GENTRY, AR — Gentry High School is celebrating a strong showing by its choir students following recent auditions for the Region 6 All-Region Choir, with 10 GHS students earning spots in the prestigious regional ensemble.

Students auditioned alongside high school singers from schools of varying sizes throughout the region, putting their preparation, musical ability and confidence among the best in Northwest Arkansas. Students aren't seen by the judges and are ranked solely on their vocal abilities.

The Gentry students earning positions in the Region 6 All-Region Choir are:

• J.R. Kirk — 3rd Chair, Tenor 2*

• Kenli Pennington — 6th Chair, Tenor 1*

• Jayden Montoya — 15th Chair, Bass 2*

• Jaylin Green — 16th Chair, Soprano 2*

• Juton Lockheart — 16th Chair, Tenor 2*

• Robbie Collins — 19th Chair, Bass 1*

• Nick Monti — 19th Chair, Bass 2*

• Jacob Bolinger — 20th Chair, Bass 1*

• Axanee Yang — 31st Chair, Alto 2

• Audree Castañeda — 40th Chair, Alto 2

The eight students marked with an asterisk have also earned the opportunity to audition for the All-State Choir in February.

Gentry Choir Director Anthony Dutton said the results are a reflection of both the talent within the program and the work students put into preparing for auditions.

“There is a tremendous amount of talent in this group, and these students should be proud of what they accomplished,” Dutton said. “Auditions require students to prepare independently and as a group, take risks and perform under pressure, and our students performed really well. Seeing 10 Gentry singers earn a place in the All-Region Choir, with eight advancing to the All-State audition process, is something our entire choir program and community can celebrate.”

The students selected for All-Region will come together for the Region 6 All-Region Clinic on Nov. 7.

While the 10 students selected for the regional choir are being recognized, Gentry High School also celebrates every choir student who prepared, auditioned and gave their best effort.

“These experiences are about much more than a chair number,” Dutton said. “They give students an opportunity to grow as musicians, build confidence and discover what they are capable of.”