Appalachian Youth Chorale
The Appalachian Youth Chorale is a choral ensemble consisting of 10 weekly group sessions. We will work on confidence while singing alone and in a group, explore and learn songs from a variety of cultures and genres, and culminate the session with a final sharing for the class - all in a fun and engaging environment.
Program Information
- Age: 7-14 (students age 15-18 may join as High School Mentors)
- No prior singing experience is necessary.
- Instructor: Brandon Winbush with collaborative pianist Elizabeth Salter
- Price: Regular price is $250, but need-based scholarship optionscan be selected in registration (partial or full scholarships).
- See "Payment and Scholarships" below for more information.
- Location: Broyhill Music Center Room 225
- Times: 5:00-5:45pm on Tuesdays. Class will meet 10 times from February 14 through May 2 (no class on March 14 or April 11).
- Music will be provided. Students will be issued a folder with their music.
Parking: If you would like to park on campus before 5:00, you will need to purchase a visitor parking pass ($25/month). After completing your registration, pick up your pass at the Office of Conference and Event Services prior to your first class. Conference and Event Services is located on the 2nd floor of 400 University Hall Drive, Boone, NC 28607. Please call Katie Jensen (jensenke3@appstate.edu, 828-262-6568) before visiting to be sure someone will be ready to give you your pass.
Meet Our Staff
AYC Instructors
| Mr. Brandon Winbush, Choral Director | Elizabeth Salter, Collaborative Pianist |
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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/AYCSpring2023
- If you do not have an Iris account, you will need to create one (tutorial here).
- If asked for a code, enter AYCSpring2023.
- A parent/guardian will need to complete the registration. To register another student 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.
What to Expect
When you come to a rehearsal with the Appalachian Youth Chorale, you will experience a fun and fast-paced rehearsal that focuses on developing musicianship skills along with vocal skills. We learn the basics of music note reading, utilizing solfege to learn how to sing music by sight. Additionally, we have fun exploring our voices and learning how to work together as a group. The rehearsal is a safe space for everyone to learn and grow in a positive environment. We sing a variety of music to include songs from around the world and from different time periods. We like to move and express music with our whole bodies. We teach performance etiquette and discipline but in a positive way that still allows for self expression. Above all, we are a place for young musicians to sing, inspire and celebrate their unique voices!
Thank You to the Watauga Arts Council and NC Arts Council!
The Spring 2021 semester of the Appalachian Youth Chorale, held online over Zoom, was supported by a Grassroots Grant! This project was funded through the Watauga County Arts Council, a Designated County Partner of the North Carolina Arts Council (www.NCArts.org). CMS would like to thank Amber Bateman, Executive Director of the Watauga Arts Council, and the WAC team for making this grant possible!
