Hayes School of Music

About Our Ensembles

Students of all majors at Appalachian State University can join ensembles in the Hayes School of Music! Nearly all of our ensembles, including our most selective ones, have non-music majors in their membership, such as the Appalachian Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and University Singers.

Many of our classes and ensembles are successful because of the many non-music majors participating in them. Our ensemble conductors would welcome the chance to meet you when you're over on this side of Rivers Street!

Please note that ensemble participation may be limited based on course caps, physical space, and/or instrumentation needs, so taking steps to join as soon as possible is recommended. 

Ensemble Audition Information

Please note that many ensembles (*) require auditions before the first day of class. See the audition page for sheet music, sign-up times, audition contacts, and other audition information.

Bands

To learn more about the University Bands, contact Dr. Jason Gardner at gardnerjp@appstate.edu.

• MUS 1100 Marching Band ("The Marching Mountaineers"): Tue/Thu 12:00 -1:45 pm - Closed for Fall 2024
• MUS 1125 Basketball Band: no audition is required unless deemed necessary by the director
• MUS 1101 Symphony Band: MW 6:00 - 7:45 pm; audition required*
• MUS 1102 Wind Ensemble:  MW 3:00 - 5:00 pm; audition required*
• MUS 1104 Jazz Ensembles: I. MWF 12:00-12:50 pm, II. Tu/Th 2:00-3:20; audition required*
• MUS 1127 Concert Band: Spring only, Mon/Wed 6:00-7:30 pm; no audition required
• MUS 1135 Steel Band ("Steely Pan Steel Band"): TBD, audition required*

Choral Ensembles

To find out more about the University Choirs, contact music@appstate.edu.

• MUS 1108 University Singers:  audition required*
• MUS 1109 Appalachian Chorale: Mon 7:00 - 9:00 pm; no audition required [Currently full for Fall 2024]
• MUS 1110 Treble Choir (high voices): MWF 12-12:50 pm; no audition required
• MUS 1117 Gospel Choir: Tues/Thur 6:05-7:30 pm; no audition required

Orchestra

For questions about the orchestras, contact Dr. Alexandra Dee at deeao@appstate.edu.

• MUS 1105 Appalachian Symphony Orchestra: Tuesday/Thursday, 3:30-5:30 pm; audition required. View information on ensemble auditions. Audition schedules and requirements will be posted and updated throughout the summer. Auditions will occur just before and during the first class days of the semester.
• MUS 1139 Appalachian Community Orchestra: Thursdays 6:15-7:30 pm. Now an App State Class! An audition may be required. 

Community Music School Programs

These Community Music School programs, open to students and non-students, do not require an audition and are not for class credit. There is a cost associated with the programs, but need-based discounts or assistance may be available. There are programs for youth and non-students as well. For more info, visit music.appstate.edu/cms, email asucommunitymusic@appstate.edu, or call 828-262-6629.

• Open to App State Students: Private Lessons (times vary; beginning in August/September)
• For Youth: Visit music.appstate.edu/cms to see our community programs for children, teens, and adults. 

Courses designed for non-music majors (most award General Education credit)

See the semester schedule for times and locations.

MUS 1000. Elements of Music Theory
An introduction to music theory for non-music majors. This course carries credit toward the music minor and elementary education major but no credit toward music degrees.

MUS 2011. Analyzing Style and Form: Music
A nontechnical course for students with little or no musical background. Emphasis is placed on the style and form of music, especially but not exclusively from the Western European concert (classical) tradition, as perceived by the listener.

MUS 2014. Jazz Music in American Society
Jazz may be the United States' only original contribution to music. Due to its comparatively recent emergence as a recognized art form, a great deal of confusion exists as to the meaning, origins, development, and the place of jazz relative to other areas of music. This course will define jazz as precisely as possible and show its evolution in the historical background of the United States.

MUS 2015. History of Rock Music
Study of musical groups, soloists and styles related to the evolution of this genre, and on related social, historic and political events. Pre-rock influences and rock music from the late 1940s through significant developments of the late twentieth century.

MUS 2016. Appalachian Music
A survey of Appalachian music including both instrumental and vocal styles, older traditions and newer regional forms. Students will have opportunities to develop musical skills through hands-on class projects and activities. (Same as AS 2016.)

MUS 2018. Introduction to World Music
A survey of musics representing international cultures. Emphasis is placed on the role of music in various life experiences.

Non-majors interested in taking other courses designed for music majors should contact Dr. Soo Goh, Associate Dean for Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at gohsk@appstate.edu.

Non-music majors who want to pursue additional studies in performance, music theory and aural skills, and other areas should consult the Music Minor page.