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 musicians in 5th grade meet with a representative from Lansing's Marshall Music along with Mr. A 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 (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 7th/8th Grade Band have indoor concert performances three times during the school year: October, December, and March.

The 6th Grade Beginning Band performs twice a year, once in December, and once in May.

Each concert features selections that the students have been working on in that marking period. 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, while the October concert features music that we learn at the start of the year to kick things off.

Concerts featuring the 6th grade band 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.