GENTRY — The Gentry High School choir program reached a historic milestone this week, as its Chamber Choir was named “Best In Class” at the state choir competition in Conway.
The honor, awarded in the 4A Large Ensemble division, is considered the choir equivalent of a state championship and marks the first time a Gentry choir has earned the distinction.
The Chamber Choir also received Superior ratings from all three judges — the highest possible score — and secured the Sweepstakes Award. The Sweepstakes recognizes Superior performances across Region Concert Performance Assessment (CPA), Region Sight-Reading, and State CPA, highlighting consistent excellence throughout the season.
Gentry’s Treble Chorus also delivered a strong performance, earning an Excellent rating at the state level — a notable accomplishment in a highly competitive field.
Choir director Anthony Dutton, in his fourth year at Gentry, said the achievement reflects months of dedication and a commitment to excellence from his students.
“This group has worked incredibly hard all year, they're really enjoy being a part of the choir, and they’ve really bought into the process of striving for excellence every single day,” Dutton said. “To see that effort recognized at the state level — and to make history for Gentry — is something they’ll carry with them for the rest of their lives.”
The results represent a proud moment not only for the students, but also for the broader Gentry community, as the choir program continues to grow and gain recognition across the state.
Dutton reflected how much the program has grown and thrived in the past few years. Three years ago he took a choir of fewer than 12 to the state competition. This year, 36 Gentry students participated and brought home historic results.
"It's amazing to see our risers filled with students and to have students this excited about competing," Dutton said. "It's great for our students, our school, and our community."