Yerger Middle School

HOPE – Hope Public Schools musicians in seven different performance groups will present a variety of holiday-themed music at the annual HPS Bands Winter Concert here Dec. 11.\r\n

\r\n

The performances in the main auditorium at Hempstead Hall on the University of Arkansas – Hope campus will begin at 6:30 p.m., according to Hope Bands Director Julie Gladden.\r\n

\r\n

“We will have seven groups performing, including the Beryl Henry Elementary School Woodwinds, Beryl Henry Elementary School Brass, Hope Academy of Public Service Beginning Band, Combined Middle School Intermediate Band, Combined Middle School Advanced Band, Hope High School Jazz Band, and the Hope High School Concert Band,” Gladden said. “The winter concert will feature many popular holiday songs and winter-themed songs.”\r\n

\r\n

The HPS bands program is making its transition from a successful marching season featuring its “Phoenix Rising: A Band Reborn” competition show, which drew upon the music of the Igor Stravinsky classic ballet “The Firebird,” the tale of the mythical Phoenix and its rise from the ashes, symbolic of the renewed spirit of the Hope bands program, according to Gladden.\r\n

\r\n

The HHS Bobcat Marching Band was awarded an “Excellent” rating at the Oct. 23 Arkansas State Band and Orchestra Association Region II Marching Assessment at Lakeside High School in Hot Springs.\r\n

\r\n

Gladden is assisted by band directors Brandon Ellis, Kathryn Rose, and Vincent Flieder.\r\n