https://midmichigannow.com/news/local/hamady-middlehigh-school-band-receives-new-uniforms-after-becoming-full-music-program#
FLINT, Mich. — One local marching band is back stronger than ever. They are also receiving new uniforms from a local Flint designer.
For the first time since 2008, the Hamady Middle & High School marching band is back as a full-music program.
It stands strong, with about 50 kids involved in the marching band.
For the first time since 2008, the Hamady Middle & High School marching band became a full-music program (Courtesy of Hamady Middle & High School).
One of those students is Desmond Brown, an 11th grader at the school who plays the snare drums.
"I've been playing music my whole life," said Brown.
For the past three years, Brown has watched this program grow and expand to something that means the world to him.
"I feel really appreciative because people are starting to care about the band. It hasn't really been a full band, I can't even count how many years," said Brown.
Deandre Golden, the school's music teacher and band director, said music has been a big part of his life.
He started playing in his high school band in the fifth grade, and he knows firsthand how important it is to teach young students the art of music.
"Music is one of those things, as we have progressed. One of those arts that has got lost. So it's very important, especially for a city like Flint, where it's so few opportunities. Our kids need these types of things to keep them out of trouble, out of the streets and keep them in a position where they can go out and see things that they wouldn't normally see and be inspired to do other things," said Golden.
And no band would be complete without a uniform. The custom uniforms were designed and made by local Flint artist Kiara Tyler.
"Just taking the traditional athletic tracksuit and just adding some marching band ambiance to it. So, that's where the chest plate idea came from, and of course, displaying the school boldly on the chest. Which is tradition for marching bands. I just wanted to make sure that I gave them a marching band feel with their uniforms, but still comply with what the school wanted," said Tyler.
"I just want to be involved in the overall elevation of our community, as far as how we're represented. I think that the perfect start is with our youth," said Tyler.