Two students from the St. James School District participated in District Band on Saturday, November 7 in Camdenton, Mo.. Melissa Chapman made sixth chair Concert band on clarinet and Sarah Thompson made sixth chair tuba.

“About 400 kids tried out in the District,” St. James Band Director Derek Limback explained. He says that there weren’t many students who tried out from St. James, this year, due to a heightened focus on marching competitions. “We only had three or four.

Chapman and Thompson were among the few and qualified after an October 13 tryout session held in Camdenton. “It was very nerve-wracking,” Thompson admits. “They bring you into a room with two judges sitting there. You are given a packet (of music) beforehand to practice. You then play and are judged.” She says that it was a very difficult process, but it was a very rewarding experience.

After the two auditioned, they advanced to district, where they played with other students from the district after practicing all day and, finally, performing that evening. “Its kind of a nice day,” Limback explained. Chapman added, “It was exciting. We practiced the entire day.” She says that, aside from students from the same school, none of the performers had ever played with each other unless they had previously made the district band.

“This was the first time playing at districts,” Chapman said. “I had been to districts before as an alternate, but never played.” Thompson added that it was the first districts for her as well, but that the two had a great time.

District Jazz Band will take place on January 23 for the students who qualified. St. James students attending will include Cole Thompson, Renee Recker, Nathan Bookout and Rick Smith.

Limback says students will “work with a guest clinician all day long and perform that night in Waynesville.” Limback also wanted to congratulate Chapman and Thompson for the accomplishment that they had achieved with being accepted to and playing with the District Concert Band.