Performing Arts

Arts Mission Statement

Bowman offers Performing Arts Education as part of our curriculum through vocal and instrumental music, drama, and dance. The collaborative, interactive environment at Bowman allows for student participation in athletics, rigorous academics, and performing arts, providing students with a superior, well-rounded education. Our desire is to educate students physically, mentally and aesthetically.

Vocal Music Programs

Middle School Music Makers

This is a yearlong elective open to 6th-8th grade students. The choir sings traditional choral music, as well as show choir material. Objectives include: general musicianship, music literacy, healthy vocal production, and vocal independence and interdependence. The Music Makers perform two concerts each year, attend a festival every other year, and provide community service performances. Students audition for placement in this class in the spring of the preceding school year.

Bowman Chorus

This after-school ensemble is open to all 4-6th grade students. The Chorus meets Wednesdays from 2:45-3:45 in the Band Room. They sing a variety of choral music while learning basic elements of rhythm, pitch, harmony, form, musical notation and healthy vocal production. The Chorus performs in two concerts each year: December and May.

3rd Grade Choir

This choir is open to all 3rd grade students and rehearses once a week during lunch recess. Rehearsals begin in January and continue to the May concert. The Choir sings a variety of music while learning basic elements of rhythm, pitch, form and healthy vocal production.

1st-5th Grade Sing-Alongs

On the second and fourth Friday of each month, our 1st - 5th grade classrooms gather in the MP for a "Sing-Along." Repertoire includes patriotic/historical songs, folksongs, seasonal songs, and other children's selections. The objective is to instill of love of singing while teaching about culture, community civics, and common seasons.

Music Programs

Advanced Band

Advanced Band involves instrumental students in grades 6-8. This is a full-year elective that rehearses four times a week. It includes two evening public performances, two school assembly performances, field trips, and community performances. In Wind Ensemble, students concentrate on developing proficiency on their instruments and learn the intricacies of playing in a large group. They also explore small group and solo playing and have opportunities to perform in honor bands and solo/ensemble contests throughout the school year.

Concert Band

Participation in Concert Band is open to 5th-8th grade students who play a musical instrument. It is a full-year elective that rehearses four times a week and includes two public performances and two school assembly performances a year. This ensemble is focused on developing musical literacy and improving playing technique and ability. Students are introduced to playing in both large and small groups and establishing the skills required to perform with fellow musicians.

5th Grade Band Students

5th grade band students receive two 30-minute lessons a week during the school day. They have the opportunity to become members of the Concert Band once they have established a good tone and basic playing ability on their instruments. Because this is a pull-out program, students must maintain good grades in their classroom subjects in order to participate in band.

4th Grade Recorders

All fourth grade students participate in the Bowman Recorder Program. It is a full-year program that introduces students to playing a musical instrument. Reading music, hand-eye coordination, playing in a group, and developing good practice habits are just some of the skills acquired through participation. The development of music literacy in an important component in student education at Bowman, and this program establishes a foundation for involvement in the vocal and instrumental music programs in 5th-8th grade at Bowman and beyond.

Drama Programs

Drama/Musical Theater

This two trimester elective is open to 6th-8th grade students during the Fall and Winter Trimesters. Some after school commitments are required. Performances are in February. Students audition for this class in the spring of the preceding school year.

2022 Production:

TBA

Past Productions:

  • 2019: "Guys & Dolls Jr."

  • 2018: "Finian's Rainbow Jr."

  • 2017: "The Lion King Jr."

  • 2016: "Fame Jr."

  • 2015: "5, 6, 7, 8!" - A Musical Revue

  • 2014: "Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr. "

  • 2013: "Oliver"

  • 2012: "Beat of Broadway" - A Musical Revue

  • 2011: "Seussical Jr."

  • 2010: "Coyote and Raven on Trial"

  • 2009: "Once on This Island, Jr."