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Ralph Yarl has earned a spot on the Missouri All-State Band less than a year after being shot in the head when he accidentally went to the wrong house in Kansas City.
According to KCTV, Yarl, a senior student at Staley High School who plays the bass clarinet, was among four students who earned a spot on the All-State Band. He will perform with other musicians from across the state at the Missouri Music Educators Association annual conference.
“Bravo to Eliza Cockrell and Stephen Kwon from Northtown, and Ralph Yarl and Carter Walters from Staley! They’ve earned a spot in the 2024 Missouri All-State Orchestra or Band and will perform at the Missouri Music Educators Association annual conference in January at Margaritaville Lake Resort in Lake of the Ozarks,” an official announcement reads.
The news comes after Yarl mistakenly went to the wrong address to pick up his younger brothers on April 13. Yarl previously testified that he waited for an extended period of time after ringing the doorbell of the home. Homeowner Andrew Lester, who has been charged with assault in the first degree and armed criminal action, eventually opened his door and showed his gun, saying "Don't come here ever again," according to Yarl.
The teen testified that he took his hand off an exterior glass storm door before being shot in the head. Yarl said he fell to the ground and was shot again in the arm.
In August, a judge ordered Lester to stand trial in connection to the shooting.
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