Hayes School of Music

Appalachian Youth Chorale

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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 concert for the class - all in a fun and engaging environment.

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!

Dr. Katy Strand

Dr. Katy Strand is the conductor of the Appalachian Youth Chorale! Dr. Strand has extensive experience with K-12 choral instruction and previously taught the App Rocks! class with the Community Music School. In her work as the Dottie Sink Sykes Distinguished Professor of Music Education at the Hayes School of Music, Dr. Strand teaches music education courses for App State students and publishes research in the world of music teaching.

Program Information

  • Age: 7-14 (students age 15-18 may join as High School Mentors)
  • Experience: No prior singing experience is necessary.
  • Instructor: Dr. Katy Strand with collaborative pianist Elizabeth Salter
  • Time: 5:00-5:50pm
  • Dates: Tuesdays, Januiary 20 - April 28, 2026
    • Class will meet 10 times with remaining dates reserved for make-ups as needed. 
    • No class on March 10
  • Location: Broyhill Music Center, Room 225
  • Price: $250 (tuition assistance available - learn more below)
  • Music will be provided. Students will be issued a folder with their music.

Registration for Group Programs

Registration and Payment Link:

https://appstate.irisregistration.com/Form/GROUPSPRING26

The link above is only for community members, not for App State students. 

Registration Tips

  • New Format! This year, you can enroll in one or more CMS Group Programs through one registration link. 
  • If asked for a code, enter GROUPSPRING26. If you do not have an Iris account, you will need to create one and return to the form. 
  • For technical help with Iris Registration forms, please contact Carey Driskell (driskellc@appstate.edu, (828) 262-2942) in the Office of Conference and Event Services.
  • For participants under 18, a parent/guardian will need to complete the registration.
  • Before registering, please review the CMS Musician Handbook.  

Group Program Payment Options

  • By making the full payment of $250 per program during registration, you will not have to log in to Iris again the rest of the semester. Enjoy your class!
  • Alternatively, you may choose the option in checkout to make a minimum deposit of $75 per program to secure registration and begin attending the class/ensemble. 
    • The remaining payment will be due by February 2. This could be the remaining $175 if the class is purchased at regular price, or a reduced amount if approved for tuition assistance (see below for details). 

Applying for Need-based Tuition Assistance

  1. Proceed through the Iris registration form and add your program(s) to your cart. 
  2. Make a $75 deposit per program in order to submit your registration and join the program(s). 
  3. The Tuition Assistance Application Form will be sent in your confirmation email immediately after you have paid the $75 deposit. 
  4. You will hear back from the CMS office by January 30 with your tuition assistance results if you applied for tuition assistance by January 12 (or within two weeks if you applied later). Tuition assistance, if awarded, will be applied as a discount to your order, and we will notify you of your remaining balance due. 
  5. You will need to return to your Iris account, click “Make a Payment,” and pay your remaining balance by February 2. 
    1. If you find that you will not be able to pay your remaining balance by February 2, please email asucommunitymusic@appstate.edu for a payment plan by February 2 in order to remain in the class. 

Additional Registration Forms (Youth Program)

  1. NEW process for minors as of Spring 2026: 
    1. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian will need to complete a CampDoc profile for their child prior to the first rehearsal. 
    2. The next business day after your Iris registration is complete, an email will be sent to you from Appalachian State University via CampDoc <noreply@campdoc.com> to set up and manage your child's profile. This profile must be completed before the first day of class. (Please note the lead time of one business day before you will receive this link by email, and complete your child’s Iris registration a few days before the start of classes to ensure that they are fully registered before the class begins.)
  2. All participants (and parents/guardians of participants under 18), please come a few minutes early to the first rehearsal to fill out the Release for Use of Photography/Video/Sound. You may download it from the link and bring your completed form, or fill in a blank copy provided for you on the first day. 

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