Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Artbeat by Penny Richards

It's baaaack!!! Artbeat is back  at least in a limited way. The thing that never ceases to amaze me is that seeds can produce fruit' long after you forgot you planted them. It was more than a year ago that the Artesian Arts League sent out letters to the schools, asking teachers to send us the names of students who had won awards in the arts  or anything to bring school/parent pride. We also ran this plea' in the column. I received just one response, and that student's achievement was recorded in Artbeat. Then, this past week, out of the blue I received a letter from Eric Epperson, director of bands at Nevada High School, with a list of students who have worked hard, earned awards and deserve recognition for their hard work.

The students listed below competed in their various musical fields in the All-Region Band competition which included all of Region III bands, resulting in regional and statewide honors. Grade 12: Tim Potts, second chair/first band, All-State qualifier, tuba. Grade 11: Carla adams, eighth chair/first band, All-State qualifier, clarinet; Carie Adams, third chair/second band, All-State qualifier, baritone. Grade nine: Jessie Potts, 13th chair/second band, clarinet; Kristen Williams, second alternate, bass clarinet. Grade eight: Ariel Miller, third chair/first band, clarinet; Misty Gibson, second chair, clarinet; Tim Bear, ninth chair/second band, trumpet.

Not only are these students to be congratulated, but so should Mr. Epperson, whose own dedication and encouragement helped lead them to their individual victories. His words of praise included that he was "proud of their hard work" and felt this recognition was "a great way of showing pride in their school and community." He was "thankful for the request" and hopes to send in more names in the future. Thank you, Mr. Epperson, for the caring and support you've shown your students.

Okay, another call goes out to teachers, parents and grandparents. What has your student/s done lately in an arts related field that deserves a horn tooting?' We will be proud to blow your horn for you. Please note that we are currently planning a series of workshops in visual and literary arts for area students. Watch the Picayune for the dates.

For questions or information about upcoming arts league events contact me at 887-6241 or write to me at 324 E. Main, Prescott, AR 71857.