Resilient Ralph Yarl Makes Missouri All-State Band Despite Shooting

Ralph Yarl, a 17-year-old clarinetist, has been named to the 2024 Missouri All-State Band less than a year after being shot twice by a homeowner when he mistakenly arrived at the wrong address to pick up his siblings. Yarl, who was selected as second chair for bass clarinet, will perform at the Missouri Music Educators Association annual conference in January. The homeowner, Andrew Lester, has been charged with felony assault and armed criminal action, and his jury trial is scheduled for October.