Auditions for placement in the Bowie Band instrumental groups are held late in the Spring. Every band member must audition for placement each year. The auditions are serious and should not be taken lightly. Balance, blend and instrumentation of each ensemble is carefully considered as each group is created. Musical competency as exhibited in the audition as well as other factors such as behavior, attendance and adherence to classroom policies will be considered as part of the ensemble placement. The directors reserve the right to determine a student’s placement in any group.
Two marching band courses are offered at Bowie, a Varsity and Non-varsity marching band. The Outdoor Performing Ensemble is our Varsity Ensemble, and has gained national recognition as a top 20 band in the nation in the school’s modern history. As the largest visible organization on campus, The OPE has performed across the state of Texas in both the UIL and Bands of America circuits, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, and the London New Year’s day parade.
As part of the OPE requirement, summer band rehearsals occur starting in late July to early August and continue until the start of the school year. Students in this ensemble perform at football games and various contests throughout the course of the fall. During the school year, Rehearsals for take place outside of the normal school day each week. Students will audition In August towards the beginning of band camp.
Our non-varsity marching band is open to all students with band experience. Students in the non-varsity marching band typically participate in the first week of band camp in August, and only attend Friday morning rehearsals during the school year. Students in this ensemble will perform at home football games only.
All Concert Band students at James Bowie High School are required to enroll in a marching band course. Participation in Marching Band will fulfill the Physical Education Component required by graduation.
For carpool information, contact the carpool facilitator, HERE.
First performing concert band. Membership is by audition only. Students must be members in the marching band.
Listen to our music HERE.
Concert Band Attire
Formal Concert uniforms are not provided by the band and are the responsibility of the individual student.
Gentlemen:
- black tuxedo
- white dress shirt
- black bow tie
- black formal dress shoes
- black socks
- black cummerbund or vest (optional)
Ladies:
- Concert uniform top and palazzo pants (will be ordered online later in the fall)
- black hose or knee-highs
- black closed-toe dress shoes (no flip-flops or sandals)
If students choose to wear any jewelry or accessories, they must not be obvious to judges. Hair accessories must match hair color. Any necklaces worn must be of simple design; any earrings must be studs.
See the Bands of Bowie Handbook in the Handouts section of CHARMS for additional information.
Second performing concert band. Membership is by audition only. Students must be members in the marching band.
Concert Band Attire
Formal Concert uniforms are not provided by the band and are the responsibility of the individual student.
Gentlemen:
- black tuxedo
- white dress shirt
- black bow tie
- black formal dress shoes
- black socks
- black cummerbund or vest (optional)
Ladies:
- Concert uniform top and palazzo pants (will be ordered online later in the fall)
- black hose or knee-highs
- black closed-toe dress shoes (no flip-flops or sandals)
If students choose to wear any jewelry or accessories, they must not be obvious to judges. Hair accessories must match hair color. Any necklaces worn must be of simple design; any earrings must be studs.
See the Bands of Bowie Handbook in the Handouts section of CHARMS for additional information.
Third performing concert band. Membership is by audition only.
Learn more about Concert Winds HERE.
Concert Band Attire
Formal Concert uniforms are not provided by the band and are the responsibility of the individual student.
Gentlemen:
- black tuxedo
- white dress shirt
- black bow tie
- black formal dress shoes
- black socks
- black cummerbund or vest (optional)
Ladies:
- Concert uniform top and palazzo pants (will be ordered online later in the fall)
- black hose or knee-highs
- black closed-toe dress shoes (no flip-flops or sandals)
If students choose to wear any jewelry or accessories, they must not be obvious to judges. Hair accessories must match hair color. Any necklaces worn must be of simple design; any earrings must be studs.
See the Bands of Bowie Handbook in the Handouts section of CHARMS for additional information.
Listen to our music HERE.
The Bowie Steel Band program consists of students from all grade levels – musicians, and non-musicians alike! This group plays a range of music from traditional steel pan music to pop and rock songs. There are opportunities for members to learn to play different types of steel pans, engine room (percussion), and drum set! We have performances on campus and around south Austin throughout the school year. Over the years the steel band has traveled to PASIC in Indianapolis, Dallas, and San Antonio and performed with many guest artists and clinicians!
This ensemble is offered as a class during the school day, there are very few times we will meet outside of class for rehearsal. There is a fair share associated with the class to help maintain the instruments and provide new music and clinicians for the students.
You can email anthony.paxton@austinisd.org with any questions!
Students develop jazz techniques and study jazz literature. The Jazz Band consists of saxophones, trumpets, trombones and a rhythm section. Students must be a member of a regular band or orchestra class, except for guitar, electric bass and keyboard players (if there is not an available band member).
Listen to our music HERE.
Bowie Jazz is proud to partner with Austin Winds. CLICK HERE to learn more.