Orchestral String Music at Appalachian State Univeristy
Nancy Bargerstock, Ken Lurie, Eric Koontz, Jan Mixter
The Appalachian Symphony Orchestra plays standard orchestral literature in concerts throughout the year. Faculty and student soloists are also accompanied by the orchestra within the years repertoire. The orchestra tours North Carolina every other year giving concerts at selected high schools.
Small Chamber Ensembles are coached by the string faculty as well as by the Degas Quartet (visiting ensemble 2005-06). Trios, quartets, and larger ensembles are formed on the basis of proficiency and often perform on campus and in the community. These ensembles include the following endowed groups:
The Mariam Cannon Hayes Graduate String Quartet
The Liberace String Quartet
The String/Guitar Audition
The audition consists of a solo (or solos) of the student's choice that contains contrasting musical styles and tempi. Literature should be chosen that allows the student to demonstrate his/her present level of performance. The student may be asked to perform scales/arpeggios and to sight read appropriate literature. The School of Music schedules three audition dates each year. In addition, individual appointments for auditions are possible throughout the year.