Joelle James

Thompson student performs for national TV
Murrieta 7th-grader Joelle James to be part of 'Showtime' amateur show
The Californian, September 9, 2002
By Jan Campana

MURRIETA - When most children are absent from school, they are either out ill or on vacation. Not 12-year-old Joelle James. The Thompson Middle School student missed a day of school last week to record her first national television performance in New York.

"It was fun," the young singer said. "I feel this is part of a wonderful singing journey. And if nothing comes of it, I had a blast"

"It's Showtime at the Apollo!" starts its 16th year with a makeover. The fall season brings a new name, "Showtime in Harlem!" along with a new theater, the Brooklyn Academy of Music; and a new network, UPN, Channel 13.

The episode Joelle filmed will air Nov. 11.

Joelle was one of two children asked to perform on the otherwise adult-only amateur show. She sang a one-minute version of Aretha Franklin's "Think."

After the taping, she said other performers wanted her autograph.

"It's a first for me," Joelle said. "I'll cherish the memory of it forever."

Joelle's mom, Julie, thinks the New York show was a wonderful opportunity for her daughter.

"Every singing opportunity is important, but to work with professionals in the television industry is a big progression," she said. "No matter the outcome of this, it was fun - that's why Joelle does it and why we support her."

Joelle's father, Bill, said his daughter's singing "career" started when Joelle sang the national anthem at the Lake Elsinore Storm game in March of 2001.

"It has just snowballed," he said. "Every performance she gives brings the opportunity for one more."

Tracy Beskid, director of community development for the Lake Elsinore Storm, said Joelle is a favorite among the fans.

"She has quite a little following here," Beskid said. "Even the players want to know when she is coming back. It's going to be interesting to see how far that unforgettable voice will take her."

Jon Laskin, executive director for the Musicians Workshop, where Joelle is a member, said he could not be more proud of Joelle's national television debut.

"She is one of those kids that will absolutely make it in this business," Laskin said. "Because of her, we added solos to our jazz band. She's the kind of singer you hear and you think, 'Wow!'"

Thompson Middle School choir teacher Bryan Boos sees in Joelle someone with music in her soul.

"She is a great asset to our school group and the entire community," Boos said. "She has an excellent ear for music of all kinds. I look forward to her continuing success as her voice matures."

Billy Purnell, Joelle's voice coach who sent the young singer's demo tape to the Apollo for consideration, said he was glad Joelle had a good time in New York.

"Life is not about the destination; it's about the journey," Purnell said. "What good is it if it's no fun along the way?"

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