A University of Arkansas - Fort Smith student has won a place in the National Flute Association Collegiate Flute Choir competition, qualifying her to participate in August in the NFA convention in Chicago.

Freshman Kaitlin Jones, 17, of Fort Smith was selected by a panel of judges for the honor. Jones is the daughter of Ava Jones and is a 2013 graduate of Southside High School.

Competitors for the choir submit a recording of themselves playing the competition piece, with 25 entrants named winners. The choir rehearses and presents a concert at the organization’s annual convention.

Instructor Ginny Hudson of Fayetteville said Jones was the only UAFS student who participated in this year’s competition.

“We’re so excited for her,” said Hudson. “This is a pretty big deal in the world of flutes, and she beat out hundreds of other flutists from across the country to achieve this. This is an enormous honor.”

Dr. Edward White of Fort Smith, head of the UAFS Music Department, said the fact that Jones was chosen reflects on her and on UAFS.

“We have a tremendous music program here, as is evidenced by our faculty and the quality of our students,” said White. “We’re proud of Kaitlin for her initiative in entering the competition and for her upcoming participation in the national convention concert.”

The National Flute Association, founded in 1972, is the largest flute organization in the world with approximately 5,000 members from more than 50 countries. The organization encourages a higher standard of artistic excellence for the flute, its performers and its literature. Members include leading soloists, orchestral players, jazz and world music performers, teachers, adult amateurs and students of all ages.