FAYETTE — Savanna Bowen often can be seen with a guitar in hand, whether it’s practicing songs or performing them at venues.

“It gives me an adrenaline rush,” the 10-year-old guitarist said when asked what she enjoys the most about performing. “It’s really fun. I love going to see my friends, and I love expressing myself through music.”

During June of last year, Savanna competed in the Down East Country Music Association’s contest, and won the traditional gospel female vocalist of the year award in the 12-years-old-and-under category. She performed “Amazing Grace” and “Do Lord.”

Savanna, who had been a member of the association for three years, said she will never forget when she got the letter informing her that she had won.

“I went into my room and screamed into my pillow, ‘Oh my God, Oh my God, Oh my God!'” she said. She said it was the first time she had received first place in a Down East Country Music Association competition.

By winning, she qualified to compete at the North America Country Music Association International Country Music Week in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., from March 9 to 15. She said she was looking forward to the trip, and hopefully experiencing much warmer weather.

“I cannot wait,” she said. “It’s my first time going to compete somewhere where I’m not going to be sleeping in my own bed at night.”

Savanna said she gets “kind of nervous” before she performs at larger competitions, but the magnitude of the moment really hits her afterward. “I don’t puke, I just feel really sick,” she said.

A fifth-grader at Fayette Central School, she has been playing the guitar about four years, having been taught by Lori Pelletier. Now, she practices on her own.

Before Savanna’s uncle Leo Sevigny died, he made a will and gave her a chart that has different guitar chords on it, helping guide her through the notes. “Also, he gave me his old guitar,” she said.

She reflected on how far she’s come.

“My teacher, Lori, once showed me all kinds of trophies,” Savanna said. “I was like, ‘How come I don’t have any?'”

Now, she does. And if her passion for music is any indication, Savanna could collect many more trophies and awards in the future.