LORENA, Texas — Lorena High School sophomore Roman Whitton is headed to the national competition for the Percussion Arts Society (PAS).
Lorena ISD announced Friday, Whitton won first in solo tenor drums and second in solo snare drum during the state competition in Plano. He'll be competing in those events at nationals, the first LHS student to make it there since 2019.
LHS has a habit of getting national recognition. The Leopard Band was a finalist in the Metallica Marching Band Competition last year. Their drill team performed in the last Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Lorena also has the most high school snare drum titles in the county. They've won five since 2007.
Whitton will be at the PAS International Convention Nov 13 - 16 in Indianapolis. The competition is the largest percussion gathering in the world.
PAS is the largest percussion organization in the world, with chapters in 50 states and 25 different countries. Their event in November will include clinics, concerts, and panels with artists from around the world. The University of Texas at Arlington, South Grand Prairie High School, and Aledo High School will all be representing Texas by performing. About 6,000 people attend the event every year.