Tamara Vaughn, a freshman at Santa Fe High School, has taken first place in her age category in the 2007 National Trumpet Competition.  

Vaughn recently traveled to Virginia to compete in the finals of the competition, performing the first movement of the Concerto for Trumpet by J.M. Hummel for a panel of judges. Her performance earned her top honors in her age category of 11 to 14-year-olds. As a result of the first place finish, she won a plaque and a new trumpet.  

“I couldn’t stop smiling,” Tamara said about learning she’d won her division. “I just had this overall feeling of enjoyment.”

Vaughn said she went into the competition determined to do her best but knowing that whatever the result, the experience was going to be valuable.

“I met a lot of important people, I made a lot of friends from all over the country and I learned a lot from the professors and musicians there,” she said. “It was really fun.”

Vaughn has been playing the trumpet for five years, and devotes much of her time to her instrument. She’s currently taking two music courses at Santa Fe High School and takes lessons outside of school from two different instructors. Dan Schilling, adjunct professor of trumpet at the University of Florida and Kathy LaVay, currently the band director at Howard Bishop Middle School, both say Vaughn’s dedication to her music sets her apart from many other young musicians.

“She has an unbelievable work ethic,” said Schilling. “Tamara sets her goals and then does everything she needs to do to achieve them.”

“Tamara is easily the most disciplined, focused and humble student I have ever had in my 22 years of teaching,” said LaVay.

Vaughn says she’s been getting plenty of congratulations from the staff and students at Santa Fe High School since returning from the competition. Principal Bill Herschleb says the entire school community is thrilled about her success.

“We knew she was remarkably talented, but we didn’t know what to expect from her competition,” he said. “There is a lot of excitement here about having someone from our school recognized at the national level.”