From Tarleton State to an international stage, Sadie Horton has been selected for the Professional Flute Choir at the National Flute Association (NFA) Convention—an honor that places her among top flutists from around the world.
The National Flute Association is the largest flute organization in the world, bringing together performers, educators and students through its annual convention. Each year, thousands of flutists attend the international event to participate in performances, masterclasses and competitions, with selections made through a highly competitive process.
Among these opportunities is the Professional Flute Choir, a select ensemble of advanced flutists chosen through audition. Those selected perform at the NFA Convention, showcasing their musicianship in front of an international audience of peers and industry professionals.
A 2024 graduate of Tarleton State University with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education, Horton was actively involved in the Wind Ensemble, Latin Ensemble and Tarleton State Flute Choir. These experiences helped shape her development as a musician and provided a strong foundation in ensemble performance.
“Being selected for the National Flute Association’s Professional Flute Choir is a huge honor,” Horton said. “The preparation challenged and pushed my playing abilities greatly, and I ultimately became a better player from the experience. This achievement reflects the foundation of training, mentorship and experiences that shaped my growth as a musician during my time at Tarleton State University.”
During her time at Tarleton State, Horton studied under faculty in the department of performing arts, including Dr. Carolyn Keyes and Dr. David Robinson, whose mentorship played a significant role in her growth. Her experience in the Tarleton Wind Ensemble and Flute Choir provided valuable opportunities to refine her skills and perform at a high level.
Since graduating, Horton has continued to build on that foundation, teaching private flute lessons and growing her studio to 35 students across multiple school districts. Her recent accomplishments include founding and directing the Granbury Flute Choir, winning the National Flute Association’s Professional Flute Choir Competition in 2026, and accepting a graduate teaching assistantship at East Texas A&M, where she will pursue a master’s degree in flute performance beginning in fall 2026.
“My experience at Tarleton changed me in meaningful ways,” she said. “I owe much of who I am today to the friends, colleagues and mentors who supported and inspired me throughout that journey. To represent my alma mater at local schools, national competitions and in my graduate endeavors is truly an honor.”
Being selected for the Professional Flute Choir is a significant achievement and reflects both her dedication and the strength of Tarleton State’s Performing Arts programs. As she prepares to take the stage at the NFA Convention, she represents the continued impact of COLFA musicians on a national and international level.