HOPE – Twenty-two Hope Public Schools bands program students were seated in All-Region Arkansas State Band and Orchestra placements in recent auditions, with three high school musicians qualifying for All-State eligibility.

HPS Bands Director Chris Davis announced the placements Dec. 7 during the annual Bands Holiday Spectacular to a standing-room-only crowd in the Hope High School Auditorium.

“Over 500 auditioned from all across the region,” Davis said. “We took four first chair spots. This is the most we as a district have seen in quite a long time.”

Musicians in grades 7-12 who were seated in the All-Region Band included:

Ty Clayton (8th grade) – 1st band, 1st chair Bassoon

Joelys Lopez (8th grade) – 1st band, 7th chair Flute

Brianna Maclaughlin (8th grade) – 1st band, 19th chair Clarinet

Reece Weaverling (8th grade) – 1st band, 22nd chair Clarinet 

Cherish Thomas (9th grade) – 1st band, 1st chair Bass Clarinet 

Jair Salgado (9th grade) – 1st band, 1st chair Tenor Saxophone 

Addison McEuen (8th grade) – 1st band, 4th chair Trombone 

Jena Brown (9th grade) – 1st band, 1st chair Euphonium 

Juan Arroyo (7th grade) – 1st band, 4th chair Tuba

Miley Hall (8th grade) – 2nd band, 7th chair Flute

Angelite Martinez (9th grade) – 2nd band, 10th chair Flute

Shelby Gilbert (9th grade) – 2nd band, 12th chair Flute

Ja’Miya Sanders (9th grade) – 2nd band, 3rd chair Clarinet 

Crystal Ortiz (8th grade) – 2nd band, 13th chair Clarinet

Anayah Thornton (9th grade) – 2nd band, 20th chair Clarinet 

Melani Balbuena (9th grade) – 2nd band, 24th chair Clarinet

Wynter Smith (9th grade) – 2nd band, 5th chair Alto Saxophone 

Carter Berry (9th grade) – 2nd Alternate 

Jer’miah Nolen (8th grade) – 2nd band, 9th chair Trombone 

Brandon Gallegos (12th grade) – 2nd chair Tenor Saxophone **All-State Eligible**

Richard Ware (12th grade) – 2nd chair Piano **All-State Eligible**

Jimmy Paredes (12th grade) – 1st Alternate Trombone 

The holiday program also marked the announced reorganization of the Hope Band Booster Association with a general membership appeal.

“The general Band Booster meetings are monthly,” the announcement states. “All band parents/guardians are invited to meetings and encouraged to actively participate. Meetings will be announced through the Remind application and often announced through Facebook as well.”

Parents/guardians may use the Remind code 81010 or text @hopeban to join. Email the organization at hopebandbooster@gmail.com for questions and updated information.

“The Band Boosters plan to provide support for all aspects of the program through fundraising, food preparation and other means as necessary,” the announcement states. “Your participation is vital to our ability to reach our musical and financial goals.”