GENTRY, AR -- Three Gentry High School students have earned one of the highest individual honors available to choral performers in Arkansas — selection to the All-State Choir.
Freshman James “JR” Kirk, junior Jaylin Green, and senior Lazaro Cardenas were chosen through a blind audition process that includes students from every school classification across the state, from the largest to the smallest districts.
Kirk was selected as 41st Chair Bass 1, Cardenas earned 54th Chair Bass 1, and Green was named 58th Chair Soprano 2.
Selection to the All-State Choir is highly competitive. More than 5,000 students across Arkansas auditioned for all-region choirs this year. From that group, only 440 students — fewer than 10 percent — advanced to participate in the All-State clinic.
“Making All-State is a prestigious honor that not many students achieve,” said Tony Dutton, Director of Choral Music for Gentry Public Schools. “We are very proud of the work our students put into getting better every day.”
The All-State Choir represents the highest level of individual achievement for high school vocalists in Arkansas, recognizing not only vocal ability but also musicianship, preparation, and dedication.
For Kirk, Green, and Cardenas, the honor reflects months of focused rehearsal and commitment to their craft. Their achievement places them among the top high school vocalists in the state and highlights the strength of Gentry High School’s choral program.
School officials praised the students for representing Gentry with excellence and applauded their discipline and perseverance in reaching such a significant milestone.
The three were joined by Sophomore Giovani "Gio" Cardenas, who earned selection as an All-State band performer as the third-best alto saxophone player in Arkansas.