In Chapter 16, Bud is initiated into band life. He gets to experience band camaraderie first hand when the band members decide to get him acquainted with band rules and christian him with a band-friendly nick-name.
To start, Miss Thomas, the band's singer, tells Bud that the band has decided to keep him with them for the time being. Bud is so happy that he can't help smiling widely at the news. However, Miss Thomas warns him that he has to pull his own weight by helping out with the chores if he's going to be part of the band. Mr. Jimmy also says that a good rule of thumb is to practice two hours a day.
Steady Eddie gives Bud his old saxophone case because Bud's own case appears to be in bad condition; later he also gives Bud a recorder so that he can practice on it. When Bud proudly announces to the rest of the band that he is now a member of the group, several members like Dirty Deed welcomes him kindly. Eventually, a band member,The Thug, tells everyone that it's time they give Bud a band name.
At this announcement, Miss Thomas leaves the room, as she says that the naming process is a 'mysterious and special' masculine enterprise she has no interest in intruding upon. After she leaves, Bud notices that the atmosphere becomes serious and sort of like being at school. Band members raise their hands when they wish to speak or to offer suggestions for Bud's new name. Meanwhile, Mr. Jimmy, the senior musician, presides over the naming process.
The first one to offer a suggestion is The Thug, who suggests the name Waterworks Willy. However, Mr. Jimmy shuts him down, saying that he is out of line for suggesting such a name. The next speaker is Steady Eddie, who proposes that they name Bud, Sleepy, because he seems to sleep a lot. Dirty Deed draws attention to how slim Bud is, and Doo-Doo Bug suggests the name, Bone. Upon hearing this, Steady Eddie says that the name isn't classy enough. Eventually, everyone compromises and they name Bud, Sleepy La Bone, because it has a French twist to it. The band members think that this lends the nick-name a classy character.
Overall, the band members treat Bud respectfully and kindly. They make him feel welcomed and included by giving him a band nick-name. Bud thinks that the trendy nick-name is just the sort of name to inspire anyone to practice four hours a day in order to live up to the designation.
Hope this helps! (If it does I'll take my $10 in an Xbox gift card lol)
