GENTRY, Ark. — The Gentry High School Band made an outstanding showing at the Solo and Ensemble Festival at Pea Ridge this Friday, with 82 students participating in this regional performance and assessment event.
Of the 82 band members who performed:
45 students earned a Superior Rating (1st Division)
29 students earned an Excellent Rating (2nd Division)
For many students, this event marked their first experience performing a solo with accompaniment — a significant milestone in their musical development.
“This experience pushed our students outside their comfort zones in the best way,” said Ruby Contreras, Gentry Band Director. “Performing solo with accompaniment isn’t part of our daily routine in band class, so for many, this was brand new. I’m incredibly proud of their courage, preparation, and the way they represented Gentry. These results reflect real growth and dedication.”
Students receiving Superior ratings were:
Seniors Daniel Williams, Jesus Echeverria, and Olyvia Freed.
Juniors A.J. Rugg, Lazaro Cardenas, Sydney Crosby and Tabitha Simmons.
Sophomores Elizabeth Lo, Ezra Griffis, and Luiz Nevarez Padilla.
Ninth graders Aaliyah Xiong, Brie Robinson, Giovani Cardenas, Lucas Lee, Madison Polina, and Peyton Lee.
Eighth graders Adamariz Ruiz-Lara, Joelle Thornberry, Adalyn Hogner, Gabriella Strickland, J.R. Kirk and Hannah Ward.
Seventh graders Audrey Harrington, Owen Oaks, Josie Gomez, Gabriel Maury-Tarin, Alexis Timoteo, Presley Wiseman, Annie Brown, Gabryel Flores, Paisley Lee, Ryot Wickersham, Juliet Smartt, Stephanie Smith, Taelyn Washington, and Essi Xiong.
Sixth graders Travis Alley, Gentry Jones, Matthew Polina, Sarah Langu, Savanna Bristol, Brianna Haskins, Viyada Yang, Tuesday Copeland, and Tiffani Tenes.
For more information, contact Mark Scott, Director of Community Engagement, Gentry Public Schools (479-264-0103 or mscott@gentrypioneers.com).