Bowie Band Handbook 2023-2024

Bowie Middle School

600 E. Sixth • Irving, TX 75060 • (972) 600-3000
August 14, 2023

Dear Parents and Students,

We would like to take this opportunity to officially welcome you to the 2023-2024 Bowie Middle
School Band! This year promises to be a memorable and exciting one. The rules outlined on the
following pages are simple and sound. Abiding by these policies will fulfill an obligation to your
school, to your fellow band members, to your family, and to yourself. Here in the Bowie Band,
we hold our students to the highest standard and want everyone to give forth 100% effort.

Please take careful note of the following sections:

● Required Events/Calendar Dates
● Grading and Behavior Policies
● Band Fees and Supplies
● Required Forms

Parents and students are requested to read this handbook, discuss it, and keep it for reference
throughout the school year. There are pages at the conclusion of the handbook where
signatures are required and should be returned to the directors. We appreciate your support and
look forward to a great and successful year!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Briana Weaver Mr. Julian Torres

Head Band Director Asst. Band Director
bweaver@irvingisd.net jutorres@irvingisd.net
(972) 600-3043 (972) 600-3043
Band Philosophy
The band program at Bowie Middle School is the start of what we hope to be a lifelong musical journey. It is our hope
that participation in the band program will foster a better understanding and appreciation of music and help
students develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for success throughout their academic career. It is
our goal that all students will continue their musical experience into the Nimitz High School Band and beyond!
While it is the individual student's achievement in music that is our primary goal, it is the commitment of all band
members to each other that will allow our program to prosper.

By signing the forms at the end of this handbook, you will be making a commitment that includes the following:

1. You will be a member of the band for the entire school year.
2. You will give your best effort to improve as a musician.
3. You will maintain a positive attitude towards band and school throughout the year.

Band Placements and Classes

Beginning Band - In beginner band, students are placed in one of 3 classes depending on which instrument they
play. This first year is all about learning the basics of the student’s chosen instrument, as well as the fundamentals
of music literacy. The Beginning Band is a combination of all of these classes. All students will audition for an
Advanced Band placement at the end of the school year.

Advanced Band - Advanced Band Students are placed in one of two groups: Honors Band, or Symphonic Band.
Students may be promoted or demoted at the semester or at the Band Directors’ discretion. It is a privilege, not a
right, to be in one of the Advanced Bands. This placement has been earned by past achievements, performance, and
commitment. It is each student’s responsibility to maintain membership in good standing.

Promotions will occur based on the following:
⚫ Audition Results
⚫ Consistent Reliability
⚫ Outstanding Citizenship/Behavior/Attitude
⚫ Consistent Academic Eligibility
⚫ Consistent Sectional Attendance
⚫ The Needs of the Total Band Program
Demotions will occur based on the following:
⚫ Audition Results
⚫ Missed Sectionals & Performances
⚫ Failure to turn in assignments
⚫ Academic Ineligibility
⚫ Excessive Absences/Tardies
⚫ Frequent Class Disruptions
⚫ Poor Citizenship/Behavior/Attitude
⚫ Lack of Effort and Preparation
⚫ Inability to perform at the expected level

Grading Policy
Six Weeks averages are based on the following:
1. Minor Grades (40%):
● Daily Performance Grade – Students are expected to be on time to class with all necessary materials and
fully participate/perform in the daily activity. Students who meet these expectations will receive a 100 for
the week. Students who do not meet these expectations will receive 20 points off their weekly grade for
each day they do not meet expectations.
● Daily Assignments - Written and/or playing assignments that are given throughout the grading period.
Students will receive assignments to complete at home and/or during class time that are graded. These
assignments may be on paper, or they may be online, using their school device.
2. Major Grades (60%):
● Playing Tests - Students will play or demonstrate various exercises and music on a regular basis, in person
for a band director, to show mastery in new skills.
● Performances – All performances are required. Students are expected to show up on time, in proper
uniform, and fully participate to receive full credit. Students will not be able to make up performances, as
that time will have already passed. Students with an unexcused absence will receive a zero for that
performance. We will take into account any extenuating circumstances, but it is ultimately the director’s
decision if an absence will be excused. A calendar of events is included in the handbook for reference.

Behavior Grades
At the end of the grading period a student will receive one of the following behavior grades:
● A - Meets behavior expectations the majority of the time
● B - Usually meets behavior expectations
● C - Meets behavior expectations when reminded
● F - Often fails to meet expectations even with reminders
Criteria for determining a student’s citizenship grade shall include attitude, behavior, cooperation, courtesy,
dependability, and participation.

Sectionals
Honors Band and Symphonic Band students will have a weekly sectional beginning the first 6 weeks of school. This
is a time where each instrument section comes together once a week to have more of an individualized rehearsal.
Every effort will be made so that sectional time will not conflict with other school activities. Sectionals are a major
part of your grade and all students are expected to attend and be on time. If you are late to your sectional you will
not earn full credit. If a student misses a sectional they are expected to schedule a makeup session that week.
Students who miss a sectional 3 times without an approved excuse may be demoted.

Band Hall Rules

The following rules are in place to protect you and your belongings. Respecting and following the rules listed below
will allow you to have a more enjoyable experience in the Bowie Middle School Band.
1. No gum, candy, food, or drinks other than water.
2. No running, horseplay, or raised voices.
3. Only current band members are allowed in the Band Hall.
4. Instruments and belongings are to be kept securely in YOUR locker, and in their respective cases.
5. Do not play on anybody else’s instrument (including percussion!)
6. Do not play your instrument without permission.
7. Knock and wait for permission to enter the Band Office. Do not enter the Band Office if a director is not there.
8. Restroom breaks will be limited to 3 times during a 6 week period.
9. Cell phones must never be visible, including being placed on a music stand.
10. School wide rules and procedures must be followed and respected.
Classroom Procedures & Expectations
When class meets:
● Enter the Band Hall quietly and get your needed materials and equipment for class.
● Leave all “non-band” materials in your band locker or near it - Do not bring them into the rehearsal set-up.
● Small cases may be brought to your seat; Large cases should be left in your locker.
● You are expected to be in your seat with all materials no later than 1 minute after the tardy bell rings.
● Do not play on your instrument at the beginning of class unless you have been instructed to warm-up.
● It is the expectation that you are fully engaged and aware of what is being rehearsed during class.
● No talking during rehearsal without permission.
● Raise your hand confidently if you need to ask a question.

Morning/Afternoon Procedures & Expectations

● Enter the Band Hall
● Put away and/or get your instrument and materials
● Go to your appropriate locations - practice room, sectionals, gym, tutoring, cafeteria, home, etc.

Discipline
Students who choose not to follow the Band Hall Rules or Classroom Procedures will face one of the following
consequences depending on the infraction:
● Warning
● Student Conference and Parent Contact
● Detention and Parent Contact
● Removal from rehearsal and parent conference
● Office Referral***
● Re-examination of placement within the Band program***

***We may skip to one of these steps in the event a serious enough offense is committed***

Tardies
Students must be in the Band Hall when the bell rings. Bowie Middle School policies will be followed in regards to
discipline procedures for excessive tardies.

Materials and Equipment

Certain supplies are necessary to play an instrument correctly and effectively each day. Students are required to
bring the following materials to class every day:
● Your instrument in working condition with all accessories (mouthpieces, reeds, etc)
● 1.5” Black Band Binder with 5 Dividers and all music
(Your Band Binder should only be used in your band class!)
● A pencil pouch with 2 pencils and a highlighter
● Any textbooks or other materials that have been assigned
The following is a list of supplies that each student will receive at the start of the year along with their instrument.
Fees will be associated with these supplies - that info can be found at the end of this handbook.

Flute: Oboe:
● 1 Black 1.5” 3 Ring Binder ● 1 Black 1.5” 3 Ring Binder
● 1 Pencil Pouch ● 1 Pencil Pouch
● 5 Dividers ● 5 Dividers
● 2 Pencils ● 2 Pencils
● 1 Highlighter ● 1 Highlighter
● 1 Swab for Flute ● 1 Swab for Oboe
● 1 Bowie Band Uniform Shirt ● 1 Reed case
● Essential Elements Book 1 ● 1 Tube of Cork Grease
● 1 Bowie Band Uniform Shirt
● Essential Elements Book 1

Bassoon: Clarinet:
● 1 Black 1.5” 3 Ring Binder ● 1 Black 1.5” 3 Ring Binder
● 1 Pencil Pouch ● 1 Pencil Pouch
● 5 Dividers ● 5 Dividers
● 2 Pencils ● 2 Pencils
● 1 Highlighter ● 1 Highlighter
● 1 Swab for Bassoon ● 1 Swab for Clarinet
● 1 Reed case ● 1 Reed Guard
● 1 Tube of Cork Grease ● 1 Tube of Cork Grease
● 1 Bowie Band Uniform Shirt ● 1 Bowie Band Uniform Shirt
● Essential Elements Book 1 ● Essential Elements Book 1

Alto Saxophone: Trumpet:

● 1 Black 1.5” 3 Ring Binder ● 1 Black 1.5” 3 Ring Binder
● 1 Pencil Pouch ● 1 Pencil Pouch
● 5 Dividers ● 5 Dividers
● 2 Pencils ● 2 Pencils
● 1 Highlighter ● 1 Highlighter
● 1 Swab for Alto Saxophone ● 1 Bottle of Valve Oil
● 1 Reed Guard ● 1 Tub of Slide Grease
● 1 Cork Grease ● 1 Mouthpiece Brush
● 1 Bowie Band Uniform Shirt ● 1 Bowie Band Uniform Shirt
● Essential Elements Book 1 ● Essential Elements Book 1
 French horn: Trombone:
● 1 Black 1.5” 3 Ring Binder ● 1 Black 1.5” 3 Ring Binder
● 1 Pencil Pouch ● 1 Pencil Pouch
● 5 Dividers ● 5 Dividers
● 2 Pencils ● 2 Pencils
● 1 Highlighter ● 1 Highlighter
● 1 Bottle of Rotor Oil ● 1 Spray Bottle
● 1 Tub of Slide Grease ● 1 Bottle of Trombone Slide Lubricant
● 1 Mouthpiece Brush ● 1 Tub of Slide Grease
● 1 Bowie Band Uniform Shirt ● 1 Mouthpiece Brush
● Essential Elements Book 1 ● 1 Bowie Band Uniform Shirt
● Essential Elements Book 1

Euphonium/Baritone: Tuba:
● 1 Black 1.5” 3 Ring Binder ● 1 Black 1.5” 3 Ring Binder
● 1 Pencil Pouch ● 1 Pencil Pouch
● 5 Dividers ● 5 Dividers
● 2 Pencils ● 2 Pencils
● 1 Highlighter ● 1 Highlighter
● 1 Bottle of Valve Oil ● 1 Bottle of Valve Oil
● 1 Tub of Slide Grease ● 1 Tub of Slide Grease
● 1 Mouthpiece Brush ● 1 Mouthpiece Brush
● 1 Bowie Band Uniform Shirt ● 1 Bowie Band Uniform Shirt
● Essential Elements Book 1 ● Essential Elements Book 1

Percussion:
● 1 Black 1.5” 3 Ring Binder
● 1 Pencil Pouch
● 5 Dividers
● 2 Pencils
● 1 Highlighter
● 1 Stick Bag
● 1 Bowie Band Uniform Shirt
● Various sticks and mallets

The following music stores have all needed supplies in stock and will also perform instrument repairs if needed:

Music & Arts Music & Arts Brook Mays

4000 Five Points Blvd., Suite 129 1428 W. Pipeline Rd. 8605 John W. Carpenter Fwy
Arlington, TX 76018 Hurst, TX 76053 Dallas, TX 75247
(817) 466-8696 (817)-595-1511 (214) 905-8614
School-Owned Instruments
Students who use a school-owned instrument will be given an instrument usage agreement form with all necessary
information to complete (included at the end of this handbook). Students will not be allowed to take home a school
owned instrument until the instrument usage agreement form has been received. Students using school-owned
instruments are expected to take care of and properly maintain their instrument at all times. This includes, but is
not limited to - storing the instrument in its case with all latches latched when not in use, not dropping your
instrument, keeping valves and slides properly lubricated, and not engaging in an activity that would intentionally
damage an instrument. Students who choose not to properly take care of a school-owned instrument will face
consequences as listed in the “Discipline” section on page 5. Repeated violations will result in a student losing the
privilege to use a school-owned instrument. Fines can be assessed for damage caused to a school-owned
instrument.

We are very fortunate that Irving ISD provides an instrument to every student through the school. We highly
recommend that all beginner band students take advantage of this to get started. For advanced band students with
experience, you may consider down the line to purchase and/or rent a nicer quality instrument from a company.
Please let us know if you are interested in considering this and we can lead you in the right direction. It is very
important to be wary of purchasing instruments from places such as Amazon, pawn shops, or online shops, as many
instrument brands are not good quality. Something that seems like a ‘good deal’ may cause more harm than good in
the long run. Bad quality instruments can cause a student to become frustrated and feel unsuccessful. When in
doubt, ask a band director!

The Bowie Band will arrange for pick up and delivery of school owned instruments that need to be repaired. If a
student-owned instrument needs to go to the repair shop, you are expected to take it there in a timely manner so that
you will not lose points from your daily grade. If your instrument is in the repair shop, please bring a note from home
or have a parent/guardian email your teacher. Students will only be excused one day in addition to the dates that
your instrument is in the repair shop. Bring your mouthpiece and/or reeds because we will have an instrument for
you to borrow.

Lockers
Each student will be assigned a locker in which to keep his/her instrument and materials. Each student will also be
provided with a combination lock for their band locker if they wish. Students are also expected to keep their lockers
clean and in working condition. We will not be held responsible for any items that are stolen due to a locker not
being properly locked and secured.
Instrument Insurance
It is strongly recommended that all personally owned instruments are insured against theft and/or damage. Please
check to see that your homeowners/renters policy covers this. Be sure that you have a written record of the make,
model, and serial number of your instrument. This information is necessary if something should happen to your
instrument.

Uniforms
All band students will receive a Bowie Band Uniform Shirt. This is included in the yearly supply fee. These shirts
will be worn at various events throughout the year, and may be worn with either school uniform khaki pants, or blue
jeans, depending on the significance of the event.
Advanced band students may have an additional formal uniform that will be checked out through the school, again
depending on the significance of the performance or event. This uniform includes a long black dress for ladies, and a
white button down shirt/vest/bowtie combo for the men. Shoes, pants, and socks should be provided on your own to
go with this uniform.

Eligibility
Band members are expected to pass all classes. Failure to pass your classes can have a negative effect on your
section and the entire band. House Bill 72 requires that you pass all of your classes so that you can participate in
extracurricular activities. If you fail one or more classes you will be ineligible, and you will not be able to
participate in various activities and performances. You will be assigned an alternate assignment for a grade if you
are unable to participate in a major event. Winter/Spring concerts do not fall under this rule - ALL STUDENTS ARE
REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE REGARDLESS OF ELIGIBILITY STATUS. If you are having problems in any of your
classes please ask a director for help.

Private Lessons
In the top band programs across the state, a large number of students are studying privately. We will always work to
give the necessary individual attention to each student in order to have a quality program. However, because of the
size of our band program, it is impossible for us to reach each student as often as needed. Students are strongly
encouraged to consider private lessons as a means of extending their talents and quality of their musicianship.
Please see one of the Band Directors if you are interested in taking private lessons.

We are all proud of the tradition of the Bowie Middle School Band. We must meet the
challenge to continue our success and to reach new heights. A positive attitude, enthusiasm,
pride, and hard work from all involved will result in a successful and enjoyable year!!!
 2023 – 2024 Bowie Middle School Band Calendar
Please mark your calendars!!! If there are any changes they will be communicated as soon as possible.
*Dates with a star denote extracurricular activities where eligibility requirements must be met*
^Denotes a tentative date - These dates have not been finalized^

WHO WHAT WHEN WHERE TIME

All Band Students Band Registration Night 8/18/23 Bowie Cafeteria 4:15pm-5:30pm

All Advanced Bands Middle School Night @ Nimitz Football Game 9/15/23 Ellis Stadium 5pm-9pm

Honors Band All City Auditions* 10/14/23 DeZavala MS Various

Beginner Band Beginner Band Rehearsal 10/16/23 Bowie Band Hall 4:00-5:00pm

Beginner Band Fall Demonstration Concert 10/17/23 Bowie Cafeteria 6:00pm

Advanced Bands Fall Concert 10/25/23 Bowie Cafeteria 6:00pm

City Band Members All City Clinic/Concert Day 1* 11/3/23 Nimitz HS All Day

City Band Members All City Clinic/Concert Day 2* 11/4/23 Nimitz HS All Day

Honors Band All Region Auditions 11/11/23 Duncanville HS Various

Honors Band 8th Graders UNT College Trip* 11/17/23 UNT All Day

Region Band Members All Region Clinic/Concert Day 1* 12/1/23 Duncanville HS TBD

Region Band Members All Region Clinic/Concert Day 2* 12/2/23 Duncanville HS All Day

Beginner Band Beginner Band Rehearsal 12/5/23 Bowie Band Hall 4:00-5:00pm

Beginner Band Winter Concert 12/6/23 Bowie Cafeteria 6:00pm

Advanced Bands Winter Concert 12/12/23 Bowie Cafeteria 6:00pm

Honors Band Nimitz Cluster Winter Concert 12/14/23 Nimitz HS 7:00pm

Honors Band Winter Elementary Tour* 12/15/23 Britain, Townley, Schulze All Day

All Band Students Ensemble Contest*^ TBD TBD - Bowie TBD - evening

Advanced Bands Pre-UIL* 3/5/24 Irving HS Various

Honors Band UIL* 3/26-28/24 Nimitz HS Various

Beginner Band Beginner Band Rehearsal TBD Bowie Band Hall 4:00-5:00pm

Beginner Band Beginner Band Rehearsal TBD Bowie Band Hall 4:00-5:00pm

Beginner Band Spring Concert 4/25/24 Bowie Cafeteria 6:00pm

Advanced Bands Spring Concert 5/1/24 Bowie Cafeteria 6:00pm

Beginner Band Nimitz Fest* 5/3/24 Nimitz HS/Alley Cats All Day

All Advanced Bands Nimitz Cluster Spring Concert 5/7/24 Nimitz HS 7:00pm

All Band Students Irving ISD Solo Contest* 5/11/24 Irving HS Various

Advanced Bands Pride of Texas Music Festival* 5/21/24 Alley Cats All Day

***All social events are TBD depending on facility space and participation***
Event Descriptions
Band Registration Night
This event will be an opportunity for parents and students to check compliance on all things paperwork and
fee related - fill out forms, pay band fees, sign up to volunteer, etc. This will be a ‘come and go’ type of event, so
families can stop by anytime between 4:15-5:30 to check their status on these items.

Beginning Band Rehearsals

This is the only time we are able to get the full Beginning Band together as a large group prior to a
performance, since beginning band students are spread out among several class periods during the school day.
These will be graded.

Fall/Winter/Spring Concerts
These performances are to showcase the hard work of our band students to the parents, the school, and the
community. These concerts are held at either Bowie or Nimitz, depending on who is involved. These will be graded.

Solo & Ensemble Contest

We will participate in the Irving ISD Solo & Ensemble Contests. All students will be given a solo to learn, and
be involved in a small group ensemble. Students must be academically eligible to attend, otherwise they will
perform for peers during class. This will be graded.

All-City and All-Region

Honors Band members will participate in auditioning for the All-City and All-Region bands. Being selected
to be a part of one of these groups is among the highest achievements a middle school band student can have.
Students from all over the city and all over the region will audition by playing etudes and scales against each other
for placements in these groups. Eligibility and a pre-screening process will determine who will participate.

Contests, Festivals, and UIL

All Bowie Bands (beginner and advanced) will participate in some form of a full band contest or festival,
where we will perform select pieces of music in front of judges that give us ratings and scores. These performances
are more on the ‘serious’ side of what we will do throughout the year, as it gives us an opportunity to be assessed on
our hard work at a higher level. UIL contest is the equivalent of the STAAR assessment but for Fine Arts. The other
festivals are more relaxed, but do offer the band opportunities for high achievements. The goal is for all students to
participate in these exciting performances, but they must meet various requirements to attend.

Social Events/Parties/Trips
The Bowie Band offers many optional social events for its members during the school year. In order to
participate, students will be responsible for paying the required costs (if applicable) in addition to passing their
academic classes (if required), exhibiting/maintaining a high standard of behavior, and meeting the requirements to
participate as set forth by the band directors. These events will be a variety of on and off campus activities.