Our Bands

Wind Ensemble

Wind Ensemble is our most advanced ensemble, designed to emphasize continued individual development in areas such as technique, tone, and music literacy through a progressive curriculum of upper middle school and high school level music literature. Honor Winds is a performing ensemble that is made up of mostly 8th grade students, but occasionally has 7th graders. Students in this band must be highly proficient on their instrument and must be willing to commit to regular rehearsal and practice time.

All Wind Ensemble students will have one 60-minute sectional rehearsal per week as well as some extra full band rehearsals throughout the year. Students in this band are expected to participate in the scheduled rehearsals, concerts, pep rallies, and contests. In addition, each student will audition for the TMEA All Region Band and expected to participate in the Solo & Ensemble contest. In order to maintain a high level of performance, Honor Winds students will need to practice 30 to 45 minutes daily.

It is also strongly recommended that the student participate in the district supplemental private lesson program.

Symphonic Band

Symphonic Band is a performing ensemble that is mostly made up of seventh grade students along with some eighth graders. Students in this band must be proficient on their instrument and must be willing to commit to regular rehearsal and practice time. Symphonic Band students will have one 60-minute sectional rehearsal per week as well as some extra full band rehearsals throughout the year. Students in this band are expected to participate in the scheduled rehearsals, concerts, pep rallies, and contests.

All students are expected to participate in the Solo & Ensemble Contest. In order to maintain a high level of performance, Symphonic Band students will need to practice 30 to 45 minutes daily. It is also recommended that students participate in the district supplemental private lesson program.

Concert Band

Concert Band is our 3rd performing ensemble that is mostly made up of seventh grade students along with some eighth graders. Students in this band are progressing on their instrument and must be willing to commit to regular rehearsal and practice time. Concert Band students will have one 60-minute sectional rehearsal per week as well as some extra full band rehearsals throughout the year. Students in this band are expected to participate in the scheduled rehearsals, concerts, pep rallies, and contests. All students are expected to participate in the Solo & Ensemble Contest.

It is recommended that students participate in the district supplemental Private Lessons.

Beginner Band

Beginner Band is the first step in your journey as a member of the Bowman Middle School Band. Students in the Beginner Band will enjoy instrument specific classes where they can learn to play their chosen instrument in a small-group setting. No previous musical background is required. Students will learn how to play their instrument in a fun environment designed to teach all of the skills necessary to perform concerts for your family and friends!

The Beginner Band will perform several concerts throughout the first year. Beginners perform two concerts a year, as well as at the Plano Courtyard Festival in the spring. We take fun field trips every year to Hawaiian Falls, Medieval Times, Epic Waters, and Studio Movie Grill.

The Beginner Band is primarily made up of 6th grade students, but we love beginners of any age!

Jazz Band

The Bowman Jazz Band is an additional ensemble that meets once a week on Mondays after school and is open to any 7th or 8th grade band member who wants to focus on and learn how to play jazz music. The jazz band learns how to read and perform all styles of jazz, including swing, blues, latin, funk, bebop and more. There is a heavy emphasis on improvisation where students can learn to play improvised jazz solos.

Under the direction of Mr. McCraw, the Bowman Jazz Band plays various gigs around the community and school, as well as various festivals around DFW throughout the school year.

Combined Orchestra

The Combined Orchestra at Bowman is a combination of the Bowman Wind Ensemble and the Bowman Honor Orchestra. Our top band and orchestra students combine every April to learn the fundamentals of playing in an orchestra. This gives the students the ability to see and learn about instruments they don't see every day, as well as work on music in different key centers than they are used to. Under the direction of Mr. Caspersen and Ms. Farrar, the Bowman Honor Orchestra has consistently received superior ratings at area concert festivals.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse