Dr. Shawn Roberts, adjunct instructor of musicology in Appalachian State University’s Hayes School of Music and drum teacher in App State’s Community Music School. Photo submitted
Dr. Nicole Sonbert, director of the Community Music School at Appalachian State University and instructor of voice in the university’s Hayes School of Music. Photo submitted
BOONE, N.C. — The Appalachian State University Community Music School (CMS) will launch group music classes in two locations this fall: the Broyhill Music Center on App State’s campus and the HUB Station Arts Center in Hudson.
For years, CMS has shared musical experiences with the Boone community through the Appalachian Youth Chorale and private lessons. Now even more group classes for various ages will be available at the Broyhill Music Center. All private lessons are offered online this fall, allowing musicians of all ages to take lessons from any location.
CMS’s satellite programs will be joining an array of arts programs at the HUB Station. At the HUB, CMS will offer youth classes in guitar and ukulele, as well as Appalachian Youth Chorale Connect! and Community Drumming. These programs, led by local teachers from Hudson and Boone, will be part of HUB Station’s Performing Arts Suite.
The expansion is an opportunity for CMS to reach even more people with its mission to connect, create, engage and empower. CMS fosters a dynamic community where diversity is valued, everyone is included in music-making and programs are available regardless of one’s ability to pay. CMS believes music has an integral role in people's lives and is dedicated to increasing access to music instruction for all people.
Dr. Nicole Sonbert, director of the Community Music School at Appalachian State University and instructor of voice in the university’s Hayes School of Music. Photo submitted
CMS will be a link between App State’s Hayes School of Music and the Town of Hudson’s HUB Station, sharing the vitality and creativity of multiple arts programs. “I can’t wait to see what kind of music we make together!” said CMS Director Nicole Sonbert.
“As a proud graduate of App State, I’m really excited to start this collaboration and grow the music education opportunities offered at the HUB Station,” said Hudson Town Manager Jonathan Greer ’09.
“The Hayes School of Music has a long tradition of making music with our community. We are delighted to partner with the HUB Station to share our mutual love and passion for music,” said Hayes School of Music Dean James Douthit.
Registration is now open — group classes begin the week of Aug. 23 and private lessons are now available.
Visit the Community Music School website to learn more and register.
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About the HUB Station Arts Center
The HUB (Hudson Uptown Building) is an 80-year-old former school campus that has been transformed by the Town of Hudson into a 21st-century hub for business and the arts. The arts center includes a dinner theater, the Fiber Arts Center, the Red Awning Gallery that features artwork and lessons from the Western North Carolina Society of Artisans and the Mitford Museum. The HUB Station also supports the Hudson community through the McCreary Family Business Center, which offers working space and mentoring for developing entrepreneurs.
About the Community Music School
In collaboration with Appalachian State University’s Hayes School of Music, the Community Music School (CMS) offers music classes, ensembles and private lessons for all ages and skill levels. Thanks to the Hayes School of Music and donor support, CMS is able to offer pay-what-you-can options for group programs and tuition assistance for private lessons.
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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