THE DURAND MARCHING BAND trailer was recently updated with new graphics honoring the history and tradition of the celebrated program. In 1966, the band traveled to Pasadena, CA for the Rose Bowl Parade, which helped inspire the program to compete at a higher level. The program then switched from MSBOA competition to the corps-style competition of MCBA in 1976, and the band really began to take off, winning a Governor’s Trophy as the state’s top marching band, nine 2nd place trophies, and 15 state championship trophies since that time.
The new design was created by Michigan Railroad History Museum Curator and 2001 Durand High School graduate Mike Boudro, and the decals were applied by The Great Gazebo of Morrice. Boudro also designed the band’s new website, which can be viewed by visiting www.durandbands.org. While bands across Michigan do not need reminding of the prowess of the Durand band, the new design will help to inspire the current Durand band, while also giving a nod to those who came before. As Boudro said recently, “The bands of the past set the tone for future Durand bands, and it is important that the next generations know what they have to live up to. And, if you notice, the new design is positioned on the trailer so that more trophies can be added in the future.”
The Durand band is hoping to transition from the Chris Anderson era into a new, more successful era under the leadership of Nick Remesz, who took over as director this summer. The band will debut new uniforms on Thursday, Aug 31, which is also the date of the first-ever Durand Marching Band Alumni Game. All former Durand band members are being invited to partake in the event. Those interested should contact Remesz to obtain sheet music and particulars. Band members and alumni will meet in the Durand High School band room at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 31, and the group will join the band on the field for the unveiling of the band’s new uniforms to the community.
(Independent Photo/Graham Sturgeon)
