KCB Youth Soloists -  Where are they now?

2005 – James Guitar, Alto Saxophone, Galesburg-Augusta High School

2005 KCB Spring Concert Program Notes

James Guitar has been a member of the Galesburg-Augusta Band Program for 7 years and has been 1^st chair of the saxophone section throughout high school.  He has been a member of the Pep, Jazz, Marching, and Track Bands.  James attended the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp and was a member of its Symphony Band in 2001.  He was selected to play with the US Air Force Band of Flight during its concert at Comstock Auditorium in 2001.  He has been selected to participate in the WMU Spring Conference All-Star Band for 3 consecutive years.  James has participated in the MSBOA District Solo and Ensemble Festival since 2003 and is a 3-year One Medal Winner both as a soloist and ensemble member.  James’ primary instrument is the Alto Sax, but he also plays the B-Flat soprano and baritone sax.  James teaches private lessons to Middle School students.  He has played in the pit orchestra for the past 2 years for the all-school musicals “Babes in Arms” and “Anything Goes.”  In addition to his musical accomplishments, James has excelled in academics and sports.  In academics, James has a 3.94 GPA and is in the top 10% of his senior class.  He is a member of the National Honor Society and a participant in the Galesburg-Augusta Quiz Bowl.  In athletics, James is a 4-year varsity track member, competing in the 800-, 3200-meter runs as well as the 3200-meter relay.  He set a school record with his teammates in the 3200-meter relay, and he earned awards for “Most Points Earned” and “Most Personal Records”(twice).  He is also a 4-year varsity soccer member.  He was team Captain of both the track and soccer teams.

James has been involved in Boy Scouts for 7 years.  He has gone hiking on North Manitou Island, biking on Mackinac Island, backpacking on Isle Royal, and has canoed on the Boundary Waters area.  He earned the highest rank in scouting, the Eagle Scout, in 2004.  James has an identical twin brother, Jordan, who is also a musician and Eagle Scout.

This fall, James will attend the Lyman Briggs College of Natural Science at Michigan State University with interests in pursuing a career in medicine and music.

Where Is He Now

James is currently enrolled in the Lyman Briggs College of Natural Science at Michigan State University where he is studying medicine.  He has performed with the University Concert Band.  James has played first chair alto saxophone with that ensemble, and has been featured on solos on soprano saxophone.