A Very SoNA Christmas SoNA
Additional Bios
Saturday, December 7, 2024 — 2PM & 7:30 PM
Baum Walker Hall / Walton Arts Center
Paul Haas, Conductor
Bárbara Padilla
Soprano
Bárbara Padilla is an award winning soprano that became a household name when she received outstanding reviews for her unforgettable performances on “America’s Got Talent (AGT),” achieving First Runner Up.
Ever since America’s Got Talent, Bárbara has enjoyed years of success performing with multi-Grammy Award-winning professionals such as David Foster, Juan Gabriel, Raul Di Blasio, Fernando De La Mora, Chris Botti and many more.
Bárbara toured with Juan Gabriel as his featured soloist for the last two years of his life.
Bárbara is originally from Guadalajara, Mexico and is a cancer survivor; stage
four Hodgkin’s disease. She regularly gives her life testimony in speaking engagements and performs at cancer fundraiser events. Bárbara earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Guadalajara and masters degree from the University of Houston Moores School of Music.
TJ
Scarlett Guitar
TJ Scarlett has been playing guitar for over 30 years in the Northwest Arkansas region. Well versed in Rock, Country and Blues. He and his band “The Uncrowned Kings” can be found on the Casino/Festival circuit year round.
Randy Wilburn
Narrator
Randy founded and created the I am Northwest Arkansas Podcast, which focuses on the intersection of business, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. He has interviewed many people and organizations, from Crystal Bridges, the Symphony of NWA (SoNA), and the Pryor Center to Chef Matt Cooper, Gary Head of Signature Bank, and Serial Entrepreneur Omar Kasim. Randy’s podcast is also featured on local and national NPR affiliates and NPR ONE.
Recently, he launched ONBoardNWA.com, a job board aimed at strengthening the Northwest Arkansas community. With over a decade in Talent Acquisition, Randy has placed more than 100 candidates in roles across the U.S. He has produced over 1,500 podcast episodes and trained 10,000+ professionals in leadership development and communication. He is a graduate of Howard University. Randy sits on the board of Ozark Natural Foods.
He lives in Fayetteville, AR, with his wife, Nicola, and three teenage boys.
Annabeth Jones
Oboe
Annabeth Jones, junior class of 2026, is an avid oboist and musician at Springdale Har-Ber High School, where she is a proud member of the Wildcat Band Wind Ensemble, colorguard, Camerata choir, and serves as treasurer for the HBHS Tri-M Music Honor Society. In addition to this, Annabeth is a member of the Quintessentials Woodwind Quintet and frequently performs chamber music with friends.
Young Artist Competition, high school oboe division; and the 2024 HBHS Band “Outstanding Sophomore” award. She has also been accepted into prestigious summer music programs such as Interlochen Arts Academy (2023), and Bocal Majority Advanced Double Reed Institute of Texas (2024).
Annabeth has received numerous honors, including 1st chair All State Band in her sophomore year; 1st place 2024 Midwest Double Reed Society Eric Varner
When not practicing or making reeds, Annabeth enjoys baking, sewing, collecting rubber ducks, singing with her family, and loving her cats Ollie and Sunshine. Annabeth began playing oboe in the seventh grade under the guidance of her teacher, Andrew Baker, and her band director, Julie Huffman, both of whom she says she would not be here without. She would like to thank Andrew, Mrs.Huffman, her family, and all of her incredible band and choir directors for supporting her along her musical journey and continuing to be an inspiration in her life.
Terry Hicks
SoNA Singers Director
Terry Hicks is in his thirty-fourth year as Director of Choirs for Bentonville Public Schools, his seventeenth year directing the choir at First Christian Church, Bentonville, and his fourteenth year as director of the SoNA Singers. Under his leadership, the Bentonville High School choirs have earned numerous awards and toured extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe. In
Sarah Pearson
Assistant Conductor
Sarah Pearson has established herself as a prominent conductor in the world of classical music. Recognized as one of Chattanooga and Cleveland’s most gifted young arts leaders, she has become a highly soughtafter conductor with a busy schedule ahead. Most recently, Pearson gave her Carnegie Hall debut with the New England Symphonic Ensemble and Mass Chorus and received a return invitation to conduct again on May 30, 2026.
Currently, Sarah Pearson holds key positions, serving as the Music Director/ Conductor and Founder of The Cleveland Orchestra and Chorus of Tennessee, Music Director and Conductor for The Cleveland
addition to his responsibilities as choir director, he also teaches AP Music Theory.
Mr. Hicks has been recognized with multiple awards from state choral organizations and has served in various leadership roles at both regional and state levels. As a sought-after clinician, he continues to share his expertise with choirs across the region.
He resides in Bella Vista, AR, with his wife, Peggy, and their dog, Albus. They have two children, Katie and John, a daughterin-law, Kaitlyn, and a grandson, Ian.
Pops, and Assistant Conductor for Symphony of Northwest Arkansas (SoNA). Additionally, she shares her knowledge as an Adjunct Music Professor at Cleveland State Community College, championing new music and arts in education.
Beyond her musical achievements, Sarah Pearson’s heritage adds a fascinating layer to her story. She is the great-greatgranddaughter of Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd President of the United States, and a descendant of his father, William Henry Harrison, the 9th President. Additionally, she traces her lineage back to Benjamin Harrison V, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. In her leisure time, Pearson indulges in her love of history, reading, running, cooking, entertaining friends, and cherishing moments with her family. Her multifaceted life mirrors the rich tapestry of her musical career, marked by dedication, innovation, and a deep passion for the arts.
Christmas Overture “side by side” players
First Violin
Kate Peterson ..................... 11th grade - Rogers HS
Leonardo Zhang .................... 11th grade - Fayetteville HS
Ashtyn Le ......................... 11th grade - Fayetteville HS
Daniel Clements 11th grade - Rogers HS
Logan Baker ....................... 11th grade - Bentonville West HS
Second Violin
Hayden Rogers 12th grade - Rogers HS
Rick Mize ......................... 11th grade - Bentonville West HS
Kailey Johnson 11th grade - Bentonville West HS
Alexia Boone....................... 10th grade - Rogers HS
Viola
Macy Brummal 10th grade - Rogers Heritage HS
Gabby Paladino .................... 12th grade - Bentonville West HS
Bri Bonilla 10th grade - Bentonville West HS
Cello
Sarah Boulton ..................... 11th grade - Rogers HS
Hannah Cheney 12th grade - Rogers Heritage HS
Seth Antuna ....................... 12th grade - Bentonville West HS
Bass
Lyla Besaw 12th grade - Rogers HS
Magnolia Aguayo ................... 12th grade - Rogers HS
Flute
Ava Schoeller 11th grade - Rogers Heritage HS
Oboe
Annabeth Jones .................... 11th grade - Springdale Har-Ber HS
Clarinet
Cindy Chavez-Vasquez 12th grade - Siloam Springs HS
Horn
Addi Jones ........................ 11th grade - Rogers HS
Paige Lesso 11th grade - Siloam Springs HS
Trombone
Matthew Orr ....................... 10th grade - Rogers HS
The BHS Chamber Choir
Soprano
Bella Bland
Teagan Callahan
Emma Clements
Isabelle Maclean
Khloe McPherson
Kennedy Parker
Natalie Schoeder
Abby Smith
Delilah Tetro
Alto
Audrey Callahan
Savannah Hughes
Catharyn Nell
Madison Nunn
Claire Rekus
Albany Sears
Julianne Senter
Kate Wise
Tenor
Tyler Bingham
Trey Bounds
Beck Crabb
Luke Grover
Thor Kennedy
JT Nelson
Isaac Sides
Bass
Ethan Austin
Henson Bayles
Kam Cheng
Kadyn Claborn
Luke Douglas
Jayce Hodges
Ryan Self
Zack Shefchik