BOONE, N.C. — The University Singers from Appalachian State University’s Hayes School of Music have been selected to perform at the southern regional conference of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), which will be held Feb. 21-24, in Louisville, Kentucky. The ACDA is a music education organization dedicated to the advancement of choral music, with a membership consisting of choral directors who represent more than 1 million singers across the United States.

Out of over 80 choirs that submitted recordings for the blind audition, the University Singers was one of 19 choirs selected from this 11-state region, one of only six college choirs and the only choir form North Carolina. The University Singers has been selected for this honor three times, having previously performed at the ACDA regional conferences in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2004 and Winston-Salem in 2012. The choir also traveled to Los Angeles, California, in 2005 to perform and serve as a demonstration choir for the ACDA national conference.

One of six choral ensembles in Appalachian’s Hayes School of Music, the University Singers is a select ensemble that performs a repertoire of diverse genres and styles. Comprised mostly of music majors, this 60-voice choir is open by audition to all university students, regardless of major.

The conductor of the group, Dr. Stephen M. Hopkins, is director of choral activities in Appalachian’s Hayes School of Music — a position he has held since 1992. He conducts the Chamber Singers and University Singers and teaches choral conducting, choral techniques, and choral literature at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. His previous teaching experience includes two years as director of choral activities at West Texas State University in Canyon, Texas, and seven years of public school teaching in Tennessee and Texas.

Hopkins is a frequent guest clinician and adjudicator. An active composer and arranger, his compositions have been published by Hinshaw Music Inc. and Carl Fischer.

About the Hayes School of Music

The Hayes School of Music prepares young musicians for professional lives as performers, composers, music educators, music therapists, conductors and music industry professionals, ensuring the next generation of musical leadership for the state, region and nation. Noted for quality instruction by national and internationally recognized faculty musicians, the school offers four undergraduate degree programs and three graduate-level programs. Learn more at https://music.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.

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