Directors
Mr. Greg Bruner
Greg Bruner teaches the Senior Band, Senior High Jazz Band, assists with Junior Band and teaches Beginning Band Percussion Class. Mr. Bruner is a 1987 graduate of Highland High School. Growing up as a Methodist minister’s son, he attended many schools before finishing 8th-12 grade at Highland. He attended Arkansas State University where he received his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Music Education. After teaching six years at Corning, Mr. Bruner returned to Highland and is in his 25th year as the high school band director.
Mr. Bruner is a Past President of the Arkansas School Band and Orchestra Association where he has served on the board for 12 years, and he is the Executive Secretary of the Arkansas chapter of Phi Beta Mu, an honorary band fraternity. He also serves as the Vice President for Destination Band Camp. In 2022, Mr. Bruner was named the Arkansas Bandmaster of the Year.
Under Mr. Bruner's direction, the Highland Bands have earned regional, state, and national recognition for having a superior band. Each year many students from the Highland Band go to college because of band scholarships and many have gone on to be band directors and professional musicians.
Mr. and Mrs. Bruner have three sons: Harrison, Luke, and Evan. In the summer you can find Mr. Bruner building or landscaping something, on the golf course, or possibly playing Zelda.
Mrs. Hope Bruner
Hope Davis Bruner is a 1989 graduate of Highland High School. She graduated from Arkansas State University in 1993 and taught at Biggers-Reyno and Piggott before moving home to Highland.
She currently serves as Vice-President of the Arkansas Bandmasters Association and is a past ASBOA Region Chair. She also serves on the ASBOA new members committee and enjoys mentoring and helping young band directors. She is also proud to serve on the Arkansas State University Alumni Band Board.
Mrs. Bruner is the director of the Junior Band and teaches the beginning band brass (trumpet/trombone) class. She also assists with Senior Band and Jazz Band. Mrs. Bruner has played the trumpet for over 40years. She loves teaching middle school students - especially beginners. In her spare time, you can find Mrs. Bruner by a swimming pool, doing something crafty or baking.
She also wants YOU to know that she thinks BAND is the BEST thing you can do at Highland Schools!
Mrs. Faith Serna
Faith Serna is a 2011 graduate of Highland High School. She grew up in Highland and attended Highland schools from preschool to graduation. She attended Arkansas State University in Jonesboro where she received her Bachelor of Music Education. Mrs. Serna is the Woodwind Instructor with her main instrument being clarinet. She is also the Colorguard Instructor for the marching band. After teaching three years at McCrory, Mrs. Serna returned to Highland and is in her 8th year of being a band director. Mrs. Serna is married and her husband, Carlos Serna, is also a band director at Paragould High School. They just had their first sweet baby, Eliana, in August! In her free time, Mrs. Serna enjoys crocheting and crafting. She also enjoys making balloon animals! She loves being able to spend time with her family and traveling with her husband and baby girl.