Bowie Band “Middle School Night” Presentation
January 2024
Please fill out this short Google form to get on our contact list so that you never miss out on important Band and Guard information!
We are excited to welcome you as a member of this incredible program! Beyond the superior instruction and the camaraderie of band and guard mates, you will develop your musical skills and have opportunities to compete and perform with one of the best bands, nationally and internationally!
The Bands of Bowie include the James Bowie High School Outdoor Performing Ensemble (JBHSOPE), Concert Ensembles, Jazz Bands, Winter Guard, Steel Band, and Percussion Ensemble.
Making summer plans? Check out the “Camps” sections below.
2024-2025
Band Placement Auditions
This is an evaluation of your current level of musicianship. The placement auditions are not
designed to put you in a competitive situation with your colleagues, rather an evaluation of your
ability and whatever resources you can find in the weeks leading to the audition.
The prepared etude has been carefully selected from the highest standard repertoire for each of
your instruments. The etude is a Theme and Variations. All students should prepare the Theme.
Any additional Variations learned are optional and should only be performed if you can play
them successfully in an attempt to demonstrate an advanced level of musicianship. Note that the
tempo marked is suggested – you should play at whatever tempo you can be successful.
Scales are necessary for your daily performance. Therefore, they will also be a part of this
evaluation. The judge will pick 3 major scales plus chromatic for you to play. You should
prepare the scales in however many octaves and at whatever tempo you feel represents your level
of musical development at this time.
Sight-reading will assess your ability to perform a short piece for the first time after 30 seconds
of study. The sight-reading excerpt will be distributed at the audition.
The only requirement is that you perform as much of the material as possible to the best of your
ability. If you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to ask one of us. Percussionists
will have a separate audition over different music arranged with Mr. Paxton; those students
should make sure they are coming to the Open Practices after school at Bowie.
Your audition will take place the week of April 1 – 5. Auditions will take place in class
with directors traveling to middle school campuses whenever possible. Remember, you are not
auditioning to be in the Bowie Band. This is only a chance for the directors to hear you play and
evaluate what environment you will be the most successful in for the fall semester.
Additional information and Audition Form
We look forward to your participation.
Best,
Bowie Band Staff
The Rookie Program was developed to help rookie students and parents navigate their first year in our marching band program. Rookie coordinators and section liaisons (veteran parents in each section — flutes, trumpets, percussion, guard, etc.) share tips, explain requirements, and answer questions starting in the summer and continuing through fall football games and competitions. If you have any questions about our band or guard programs, please contact our Rookie Coordinators.
Spring Camp is a one-week (after school) camp for all incoming freshmen and other members new to the Bowie Band Program. Incoming band students will get a chance to meet all current Bowie Band members and directors as they learn and rehearse music for the fall marching band production. The week is capped off with a performance Friday evening, including the Show Reveal where the directors share the theme of next year’s show with family, friends, and community members. This year Spring Camp will be held April 29th through May 3rd from 5:15-7:30pm at Bowie High School. All eighth graders planning to to continue with high school band should attend this camp.
Movement Camp is a two-day camp held May 27th and 28th from 8am – 4pm at Bowie High School where incoming students will be learning marching and movement fundamentals. At this camp, students will learn how to properly stretch, march, and dance as a member of the Outdoor Performing Ensemble. All band students who will be freshmen in the fall should plan on attending this camp.
Color Guard Summer Camp is a four-day camp held June 17th to 20th for all students interested in joining Color Guard. More details to come.
Summer Band Camp starts July 22nd and lasts for four weeks before school starts. This is required for all participants in marching band. During camp, students meet on weekdays to learn how to integrate the show music into the new marching program. Students also form friendships and develop a sense of unity and cooperation during this time, creating a foundation for the polished, finished performance.
Please plan carefully around these camps and avoid any family travel, dentist, or doctor appointments as this teaching time is essential for new students learning the show.
We understand the rehearsal schedule can be difficult to coordinate with other work and family activities. We will send out a Google form later this spring where you can provide information and be included on a carpool map to help you find other OPE families who live in your area and are interested in forming a carpool. Contact our Carpool Coordinator for more information!