Where the Youngest Railroaders Begin

The Middle School program at Durand is vital to the organization as a whole and to creating successful bands at the High School level. It is at DMS where our students gain vital fundamental knowledge of their instrument and of musical theory. These building blocks are then built upon for the rest of their musical career at Durand. We are committed to providing our youngest students with the same quality band experience as their older fellow Railroaders.

What to know

Aspiring 5th grade musicians meet with a representative from Lansing's Marshall Music, where they are given a series of tests to determine potential options for instrument choice. Band students at the middle school level experience a similar class style to that of the high school, but with more emphasis on the basics of reading music and operating their instruments. Older middle school students (6th, 7th, and 8th graders) are invited to be a part of the marching performances like Parades and Homecoming, giving them a primer in the type of outdoor performances required of them at the next level.

Concerts

The Middle School bands have indoor concert performances two times during the school year: December and May.

The December concert is holiday-themed, and the May concert is typically a showcase concert of pieces we like and think you'll like too.

Concerts featuring the 5th and 6th grade bands typically consist of pieces that show off the students' fundamental understanding of music theory and instrumentation, whereas 7th and 8th grade concerts feature more robust, challenging pieces that represent their growing understanding of the activity.

Performances are mandatory for all students and are a large part of their grade for the class.