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Sing! Inspire! Celebrate your Voice! Appalachian Youth Chorale Kicks Off Feb. 3, Welcomes Community Participation

By Sherrie Norris

If you have children who love to sing – or know those who do — an exciting opportunity is kicking off for them on Monday, Feb. 3, at the Broyhill Music Center on the campus of Appalachian State University in Boone.

Spring registration is now open for the Appalachian Youth Chorale, and presents an awesome chance for local kids and teens, ages 7-14, who enjoy singing, to come together with their peers.

It is the mission of the chorale, sponsored by App State’s Community Music School, to engage all young musicians of Boone and the surrounding communities with a unique choral experience that gives each musician an opportunity to find and share their voice.

“We sing to connect, create community and discover artistry,” said Dr. Nicole Sonbert, Director of the Community Music School who also teaches voice at Appalachian State. “Young musicians will experience learning music from a variety of cultures, explore healthy vocal technique, music reading and notation, performance skills and movement.”

The Appalachian Youth Chorale has recently revived this program with a focus on creating a community of young musicians sharing their voices, Sonbert added. “All of us need a safe place where we can find and share our unique voices. Appalachian Youth Chorale helps students engage in their community, gain confidence, learn teamwork, and most importantly, have fun!”

Sonbert said the response has been great from participating families last semester, “with more families going forward in this program and others as we expand our offerings here at the Community Music School.” 

The Appalachian Youth Chorale also provides a creative place for musical storytelling, something for which our region has long been known, Sonbert said. “All skill levels are welcome, no audition is required – and every participant will receive an individual voice lesson/coaching during the program.”

Sonbert is joined by Dr. Meg Stohlmann, who is the conductor of the Appalachian Youth Chorale and Brandon Winbush, choral director at Watauga High School, who serves as pianist and assistant conductor for the chorale. 

Chorale rehearsal dates and times are Mondays, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. each week from Feb. 4 to May 4, 2020. Sessions will be held in Room 225 of the Broyhill Music Center.

No commitment is required for the first two rehearsals, Feb. 3 and Feb.10 , so bring the kids on out to see if this is something they would like to pursue.

 

Performance Calendar for Appalachian Youth Chorale:

April 3: Tentative Performance- Gallery Walk at the Turchin Center, Time: TBD

April 25: Performance for Mountaineer Choral Festival- 3:30 p.m., Rosen Concert Hall

April 27: Dress Rehearsal – 6-7:30 p.m., Broyhill Music Center Recital Hall

April 28: Performance at Appalachian Choral Concert – 8 p.m., Rosen Concert Hall

May 2: Tentative: Full day Choral Clinic in Charlotte with a trip to Carowinds

May 4: Final Sharing – 7 p.m., Broyhill Music Center Recital Hall

 

About ASU Community Music

In collaboration with the Hayes School of Music, Community Music School provides access to a quality music education for people of all ages and all socioeconomic status in Boone and surrounding areas through the following:

Providing opportunity: Access to a quality music education for people of all ages and all socioeconomic status in Boone and surrounding areas.

Focusing on engagement: Focusing on engaging and partnering with the community to cultivate and nurture creativity and a passion for music

Striving to empower: We strive to empower the individual while embodying a dynamic community of diversity and inclusion.

Creating music: Creating an artistic environment of acceptance, musical exploration, while embracing the integral role of music in our lives.

 

Cost, Registration and Scholarships

The cost for one semester of AYC is $185 per participant. There is some tuition assistance available (and individual payment plan possibilities) with more information given upon inquiry. ASU students and families are eligible for a 5% discount on all orders.

Assistance funding comes primarily through donations. “We appreciate your honesty about your needs, as we have limited funds and want to make these programs possible for the maximum number of families.”

All payments must be processed through Appalachian State’s Conference and Camp Services.

Any billing questions should be directed to Lisl Doughton, CMS Program Manager, at doughtonlk@appstate.edu.

If you are committed to participating in AYC, but are not able to make the 50% deposit, please contact Lisl Doughton, or Dr. Nicole Sonbert, Director, at sonbertn@appstate.edu.

 

More About ASU Community Music

In collaboration with the Hayes School of Music, Community Music School provides access to a quality music education for people of all ages and all socioeconomic status in Boone and surrounding areas through the following:

Providing opportunity: By providing access to a quality music education for people of all ages and all socioeconomic status in Boone and surrounding areas.

Focusing on engagement: By focusing on engaging and partnering with the community to cultivate and nurture creativity and a passion for music

Striving to empower: We strive to empower the individual while embodying a dynamic community of diversity and inclusion.

Creating music: creating an artistic environment of acceptance, musical exploration, while embracing the integral role of music in our lives.

For more information, call or email asucommunitymusic@appstate.edu or 828-262-3029 (Community Music School, Hayes School of Music, ASU) or look on Facebook: www.facebook.com/appstate.cms