TRAVERSE CITY -- Natalie Sears began piano lessons in kindergarten.
In fifth grade, she picked up percussion. By eighth grade, she started learning four-mallet marimba pieces. And this year, the high school junior won the Harry Goldson Young Artist Competition and a spot as guest soloist at an Encore Wind Symphony concert.
Natalie, 16, will perform "Concerto for Marimba and Wind Ensemble" by Ney Rosauro during the 8 p.m. May 17 concert at Milliken Auditorium.
"Taking piano really helped me be able to have like a step up when I started percussion," Natalie said.
The Traverse City West Senior High School student plans to study music education and music performance in college. Her parents are both musicians and witnessing the fun they have playing makes her want a musical career, too.
Encore Director David Martin said the concert "Huron: Stars, Stripes and High C's" features "a lot of local Traverse City talent," including Natalie's work on the marimba.
"People will be blown away by her talent, her artistry, her maturity," he said.
The star-spangled, patriotic-packed show includes extra oomph from Traverse City West's brass section on a Giovanni Gabrieli piece, "Enigma Variations" by Elgar and Sammy Nestico's "Salute to American Jazz."
"That group will combine with us for several pieces, and it just will be really stirring to hear the music in Milliken Auditorium there," Martin said.
The concert also features versions of "The Star Spangled Banner" and "America the Beautiful," performed by Traverse City soprano Lynne Church.
Audience members can enjoy a real slice of Americana after the concert when pieces of pie from the Grand Traverse Pie Company are served up.
Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $8 for students and are available at the door or by calling the Encore box office at 486-7200.
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