After an unexpected one-week delay due to statewide winter weather, the High School All-State Auditions took place on February 11th, just in time for the All-State Conference days later. Over 100 high school percussionists from around the state competed for a chance to perform in one of this year’s three All-State Bands, with a total of 32 roster spots and 4 alternate spots up for grabs. NEA’s Region V was well-represented at the audition, with 6 of the 32 positions (18.75%) going to Region V percussionists Elijah Wynne (Rivercrest), William Beckett (Rivercrest), Ray Weed (Pocahontas), VJ Roberts (Jonesboro), Sam Sumpter (Jonesboro), and Henry Falwell (Batesville). Jonesboro High School was even more dominant in the All-State Jazz Drum Set auditions, as it provided three of the six chairs and alternates (VJ Roberts, Dillinger Carr, and Sam Sumpter). The full list of All-State Results can be found here: https://asboa.org/asboa-all-state-results/
