Sherrard Hawkins-Hollingsworth, a senior in the Scotland High School of Visual and Performing Arts, was named first chair percussionist at the North Carolina All-State Band Auditions on March 7, 2009 at East Davidson High School. Sherrard will participate in the All-State Honors Band Clinic on April 24-26 on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Hawkins-Hollingsworth was one of twelve to audition for the chair, and achieved the highest score with 184.5 out 200 possible points.

"There was a large distance between him and the others," said Scotland High School bands director, Mark Doerffel.

Hawkins-Hollingsworth will receive the music for his late April performance at the end of March, and will prepare for the performance on his own.

"Traditionally the 11th and 12th grade All-State Band Concert is one of the most amazing concerts of the year," commented Doerffel.

"They take students from all over the state and put them together with very small rehearsal time and produce absolutely incredible music."