The halls of Bowie high school fill with a symphony of success as the marching band rejoices their grand championship of a first division win in band UIL.

After experiencing lost time and diminishing numbers during the COVID-19 Pandemic, the marching band was able to recover and come back stronger than ever.

“I thought it was one of our most successful seasons since 2019.”  said Mr. Solis, band director of the James Bowie Band.

Junior band member Andre Huerta who plays the French Horn says he was proud of the band.

“The band season was really fun, it was really tiring for us, but it was really worth it and seeing our hard work come together.” said Huerta.

Junior band member Lyna Mai who plays the clarinet describes the marching season as fun.

“Since we got our first division this year, it just made me more motivated to work harder.” said Mai.

Reflecting on marching season, Huerta thinks he did good and learned a lot and will do better.

Mai feels that she has learned more, especially after the leadership camp during summer.

“Of course as a teacher I see their potential, I know they do good.” said Solis.

The typical day of a band member involves one band class a day, marching rehearsal afterschool from 4-6 pm, and simply hanging out with friends.

“The band hall is like their clubhouse, a safespace,” said Solis.

Students are welcome to hang out and converse with their friends before and after school.

“They come eat here with their friends, build camaraderie, and culture.”

Huerta mentions that being in band mainly consists of rehearsing, practicing music, and doing homework.

However Mai says that it can get chaotic whenever they set up.

The challenging aspect of band according to Solis is managing schedule, personal life, and academics.

“Once you managed it and put in a calendar, you’re good to go.” said Solis.

Mai mentions that some days they feel tired, unmotivated, and that they haven’t improved.

Huerta comments that the hardest part of band was trying not to get discouraged and mentions that you can get tired.

“If you stick through it, then you’ll succeed and you’ll have fun memories for the rest of your life.” said Huerta. 

Despite these challenges, the students persevere and remember the good parts of band.

“The easiest part of being in band is to work with students who I love and care for.” said Solis.

Huerta recalls the fun memories he made with his friends during his time in band.

“I love that we have time to just talk to each other and have fun.” said Huerta.

Mai enjoys playing at the competitions and football games, where they can hang out and chill with their friends. 

“We just have to put our mind to it to achieve our goal.” said Mai.

Being in band can leave a lasting impression and will leave you with fun memories for a lifetime.

Huerta mentions that being in band is worth it because you get to learn how to play an instrument which he says a lot of people take for granted.

Mai says that she wouldn’t have any after school activities or something fun to do if she weren’t in band.

Solis mentions that the majority of his students return as managers, doctors, lawyers, leaders, and much more.

“It fills up your leadership, communication, collaboration skills, everything that you need to be successful for the real world to get a job.” said Huerta.