Refer to this page for answers to some frequently asked questions about the school, the music conservatory and the Music Guild. If you have additional questions, please refer to the contacts page.
Q: When is the all-school musical?
A: The all-school musical typically takes place in September. In the Heights, A Chorus Line and Bring It On were performed in the past three years. Auditions for the all-school musical take place in the spring.
Q: Where do I find the school calendar?
A: Refer to the DISD BTWHSPVA website for district, activities and performance calendars.
Q: Is there an email newsletter?
A: You can sign up for a school-wide newsletter online.
Q: What is the Black Box? And the MAT? Where is the Green Room?
A: Here are some locations, lingo and acronyms you'll hear around campus:
Q: What are the hours of the school day?
A: School starts at 9:00 and dismisses at 4:20 p.m.
Q: Do students wear badges?
A: Yes. Students are expected to carry a badge every day. Replacements cost $5 and can be obtained from the library.
Q: Which entrance do the students use?
A: The Zero floor Woodall Rogers Street entrance opens for students at 7 a.m. All students, parents and guests are expected to enter at the Zero floor Woodall Rogers entrance between 7-9 a.m. After 9:30 a.m., parents and guests may enter the building using the Routh Street doors. All students must enter and be checked via the metal detectors. Parents and visitors must check in at the security desk. All parents and visitors must present a valid ID at the security desk. The ID will be scanned using and a visitor badge will be issued. The visitor badge must be worn at all times when in the building between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Q: What is a PEAR card?
A: Each student is required to attend a minimum of one performance or gallery opening IN EACH CONSERVATORY at BTWHSPVA during the school year. Students are issued a Performance/Exhibition Attendance Requirement or PEAR card to keep track of their attendance. Students receive credit in their major class each semester for attending the required number of performances, and they will not receive credit for attending events in which they are performing or serving as crew. Purchasing an Arts Pass is an affordable way to help your student punch his or her PEAR card. Platinum and Platinum + Music Guild members receive an Arts Pass with membership.
A: The all-school musical typically takes place in September. In the Heights, A Chorus Line and Bring It On were performed in the past three years. Auditions for the all-school musical take place in the spring.
Q: Where do I find the school calendar?
A: Refer to the DISD BTWHSPVA website for district, activities and performance calendars.
Q: Is there an email newsletter?
A: You can sign up for a school-wide newsletter online.
Q: What is the Black Box? And the MAT? Where is the Green Room?
A: Here are some locations, lingo and acronyms you'll hear around campus:
- MAT: The Montgomery Arts Theater is the main performance hall on campus. You can get to its foyer at an entrance off the Green Room or through public doors on Jack Evans Street southwest of the school.
- Black Box: The Black Box Theater is on the 2nd floor of the historic building of the school and is used mainly by the theater conservatory.
- BTW Advisory Board: The Advisory Board raises funds for students to attend competitions, college auditions, and summer programs, and provides financial backing for teachers to explore new programming and for the school to buy new instruments and art supplies. The board's motto is We budget, we plan, we believe so the students can create. Visit the Advisory Board website for more information.
- BCR: The BCR is the blue conference room on the 3rd floor.
- GCR: The GCR is the gold conference room on the 2nd floor.
- Green Room: The Green Room is the interior courtyard the links the old and new buildings on campus. Students often eat and perform in this space.
- Hudson Foundation Gallery: This is the visual arts gallery on the 1st floor. You can enter from the historic building or doors at the rear of the Green Room.
- ARTS Pass: The ARTS Pass is a great way for parents, students, faculty and supporters to donate to the conservatories and pay for performing arts events in advance. ARTS Passes are typically sold at registration and other school events throughout the year.
- The Guilds: Each conservatory has a membership group called a guild that promotes, fosters and supports the conservatory. (Dance, Theater, Music, Visual Arts)
- Crew Hours: The conservatories may require crew hours in which students volunteer at a conservatory event. They may be asked to hand out programs, greet guests, or work backstage.
- Master Classes: Master classes may be offered throughout the year and give students a chance to learn from special guests, performers or alums.
- Conservatory Ensembles: Students will have the chance to perform in small group ensembles. Information on the ensembles, auditions, rehearsals and expectations will be available at the beginning of the school year. Previous ensembles included opera, jazz, gospel, mariachi and contemporary. Parent liaisons for these ensembles are listed on the contacts page of this website.
- Senior Showcase: Seniors in each conservatory will present or perform for representatives of colleges, universities and conservatories in a quest for admission, scholarship and college degrees. This annual event is held in November and volunteers are always needed.
- College Fair: This annual event is typically held on a Friday afternoon during Senior Showcase and is open to all students and parents. Colleges host tables with brochure and catalog information, answer questions and provide additional information to potential students.
- PTSA: The Parent Teacher Student Association is designed to promote and encourage parent participation, support of the school and support of the faculty. Parent membership is $20. Student membership is $5. Visit the PTSA on Facebook to learn more.
- SBDM: The Site-Based Decision Making Committee works with school administration to help make decisions and implement programs in all areas of the school.
- Flight School: This annual event is for freshmen and new students only and typically takes place in August. Over the course of a few days students experience a 'day in the life' of a Booker T. student and participate in orientation activities.
Q: What are the hours of the school day?
A: School starts at 9:00 and dismisses at 4:20 p.m.
Q: Do students wear badges?
A: Yes. Students are expected to carry a badge every day. Replacements cost $5 and can be obtained from the library.
Q: Which entrance do the students use?
A: The Zero floor Woodall Rogers Street entrance opens for students at 7 a.m. All students, parents and guests are expected to enter at the Zero floor Woodall Rogers entrance between 7-9 a.m. After 9:30 a.m., parents and guests may enter the building using the Routh Street doors. All students must enter and be checked via the metal detectors. Parents and visitors must check in at the security desk. All parents and visitors must present a valid ID at the security desk. The ID will be scanned using and a visitor badge will be issued. The visitor badge must be worn at all times when in the building between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Q: What is a PEAR card?
A: Each student is required to attend a minimum of one performance or gallery opening IN EACH CONSERVATORY at BTWHSPVA during the school year. Students are issued a Performance/Exhibition Attendance Requirement or PEAR card to keep track of their attendance. Students receive credit in their major class each semester for attending the required number of performances, and they will not receive credit for attending events in which they are performing or serving as crew. Purchasing an Arts Pass is an affordable way to help your student punch his or her PEAR card. Platinum and Platinum + Music Guild members receive an Arts Pass with membership.