Benton High School Choir Celebrates All Region Results
BENTON, Ark. — The Benton High School Choral Department celebrated an exceptional achievement as 49 BHS choir students earned positions in the Arkansas Choral Directors Association All Region Choirs following auditions held October 3 at Bryant Junior High School.
The results represent significant growth for the Benton High School Choir program. Last year, 36 Benton students earned spots in the All Region Choirs. This year, that number increased to 49, an increase of 13 students.
The achievement is even more notable considering the level of competition. Across the region, 922 high school singers auditioned for just 360 available positions in the All Region Choirs. Of the 96 Benton High School students who auditioned, more than half earned a place in one of the regional honor choirs.
In addition, 17 Benton High School students earned eligibility to audition for the Arkansas All-State Choirs in February. Five of those students have previously had the opportunity to audition for All State, while the remaining students will experience the next stage of the process for the first time.
The students prepared for the All Region auditions for approximately nine weeks. Their preparation included two SATB selections and an additional TTBB or SSAA selection specific to their voice part. The students also performed the audition repertoire in a public concert just days before the auditions, giving them an opportunity to perform the music for an audience before entering the audition room.
What makes the accomplishment particularly impressive is that the All Region preparation took place alongside the choir department's regular concert and performance schedule. Students continued preparing additional repertoire and performing throughout the nine-week period while simultaneously developing the music and musicianship required for the All Region audition.
Benton High School Choir Director Josh Johnson said the results are a reflection of the students' commitment to musical excellence.
“I am incredibly proud and excited for my student musicians. We strive to be good musicians and are driven by high standards. What stands out most to me is their drive and attitude. They have shown relentless dedication and resolve throughout this process.”
Johnson emphasized that the students' success is not the result of a single performance or a few weeks of preparation, but rather the continued development of strong musical fundamentals.
“Our goal is to continue building fundamentals and striving to do better by one percent every day. These students have embraced that mindset, and their results this weekend are a reflection of that work.”
The 49 students selected for All Region will join singers from across the region to rehearse and perform as members of the Arkansas Choral Directors Association All Region Choirs. The 17 students who earned All-State eligibility will continue preparing for the next round of auditions in February.
For the Benton High School Choral Department, the weekend represents more than a successful audition day. The increase from 36 All Region students last year to 49 this year reflects the continued growth of the program and its commitment to developing accomplished, confident, and disciplined student musicians.
The Benton High School Choir Department is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of all 96 students who auditioned and, especially, the 49 students whose hard work earned them a place among the region's selected singers.
Congratulations to our BHS Choir students who were selected for All Region Choir:
* Denotes All-State Eligibility
Soprano 1
*8 Haven Harklau
24 Sophie Saunders
29 Lyric Baker
30 Keven Thornton
37 Abbie Lunsford
42 Kinley Henderson
45 Kyonna Watts
Alt. Jaina Keisler
Alt Julie Jones
Soprano 2
23 Allison Campbell
29 Hallie Smith
30 Madison Richards
39 Kaya Castro
41 Yahaira Vaquero
42 Paige Standridge
50 Annabelle Russell
Alt. Braelyn Armstrong
Alt. Jayla Brewer
Alto 1
*3 Morgan Holden
*14 Kate Huffman
*15 Live Cheatham
*16 Mary Jane Green
23 Adeline McCauley
45 May Le
50 Delilah McLean
Alto 2
*7 Alexis Taylor
*8 Cam Fry
*14 Lily Lo
25 Emily Scott
26 Caroline Nunes
29 Aubrey Holmes
30 Avah Rainey
34 Josie Hudgens
40 Addison Clinton
41 Palihawadana Perera
44 Alana Morales
Tenor 1
*7 Archer Conn
*17 Ashton Clinton
24 Mason Houpt
31 Rodrick Jacobs
Tenor 2
*18 Samuel Sledge
21 Azreal Pedretti
Alt. Thomas Hanson
Bass 1
*11 Max Wilson
*20 Jett Johnson
24 Ethan Bronson
31 Eric Nichols
37 Landon Arrowood
Bass 2
*3 Garrett White
*13 Ethan Goff
*15 Briar Basford
*16 Jace Barton
28 Declan Drennon
34 Jackson Richards