What so proudly she scales A Murrieta girl easily handles the national anthem's high notes at ballpark appearances The Press-Enterprise By Alex Murashko Two innings after she sang the national anthem in front of the crowd at Lake Elsinore Diamond Stadium, 11-year-old Joelle James was a picture of serenity. She settled into the bleachers to munch a hot dog and watch the Storm battle another California League opponent. She was a little nervous before she began singing, but Joelle says the jitters subsided as she hit the first notes. Joelle has made several appearances at ballgames lately, including a San Diego Padres exhibition. She'll sing again for the Storm on July 4th. By most accounts, the fifth-grade student from Avaxat Elementary School in Murrieta may be on the verge of a professional singing career. "I'm still sweating," said her mother Julie James at Sunday's game. "I'm always nervous when she sings...but it's getting better." In the minutes before Joelle stepped out on the field, her mother huddled close to her near the dugout, offering words of encouragement, a quick shoulder rub and a moment of prayer. While most sporting-event national anthems are accompanied by hoots and hollers before the song's end, Joelle's rendition kept the crowd in quiet observance. Up in the stands, Joelle's father said his daughter's performing did not make him nervous. "I view myself as just someone being entertained by her," Bill James said. "I have all the confidence in the world for her...Plus I hear her practice at home 1,000 times." Last year, Joelle cut a demo CD with five songs ranging from contemporary pop to gospel. "I don't try to copy anyone," Joelle said. "I try to create my own (style)." Julie James said she is most touched when Joelle soulfully belts out a gospel song. She credits Joelle's talent with early involvement in the church choir. "That's where I think her gift came from. Julie James said. "She got it from God."

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