For the first time in nearly two decades, the sound of drums and brass is echoing once again through the halls of Cody High School. Thanks to the 32n Out of School Time (OST) Grant, Cody’s marching band has been revived, creating a powerful new outlet for students to grow academically, socially, and musically.
At the center of this revival is band director Mr. Damian Lyles, a proud DPSCD alum who returned to Detroit in 2023 after more than 20 years of teaching music in Florida. With deep roots in Detroit’s band culture, from marching at Ferry Elementary and King High School to mentoring directors at Renaissance High School, Mr. Lyles knows firsthand the role music can play in shaping futures.
“When I arrived at Cody, there were no instruments, no materials, nothing,” Lyles recalls. “We had to build everything from the ground up.”
With support from Andrew McGuire and DPSCD, Cody began acquiring instruments, including tubas, trombones, clarinets, and drums. They are still growing as many essential items are still needed.
A Grassroots Movement
Rebuilding a program from scratch takes persistence. Lyles started small, recruiting students in the lunchroom and working with just three over the summer in one-on-one sessions. By the fall, he had grown the marching band to more than 20 committed students, all of whom were new to learning an instrument.
Thanks to OST, students received tutoring and academic support after school, ensuring their grades stayed strong enough to validate their participation. “Without OST, we would’ve had to shut down rehearsals for homework and testing,” said Lyles. “Because of it, our students stayed on track academically and could focus on music too.”
More Than Music
The impact goes beyond instruments and performances. Students who once struggled academically have raised their grades from below passing to A’s and B’s. OST provided meals, tutoring, and a safe space after school that attracted not only aspiring musicians but athletes and other students curious to learn something new.
Lyles also emphasized building community and discipline. Trips like the November 2024 visit to Central State University gave students their first glimpse of collegiate marching band culture — and their first chance to travel together as ambassadors of Cody. They represented the District with excellence, earning praise from faculty and staff at every stop.
Eyes on the Future
Now, Cody’s marching band is preparing for its official debut at Homecoming on Friday, October 3. The group is practicing daily and continuing to fundraise for upcoming opportunities, including a trip to Florida to perform in the MLK Day Parade in 2026.
While challenges remain — from the need for additional instruments and proper storage to more support for travel — the return of Cody’s marching band is a milestone worth celebrating. What was once a silent field will once again be filled with music, pride, and the energy of students who’ve worked tirelessly to bring the tradition back to life.
“Band gave me my start, and now I want to give these students the same chance,” Lyles said. “This is about more than music — it’s about showing them what’s possible.”
Come See the Marching Band in Action
Join us for Cody’s Homecoming Game on Friday, October 3 at 5:00 pm to witness the debut of the marching band. The game will take place at Cody High School, 18445 Cathedral St, Detroit, MI 48228.
Are you a former Cody High School marching band member?
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Support the Cody Marching Band’s Upcoming Trip to Play on a National Stage!
The comeback of Cody’s Marching Band is only the beginning. Our students have the opportunity to perform during a once-in-a-lifetime trip that will showcase their talent and pride on a national stage.
We’re raising $20,000 to make this dream a reality. Your support will help cover travel, housing, meals, and other expenses for students, teachers, and chaperones.
