For the first time in school history, the Marion Patriot Pride Band had 10 students earn All-State Honors during the Arkansas School Band and Orchestra Auditions, held Saturday at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.
Students from all classifications audition for All-State Band and Orchestra after qualifying at the region level. Marion had a record 28 students audition for All-State this year.
Students selected include:
Kayden Harris, symphonic band, 1st chair clarinet
Jazmine Roberts, concert band, 1st chair bass clarinet
Yaniv McDaniel, concert band, 4th chair bass clarinet
Patrick Rath, wind symphony, 1st chair contra clarinet
Damien Nicks, concert band, 3rd chair alto sax
Billy Zheng, symphonic band, 6th chair French horn
Keivon Robinson, second alternate, trombone
Blaine Cupples, symphonic band, 7th chair tuba
Chris Partain, first alternate, percussion
Ariel Ross, 4th chair viola
For the students selected, this honor comes after more than six months of individual practice, lessons, and group sectionals, culminated by a mere 6-minute audition before five judges.
"All State is the highest honor a high school musician can achieve in Arkansas," said Marion Director of Bands Monty Hill. "Our students continue to shine and have positioned themselves for serious college scholarship offers."
The Marion students will be featured along with the All-State Band, Choir, and Orchestra on Saturday, February 22 at the Hot Springs Convention Center.
The Marion School District is an innovative and growing district that ensures an equitable, engaging learning community where every student is empowered to achieve academic excellence and personal growth. With more than 150 years of experience serving families in Crittenden County, the district offers a high school, a junior high, a seventh grade academy, and three award-winning magnet schools. For enrollment information, including information on school choice, visit https://www.msd3.org/ or call 870-739-5100.