Tamara Vaughn’s amazing talent on the trumpet continues to be her ticket to new places.

The Santa Fe High School sophomore will be traveling to Indianapolis, Indiana later this month to perform as part of the 2008 Honor Band of America. The Honor Band is part of a national festival sponsored by Music For All, an organization dedicated to expanding access to music programs in schools in communities. Only 100 talented young musicians from around the nation were chosen through a rigorous audition process to perform in the Honor Band.

“To be selected from among their peers for membership in this national ensemble is a great achievement honor,” said Scott McCormick, president and CEO of Music for All. “The 2008 Honor Band of America members are ambassadors of America’s music programs, as well as their states, schools and communities.”

“It’s going to be so much fun to travel to another one of America’s big cities, a new place in a part of the United States where I’ve never been before,” said Vaughn. “The icing on the cake will be bonding with new friends from all over the country as we do what we all love to do best—make great music!”

Last year Vaughn traveled to Virginia, where she won first place in the Junior Division of the National Trumpet Competition. She will return to the competition this year to compete in the Senior Division.

The Honor Band of America will perform in concert on Saturday, March 1 on the campus of Butler University in Indianapolis. Leading up to the concert will be four days of rehearsals, workshops and networking.

“I’ll be given the opportunity to work with some of the most amazing and talented band directors and several of the best young musicians in the country,” said Vaughn. “I know we’ll be working hard, but having a lot of fun.”

Vaughn has been playing the trumpet for six years and has racked up numerous honors in that time. She is a member of the Santa Fe High School Band, and was selected as the principal trumpet in the Alachua County High School Honor Band for the last two years. She was chosen for the 2008 All State 9-10 Orchestra. She’s also the principal trumpet in the Alachua County Youth Orchestra.

“I’m so proud to represent all my ensembles at the festival,” said Vaughn. “It’s going to be a great experience, and I’ll be able to share what I learn with my fellow band and orchestra members when I get home.”