Cooper Junior High Band Achieves Statewide Recognition with UIL Music Selection

Cooper Junior High is proud to announce an exciting milestone for its band program. This summer, a special piece composed in honor of the school’s late namesake, Raymond Cooper, was officially added to the University Interscholastic League (UIL) Prescribed Music List.

This prestigious inclusion of “Blessed Hope” means that middle school and high school bands across Texas will now have the opportunity to perform this unique composition during their UIL competitions, showcasing the legacy of Raymond Cooper and the talent of our Cooper Junior High students.

“Blessed Hope,” commissioned by the Cooper Symphonic Band in 2012, is a modern arrangement of the classic hymn “It Is Well with My Soul” by Phillip Bliss.

“Mr. Cooper was the most gentle and kind man that I know,” Adam Powell, Director of Bands at CJHS, said in the program notes. “He still went to work every day at the age of 90 and devoted most of his adult life to helping others, all while running a successful business.”

When they set out to have a piece commissioned in honor of Mr. Cooper, they wanted to set it to a hymn tune, in recognition of Cooper’s strong faith and love of music.

“Mr. Cooper sang in the church choir at the Methodist Church in town and even sang solos at his church regularly,” Powell said. “I asked him what his favorite hymn was, and he immediately replied, ‘It is Well with My Soul.’ He felt the words had great meaning to him, and he loved singing it [the hymn] in church for many years.”

“Blessed Hope” honors the original hymn while adding depth of harmony and flow, using the lyrics of the hymn as a guide to musical imagery.

“Mr. Cooper was always so supportive of our school and our band,” Misty Smith, CJHS band director, said. “We miss seeing him on our campus, but we are proud we can share his legacy with directors and students through this commissioned work.”

Congratulations to the Cooper Junior High Band and directors Adam Powell and Misty Smith!

“It’s a meaningful recognition for our students, our program, and the lasting legacy of Raymond Cooper,” Brandon Beaty, CJHS Dean of Students, said.