34th Annual Holiday Scholarship Concert
Friday, November 20, 2026 at 7:30 pm
The Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts
Join the Hayes School of Music for this beloved tradition that kicks off the holiday season in the High Country!
Schaefer Center Tickets
Purchase your tickets today through the Schaefer Center box office! Tickets are $15 regular, $10 student** or child. Ticket sales support scholarships for Hayes School of Music students.
You will select your seat as you choose your ticket, so reserve yours early to get your preferred seats!
- Reserve tickets online through the Schaefer Center website. Tickets are $17 regular, $12 student** when purchased online.
- Reserve tickets by phone: Call the Schaefer Center at (800) 841-2787 or (828) 262-4046.
- Reserve tickets at the box office in person.
Be sure your ticket is a real ticket! Tickets sold via TheSchaeferCenter.org and Tickets.com are the only guaranteed and verified authentic tickets for Schaefer Center events. Please check the URL in your browser to ensure that you are only purchasing from TheSchaeferCenter.org or Tickets.com. Please note that all ticket sales are final. For ticket-buying assistance, visit the Schaefer Center's ticketing page.
For App State Students
**Available soon - App State students also have the option to "check out" up to 2 tickets from the Erneston Music Library at no charge with their AppCard! Visit or contact the Music Library to check availability. Thank you to the University Libraries for this opportunity!
Make a Holiday Gift to Support Scholarships
Donations and ticket sales from the Holiday Scholarship Concert provide scholarship support for Hayes School of Music students. Every ticket purchased and every gift made expands opportunities for talented students pursuing their education and artistic goals. Thanks to generous donors like you, over $400,000 in scholarship support has been raised over the event’s history!
- Giving online: visit givenow.appstate.edu/hsc.
- Giving by check: Please make checks payable to Appalachian State University Foundation, Inc and mail to Lacy Holder, Appalachian State University Foundation, Inc, ASU Box 32176, Boone, NC 28608.
- To learn more about Holiday Scholarship Concert giving opportunities, please contact Lacy Holder at holderll@appstate.edu or 828-262-7791.
Giving Opportunities and Benefits
Many gifts are eligible for benefits such as complimentary tickets, VIP parking, and recognition in the program and beyond.
- Gifts received by November 6 will be recognized as listed below.
- *Complimentary tickets must be reserved through the Schaefer Center Box Office by November 10 for best seat availability To reserve tickets, call (828) 262-4046.
Crystal Overture | $5,000+
- 8 complimentary tickets
- 2 VIP parking passes
- Exclusive recognition from the stage
- Featured recognition on social media
- Featured recognition in the lobby
- Featured recognition on the Hayes School of Music website
- Featured recognition in the program
Golden Rings | $2,500+
- 8 complimentary tickets
- 2 VIP parking passes
- Recognition on social media
- Recognition in the lobby
- Recognition on the Hayes School of Music website
- Recognition in the program
Silver Bells | $1,000+
- 4 complimentary tickets
- 1 VIP parking pass
- Recognition on social media
- Recognition in the lobby
- Recognition on the Hayes School of Music website
- Recognition in the program
Candlelight Chorus | $500+
- 4 complimentary tickets
- Recognition in the lobby
- Recognition on the Hayes School of Music website
- Recognition in the program
Evergreen Ensemble | $300+
- 2 complimentary tickets
- Recognition on the Hayes School of Music website
- Recognition in the program
Winter Serenade | $150+
- 2 complimentary tickets
- Recognition in the program
Twinkling Lights | Any Amount
- Recognition in the program
About the Concert
For more than 30 years, the Holiday Scholarship Concert has brought our community together to celebrate the season while supporting scholarships for Hayes School of Music students. Dr. Tyler Young returns as the Artistic Director of the concert.
Almost every student in the Hayes School of Music is engaged in the concert through festive performances by many of our ensembles. Previous concerts have included performances by ensembles such as...
| Steely Pan Steel Band | Appalachian Symphony Orchestra |
| University Singers | Harp Ensemble |
| Jazz Ensemble I | Bassoon Ensemble |
| Treble Choir | Opera Workshop |
| Trombone Choir | Flute Choir |
| Percussion Ensemble |
Read an interview with past Artistic Director Dr. Hopkins about his experiences with the concert over the years: Dr. Stephen Hopkins passes the baton after 30th Holiday Scholarship Concert
Thank You to Our Supporters!
Donors expand access to educational and performance opportunities for Hayes School of Music students, helping young musicians turn a passion for music into a profession for life. Beginning in November, we will gratefully recognize supporters of the 2026 Holiday Scholarship Concert in the space below. From the entire Hayes School of Music, thank you for making this possible.