Kirsten Maley
Bachelor of Music, Choral Music Education
Tell us about your collegiate activities, your clubs and organizations, or your favorite memories.
I marched with the Marching Mountaineers and was a section leader for two seasons. I sang in the Treble Choir, App Choral, University Singers, and Chamber Singers. I also performed as an oboist in many bands and orchestra ensembles. I was a collegiate member of Sigma Alpha Iota - Epsilon Theta and held two committee chairman positions. Some of my favorite memories from Appalachian State would be performing in the Western show and pre-game with the Marching Mountaineers, spending long hours with my sisters in SAI, and all the jokes shared in the Vortex in the Hayes School of Music. I will never forget my time and friendships at App State.
Share the names of your favorite professors or other mentors you'd like to thank (and why).
- Mary Gayle Greene was my voice professor. She was always there for me when life got hard but did not allow me to slack behind. I thank her for all the girl scout cookies and laughs we shared.
- Dr. Stephen Hopkins was my University Singers and Chamber Singers Director. He was also my Academic Advisor. Even though he may be soft-spoken at times, I appreciate all the moments of laughter shared between us. He always made my day better with every joke, glare, and comments about his cat.
- Dr. John Stanley Ross was my Wind Ensemble Director. He always spoke to me with a smile on his face and even a bribe or two of brownies to play the oboe in his ensembles; which always made me laugh. He always had my back and still does to this day so much to make it a point every time we communicate. I appreciate his enthusiasm and drive very much.
- Dr. Alicia Chapman was my Oboe Professor when I was an instrumental major. I would not be where I am today without her and I could not thank her enough for helping me get into the Hayes School of music to follow my dreams of becoming a music teacher. I thank her for her honesty and encouragement to perform to the best of my ability.
In a nutshell, what has App State meant to you?
App State has meant so many things to me. It has meant freedom in being who I am, achievement to reach levels I have never reached before, and cold...very, very cold.
Kirsten Maley
