Selle and Ms. Taryn Wooten, the 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.
College students are invited to join! This is a great way to keep up a passion for playing and/or get performance experience on a secondary instrument. (Please note that all participants must register on this page each semester, and that ACO is not for course credit.)
Program Information
- Age: 12-adult.
- Instructors: Will Selle and Taryn Wooten
- Experience: 2 years of playing experience is recommended.
- Price: Regular price is $250, but need-based scholarship options can be selected in registration (partial or full scholarships).
- See "Payment and Scholarships" below for more information.
- Location: Broyhill Music Center, Room 119 (Spencer Rehearsal Hall)
- Times: 6:30-7:20pm on Thursdays.
- Classes will begin on February 16.
- Class will meet 10 times from February 16 to May 4. No class on March 16 or April 13.
- All participants must register here, whether App State/HSOM students, community members, or youth.
- Participants should plan to attend all rehearsals, since all instrument parts are needed for the other members of the orchestra to rehearse effectively. However, App State students should prioritize their main ensemble obligations if those occasionally conflict with ACO, notifying the ACO conductors beforehand if they must miss a rehearsal.
- Participants will need to bring their own instruments.
Meet Our Staff
ACO Instructors
| Will Selle, Instructor | Taryn Wooten, Instructor |
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Register Here!
Before registering, please read the Community Music School's Musician Handbook and COVID-19 Policies.
Register here! > https://appstate.irisregistration.com/Form/ACOSpring23
- If asked for a code, enter ACOSpring23.
- If you do not have an Iris account, you will need to create one (tutorial here).
- 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.
- 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!
- Have questions about Iris? Katie Jensen (jensenke3@appstate.edu, 828-262-6568) can help with the registration forms.
- For questions about our programs, contact us at asucommunitymusic@appstate.edu or (828) 262-6629.
Payment and Scholarships
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 regstration process. At this time, no waiting or approval is required to select these options.
- 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 will need to begin the registration form first and then contact Conference and Event Services (Katie Jensen, jensenke3@appstate.edu / (828) 262-6568) and the $25 minimum will be waived before you complete registration.