GENTRY, AR – Gentry High School sophomore Giovani “Gio” Cardenas has earned selection as an Arkansas All-State Musician following competitive auditions in Conway.
Cardenas secured third chair Alto Saxophone in the All-State Symphonic Band, competing against top student musicians from the largest schools across the state. Selection to the Arkansas All-State Band is the highest individual honor a student musician can achieve.
As a sophomore, this marked Cardenas’ first opportunity to audition for Senior High All-Region and All-State Band — an opportunity he has been working toward since his freshman year.
“Tenth grade is the first time a band member can audition for senior high all-region and have the opportunity to audition for all-state band,” said Gentry Band Director Ruby Contreras. “Since his freshman year, Giovani has set a goal for himself: To make the All-State band. He is very self-motivated and strives to excel musically every day. Gio makes us proud, and we're excited for his accomplishment and his future.”
His accomplishment highlights both his individual commitment and the strength of the Gentry High School band program.