GENTRY, AR — The Gentry Public Schools Board of Education has approved the purchase of new acoustical sound shells for the district’s choir program, adding to a series of investments designed to strengthen fine arts opportunities for Gentry students.
The sound shells are specially designed panels that help direct and project sound toward an audience, improving the listening experience during performances. They also help performers hear themselves and one another more clearly, supporting better balance, blend and overall sound quality.
The new equipment will give Gentry choir students access to the same type of acoustical support they experience when traveling to competitions and participating in events such as All-State. Students and staff will benefit from the equipment during rehearsals and performances at home. The sound shells will also provide an added benefit to the district’s band program during indoor performances.
“During the past three years, we have been intentional about investing in our fine arts programs and providing our students and teachers with the resources they need to continue growing,” said Dr. Tyler Broyles, Gentry superintendent. “Our students and directors are accomplishing outstanding things, and we want to make sure they have the equipment, facilities and support to build on that success. This purchase is another example of our school board’s commitment to giving students opportunities to develop their talents and perform at a high level.”
The sound shells are the latest addition to a series of fine arts investments made by the district in recent years. Those improvements include new band uniforms, musical instruments, parking lot resurfacing to better accommodate marching band practices, and equipment upgrades for the theatre program.
These investments support programs that have established a strong tradition of achievement at Gentry. The district’s marching band has earned Grand Champion honors, the choir program has received Sweepstakes Awards -- the top honor in Arkansas awarded to a choir program -- and the theatre department continues to deliver productions that showcase students’ creativity and talent. Gentry students also regularly earn recognition through a variety of group and individual accomplishments.
Broyles said the purchase followed work by Gentry High School Choir Director Anthony Dutton, who took the lead in researching equipment options and identifying a sound shell system suited to the needs of his students. Working with high school administration, Dutton developed a recommendation and presented his selection to the school board for consideration.
Broyles said the investment reflects a broader commitment to ensuring students have opportunities to succeed in all areas of school, including academics, athletics and fine arts. Gentry Public Schools will continue exploring additional ways to support its fine arts programs and the students and educators who make them successful.
“Fine arts are an important part of the educational experience we provide at Gentry,” Broyles said. “We are proud of what our students and staff have accomplished, and we want to keep building on that tradition. We appreciate our school board’s support, the leadership of our fine arts educators and the community’s continued investment in our schools.”