As you enter the notorious “band-land” you are greeted by a comforting cocktail of music. Students of all ages come together here in this small room to celebrate music, under the guidance of TO’s newest hire Mr. James Rumenapp. At the end of the 2022-2023 school year, Thousand Oaks High School welcomed Rumenapp as the new band director, injecting a wave of enthusiasm and innovation into the school’s music program. Rumenapp assumed the role and thus far has brought a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the campus.
Initially, Rummenapp started college with a BA in Mathematics to reach his end goal of teaching high school mathematics and took on the additional quest of pursuing a minor in Music, something he has cherished since boyhood. While taking qualifying exams for his math credential, he received an invitation to direct a middle school orchestra. It was a tough choice but eventually, he accepted and never once looked back.
“I got offered that coaching job and realized that I loved what I was doing every day,” Rummenapp said.
This is now Rumenapp’s 11th year directing music programs. Before joining the TO faculty, Rummenapp directed at Buena High School, located in Ventura. There he was met with noteworthy success in establishing an official marching band that successfully won championship titles for the Southern California Percussion Alliance Competition (SCPA).
Mr. Rummenapp does not only have a successful record with music as a career but also as a lifestyle.
“I’ve been playing music since I was four years old, so being a band director felt like a natural fit because I knew the activity extremely well,” Rummenapp said.
As a member of the Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra and the Gold Coast Wind Ensemble, Rummenapp has learned and mastered a variety of instruments among them being, viola, piano and trombone.
Now, almost halfway through the year, Rummenapp has integrated into the school community, interacting comfortably with students, faculty and parents.
To tighten the band community on campus, Rummenapp has incorporated a variety of practices into the TO band program. By utilizing Canvas and forming leadership teams, Rummenapp can access the commitment and progress of students.
“If the morale is low, if the morale is high, we can immediately address problems that come up,” Rummenapp said.
With this practice students not only get to rely on support from Rummenapp but also from their classmates allowing for greater collaboration, bonding and trust.
No matter your experience or age, the band program at TO welcomes all students.
“We take anybody that wants to try hard, and that’s the limiting factor,” Rummenapp said.
Recently, Rummenapp successfully conducted the TO band program at the SCPA Competition, bringing back a gold award.
With much respect, members of the band program have only positive thoughts on Rumenapp.
“Mr. Rumenapp stands out as the kindest teacher I have ever met,” junior Benjamin Chung said. “He takes the time to understand each student, seeing us not just for our musical talents but as individuals with unique stories and aspirations.”
Under Rummenapp’s guidance, students are given the opportunity to take on a leadership role based on their mastery of a skill or instrument. This year they are led by senior drum majors Olivia Barber and Donchristopher Ross, and senior drum captain Zach Lobenhofer.
“Mr. Rumenapp has taught me how to assume more responsibility in addition to strategies to be a kinder and more compassionate leader, which in turn has made me a more effective leader of my section,” Lobenhofer said.
Working alongside experienced students has helped Mr. Rummenapp develop the band program to the power machine it is today despite setbacks.
Rummenapp shared that challenges regarding the band program are less problematic than those of previous bands he has directed.
“The challenges that I experienced, like I was saying [in regards to communication], they don’t exist here. I’m feeling way more support.” Rummenapp said.
He believes that TO shows a great amount of support and appreciation for the band program during games and rallies.
In return, Rummenapp offers unlimited support and encouragement to all of his students, both new and experienced. He is consistently teaching students the importance of patience and commitment.
“There’s a system of supports here, myself, the staff that are willing to work with them to build them up,” Rummenapp said.
As Rummenapp becomes familiar with the band program and TO he hopes to see the band program grow and become one of the biggest in the district. A crucial part of the band program, touching the hearts of many band students, Rummenapp will no doubt inspire a new wave of musical excellence within the school community.