Alumni Spotlights

A black and gold world — 6 Mountaineers share how App State prepared them for life, career success
Dec 17, 2021

BOONE, N.C. — Whether Mountaineers come to App State as domestic or international students, they leave with an App State Experience that has prepare...

Community Music School Returns to In-Person Lessons, Announces New Director
Dec 9, 2021

Community Music School Returns to In-Person Lessons, Announces New DirectorAll CMS Programs Return In Person for Spring 2022The Community Music School...

Renowned drummer Shirazette Tinnin ’02 shares the rhythm of her life
Feb 18, 2021

Life experiences have shaped the musical career notes of Appalachian State University alumna Shirazette Tinnin ’02, a Grammy-nominated drummer and b...

Mountaineer alumnus leaves Music City to train the autism community in trade careers
Feb 18, 2021

BOONE, N.C. — Grammy winner Danny Combs ’03 had a successful music career as a songwriter, performer, guitar instructor and educational author —...

Walker Ballard ’19 Engages Students with “Untold Music History” Podcast
Nov 25, 2020

https://rcoe.appstate.edu/news/alumni-update-walker-ballard-’19...

Adam Campbell ’18

Adam Campbell ’18 covers all things sound at Campbell University
Feb 12, 2019

By Alex JansenWhat do sporting events, church services and symphonies at Campbell University all have in common? They all need technical support for s...

Graham Sloboda '17

At Appalachian, Graham Sloboda ’17 learned to wear many hats — and he still does
Oct 22, 2018

By Alex JansenBOONE, N.C. — While a student at Appalachian State University, Graham Sloboda ’17 learned to wear many hats: musician, producer...

Alumnus Craig Phillips ’93 works to restore musical legacy of The Revelers
Jul 17, 2018

By Linda CoutantDr. Craig Phillips ’93, bass singer with the twice Grammy-nominated vocal ensemble New York Polyphony and University of Oregon ...

Smith with trombone

Appalachian alum Grant Smith takes a bite of the Big Apple’s jazz scene
Jan 26, 2018

Grant Smith ’16, an Appalachian State University alumnus and trombonist from Charlotte, is navigating the New York City jazz scene while pursuing a ...

Riggs

Grammy Music Educator Award goes to N.C. high school teacher
Feb 10, 2016

2016 Grammy Music Educator Award goes to HSoM Music Education alumnus Phillip Riggs, who teaches at North Carolina School of Science and Mathemat...