A Merrill High School junior was one of 101 high school students who performed last Thursday as part of the Wisconsin State Music Association State Honors Music Project.

Sarah Navarro was one of just three students from Wisconsin Valley Conference schools who were chosen for the honor. Navarro played the flute in the State Honors Band, one of five ensembles in the project. In all, over 1,600 high school students statewide applied to audition for one of 429 spots in these ensembles.

The state Honors Band, under the direction of guest conductor Robert Szabo, performed at the Madison Overture Center. Szabo is the director of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing Band, Cherry Point, NC.

After being selected earlier in the year, Navarro attended a 3 Ã Â Ã Â1/2 day camp with the other members of her band under the direction of Szabo and several volunteer section coaches.

While Navarro was selected to the Honors Band for her talent playing the flute, she played piano during the 2010 marching band season, including a solo. In addition to the Marching Jays, she also is a member of the MHS Wind Ensemble, Vocal Jays, the Merrill City Band and the Central Wisconsin Flute Choir. She has won numerous awards in music, including several gold medals at the district and state solo festivals on both piano and flute.

Navarro is the 2010 Woodwind Scholarship recipient at the Wausau Conservatory of Music, which she was awarded based on her performance at an audition. She studies with Dr. Jacob Roseman at the Wausau Conservatory of Music.

She plans to study music in college after graduating from MHS in 2012.