Former El Dorado High School Band Director Hal Cooper Dies at 81

RUSSELLVILLE — Hal Cooper, who served as band director at El Dorado High School in the mid-1970s before going on to a three-decade career leading Arkansas Tech University’s Band of Distinction, has died at the age of 81 following a short illness.

Cooper, a Texarkana native, left a lasting impression on students and musicians in El Dorado before accepting the position of director of bands at Arkansas Tech University in 1979. He remained in that role until his retirement in 2011, becoming one of only five individuals to hold the title during the university’s more than century-long tradition of instrumental music.

His 32-year tenure at Arkansas Tech left a significant legacy on the university and the broader band community across Arkansas and beyond.

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“When Mr. Cooper arrived at Arkansas Tech in 1979, he was following in the footsteps of legends,” said former Arkansas Tech president Dr. Robin E. Bowen. “By the time he completed his 32-year tenure as director of bands in 2011, he had placed his own indelible mark on our instrumental music program. Mr. Cooper earned a place alongside Marvin Williamson and Gene Witherspoon in a distinguished group that our current director of bands, Dr. Daniel A. Belongia, refers to as the ‘founding fathers’ of Tech bands.”

During his career, Cooper earned widespread professional recognition and leadership roles in music education organizations. He served as president of the Southwest Division of the College Band Directors National Association, president of Arkansas Phi Beta Mu, and district governor of the Kappa Kappa Psi college band service fraternity. In 1988, he was named Arkansas Bandmaster of the Year, and in 1992 he was inducted into the American Bandmaster Association.

Colleagues across the region remembered Cooper not only for his musical excellence but also for his mentorship and dedication to students.

“Donna and I are heartbroken to learn of the passing of the extraordinary Hal Cooper, Sr.,” said Professor W. Dale Warren, longtime director of the University of Arkansas Razorback Marching Band. “We ask the Almighty for peace, comfort, and understanding during this most challenging time for the Cooper family, and his incalculable number of former students, friends and colleagues. Hal was a ‘one of a kind’ human and will be profoundly missed. Thank you, Hal, for substantial investments in your faith, family, and all things Band.”

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Cooper’s influence remained evident even after his retirement. In September 2025, Arkansas Tech completed a special archival project preserving performances from his era. The project, led by Dr. Lowell Lybarger of the Ross Pendergraft Library and Technology Center, remastered and digitized recordings from the Cooper years, allowing future generations to experience the sound and pageantry that defined the Band of Distinction under his leadership.

University officials noted at the time that for more than three decades, Cooper’s Arkansas Tech marching bands set the standard for halftime performances at college football games across Arkansas.

Those who knew Cooper in El Dorado remembered him as a dedicated educator who helped shape the musical foundation of many students before his move to Arkansas Tech launched one of the most influential collegiate band careers in the state.

Cooper was preceded in death by his wife, Beth Cooper, a longtime high school English teacher in Russellville and Atkins, who died in 2017.

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Funeral arrangements are pending under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service.

EL DORADO — Four Washington Middle School teachers in the El Dorado School District have been selected to attend training at the nationally recognized Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, bringing innovative teaching strategies and renewed inspiration back to their classrooms.

KTVE reporter Shawl Pryor, a graduate of the Ron Clark Academy, recently visited El Dorado to speak with the four educators about their experiences and the impact the training has had on their teaching.

Last year, Washington Middle School teachers Hannah McCorkle and Allison Applegate were selected to attend the prestigious training program. This year, Alexandria Morrison and Willow Kumar followed in their footsteps, continuing a growing tradition of professional development excellence within the school.

During Pryor’s visit, the teachers shared how their time at the academy provided new ideas, teaching techniques and motivation they have already begun implementing in their classrooms.

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District leaders said they are proud of the educators for representing the El Dorado School District and bringing valuable knowledge back to benefit students.

“We are so proud of these educators for representing ESD and continuing to grow in ways that benefit our students,” school officials shared.

About the Ron Clark Academy

The Ron Clark Academy, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is widely regarded as one of the most influential professional development centers for educators in the United States. Founded in 2007 by nationally recognized educator Ron Clark and educator Kim Bearden, the academy is known for its dynamic teaching methods, emphasis on student engagement and focus on building strong relationships between teachers and students.

The academy serves as both a demonstration school for students in grades five through eight and a training center for teachers from across the country. Each year, thousands of educators travel to the academy to observe model classrooms and participate in immersive training designed to inspire creativity, improve classroom management and increase student achievement.

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Training at the Ron Clark Academy is considered a prestigious opportunity due to its competitive selection process and national reputation. Teachers who attend often return with strategies focused on hands-on learning, student motivation and creating a positive classroom culture.

School officials said the continued participation of Washington Middle School teachers in the program reflects the district’s commitment to professional growth and educational excellence for students in El Dorado.

EL DORADO — Showers and thunderstorms are expected to increase across South Arkansas Saturday afternoon and Saturday night as a cold front moves through the region, bringing much-needed rainfall and a noticeable drop in temperatures.

According to the National Weather Service in Shreveport, rain chances will rise during the afternoon hours Saturday, with the greatest coverage of showers and storms expected along and behind the advancing cold front. The system is forecast to push through South Arkansas late Saturday into Saturday night, delivering cooler and drier air in its wake.

Forecasters say the rainfall will be beneficial for the region, where recent dry conditions have increased fire danger and kept burn bans in place across parts of South Arkansas, including Union County. While rainfall totals will vary, many areas could see measurable precipitation that may help improve dry ground conditions.

Temperatures are expected to fall through the day Saturday as the cold front moves southeast. Behind the front, residents can expect noticeably cooler air to settle into the region Saturday night and into Sunday, along with drier conditions.

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Rain chances are expected to be highest during the late afternoon and evening hours Saturday, with scattered thunderstorms possible across much of South Arkansas, including El Dorado, Magnolia, Camden and surrounding communities.

Residents are encouraged to remain weather-aware throughout the weekend, especially if outdoor plans are scheduled Saturday afternoon or evening. Drivers should also use caution during periods of heavy rainfall, as brief downpours may reduce visibility and create slick road conditions.

Additional updates will be provided as the cold front approaches and more detailed timing becomes available for South Arkansas communities.

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EL DORADO — A newly confirmed federal judge with deep roots in South Arkansas will serve as keynote speaker for an upcoming celebration honoring local seniors and their academic achievements.

Officials announced that U.S. District Court Judge John Thomas Shepherd will deliver the keynote address at the 19th Annual Academic Signing Day, scheduled for Monday, April 20. The annual event recognizes graduating seniors for their academic accomplishments and highlights their future educational and career plans.

Academic Signing Day has become a signature event celebrating student success, giving seniors an opportunity to publicly commit to their next steps after graduation while being recognized by family, educators, and community members.

Judge Shepherd brings both national distinction and local ties to the event. A native of El Dorado, Shepherd currently serves as a judge for the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas, a position to which he was recently confirmed by the U.S. Senate. (Arkansas Advocate)

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Before his federal appointment, Shepherd served as a circuit judge in Arkansas’ 13th Judicial District, which includes Union County and several surrounding counties. Earlier in his career, he worked as a prosecuting attorney for the same district and practiced law in private practice, handling a range of civil and criminal matters. (Arkansas Advocate)

Shepherd earned his bachelor’s degree from Rice University and later graduated magna cum laude from the University of Arkansas School of Law, where he served as managing editor of the Arkansas Law Review. (Talk Business & Politics)

His selection as keynote speaker is expected to provide students with insight from someone who has achieved success in higher education and public service while maintaining strong connections to the local community.

Organizers say the Academic Signing Day ceremony will focus on celebrating seniors’ hard work and dedication throughout their academic careers. The event highlights not only college-bound students, but also those entering technical programs, military service, and career pathways.

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School officials expressed excitement about Shepherd’s participation, noting that his background as a local graduate who built a career in law and public service makes him an ideal role model for students preparing to take their next steps after high school.

EL DORADO — The El Dorado School Board recognized student and staff achievements, received updates from Washington Middle School, approved summer meal services, and made leadership and financial decisions during its April meeting.

Among the recognitions, Washington Middle School honored Breanna White, a fifth-grade math and intervention teacher, as Teacher of the Month. Colleagues praised White for building strong relationships with students and helping them grow academically and personally. Avaleigh Frisby was named Student of the Month for her positive attitude and willingness to help others, while Ola Williams, the school’s attendance secretary, was recognized as Employee of the Month for her organization and support of daily office operations.

Student achievements were also highlighted during the meeting. Several Washington Middle School students were recognized for academic success, including Henry Swafford, who earned first place in the Union County Math Competition, Alexandria Polen, who placed third, and Jose Mendoza, who received honorable mention. The school also celebrated participation in programs such as the spelling bee, cultural events, and Special Olympics activities, along with continued student engagement initiatives like the “Promise Pledge” program.

Washington Middle School Principal Bethanie Hale presented an overview of recent campus activities and student progress. The report included updates on academic growth using the IXL learning platform, showing steady improvement across grade levels throughout the school year. Interim assessment data shared with the board showed gains in math and science proficiency for several grade levels between fall and winter testing periods.

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Students involved in the school’s SHAKE program also shared their experiences preparing for and competing in the Global Amazing Shake competition held in Atlanta, Georgia, highlighting leadership and professional skills learned through the program.

In addition to student and staff recognitions, the board approved operational and administrative items. Kenneth Clemmons was named the new Board President, while Wayne Gibson was selected to serve as Board Vice President. The board also approved First Financial Bank as the district’s banking provider following the review of submitted bids.

Child Nutrition Director representatives presented details on the district’s Summer Meal Program, which will continue to provide food assistance to local families. Through the program, children in Union County will be able to receive five freezer meals each week throughout the summer months. The board approved the recommendation to continue the program for the upcoming summer.

The April meeting highlighted continued academic growth, student achievements, and community support efforts across the El Dorado School District, while also addressing administrative decisions aimed at supporting district operations and student services in the months ahead.

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