Hayes School of Music

The Appalachian Symphony Orchestra is a Hayes School of Music ensemble accepting community members through the Community Music School. App State Students must register through Appalnet. 

The Appalachian Symphony Orchestra is the cornerstone orchestral ensemble at the Hayes School of Music and is led by our mission statement: Making Magic, Changing Lives, Forging Opportunity. Students in the ensemble give compelling, vital performances of repertoire that stretches from the baroque to today's living composers. We believe in the fundamental principle that making music is a social, essentially human endeavor. Our performances and rehearsal process are notable for combining generosity of spirit and irrepressible enthusiasm with intellectual curiosity, contemplation and global awareness.

Read more about the Appalachian Symphony Orchestra here. 

If you are a community member (not App State student) interested in playing in the Appalachian Symphony Orchestra, please...

1. Reserve an audition time (these occur the weekend of August 15-16) through the process shown for your instrument on the Ensemble Auditions page. 
2. Prepare your music and play your audition.
3. As soon as you receive word that your audition for ASO was successful, visit this page again and register. 
   1. The registration link, where you can also purchase a parking pass, is available below. 
   2. Fill out the additional Youth Form for any minor participants. 
4. Print and turn in the required Photo/Video/Sound Release by the first rehearsal.
5. Musicians may find it helpful to arrive early for orchestra. Unfortunately parking may be difficult to find due to construction on campus.  

For questions about the orchestra, contact Dr. Alexandra Dee at deeao@appstate.edu. For questions about registration, please contact asucommunitymusic@appstate.edu.

The Community Music School also offers the Appalachian Community Orchestra (6:15-7:30 on Thursdays), which is open to ages 14-adult.

Program Information

• Age: 18-adult (age 14-17 with prior permission of ASO director)
• Experience:  AUDITION REQUIRED (see above for details)
• Instructor: Dr. Alexandra Dee 
• Time: 3:30-5:30pm
  • Please see the Parking and Directions page for weekday parking options. 
• Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8/18/2026 - 12/1/2026
  • No Class on October 6
  • ASO follows the Appalachian State University semester schedule.
• Location: Broyhill Music Center, Room 119 (Spencer Rehearsal Hall).
• Price: $250 (tuition assistance available - learn more below)
• Additional Information 
  • Participants will need to bring their own instruments. 
  • All participants are expected to attend all rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances.

App State students (all majors), you will need to register for Appalachian Symphony Orchestra (MUS 1105) 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.