Filmmaker's Documentary Honors Legendary Detroit High School Band Director

Brandi Mitchell's film "Bobby's Kids" celebrates the impact of Bobby L. Brown and the Mackenzie High School "Band of Renown"

Mar. 15, 2026 at 10:04am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Brandi Mitchell, a 1990 graduate of Detroit's Mackenzie High School, is creating a documentary film called "Bobby's Kids" that honors the legacy of her former band director, Bobby L. Brown. Brown built the Mackenzie "Band of Renown" into a collegiate-style powerhouse that became a pipeline to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), sending nearly 100 students on band scholarships. Mitchell's film uses old VHS footage to showcase the band's precision marching and high-energy performances that captivated the local community.

Why it matters

The Mackenzie High School band under Brown's leadership provided a transformative experience for students, many from single-parent, low-income homes, opening their eyes to new educational and career opportunities through HBCU band programs. Mitchell's documentary aims to revive the legacy of the "Band of Renown" and inspire current students to pursue the discipline and sense of community that band participation can provide.

The details

Brown, a Southern University graduate, built the Mackenzie "Band of Renown" into a renowned program in the 1980s, creating a pipeline for nearly 100 students to attend HBCUs on band scholarships. The band's high-stepping, precision marching and extended dance routines provided an authentic HBCU atmosphere right in the Mackenzie neighborhood, drawing crowds of community members to watch the band practice. After Brown left Mackenzie for an administrative role, the school closed in 2007 and the building was demolished in 2012.

  • Brown started as band director at Mackenzie High School in the early 1980s.
  • The first Mackenzie High student joined the Southern University marching band in 1984.
  • At one point in the 1980s, there were nearly 40 Mackenzie students in the Southern University marching band.
  • Brandi Mitchell graduated from Mackenzie High in 1990.
  • Mackenzie High School closed in 2007 and the building was demolished in 2012.

The players

Bobby L. Brown

The late band director at Detroit's Mackenzie High School who built the "Band of Renown" into a renowned program that became a pipeline for students to attend HBCUs on band scholarships.

Brandi Mitchell

A 1990 graduate of Mackenzie High School and the filmmaker creating the documentary "Bobby's Kids" to honor the legacy of her former band director, Bobby L. Brown.

Southern University and A&M College

The HBCU in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, known for its acclaimed "Human Jukebox" marching band, which received many students from Mackenzie High School's "Band of Renown" on band scholarships.

Mackenzie High School

The former Detroit high school with a vibrant, tile-accented building that housed the renowned "Band of Renown" under the leadership of Bobby L. Brown.

Detroit Public Schools Community District

The school district that Mackenzie High School was a part of, which Brandi Mitchell is hoping to engage with to showcase her documentary "Bobby's Kids".

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Mr. Brown was 'branding' the Mackenzie band before it was called 'branding.' He made sure that our band was seen, and that's also how he raised money for our uniforms and instruments.”

— Brandi Mitchell, Filmmaker and former Mackenzie High School student (freep.com)

“Mr. Brown was literally saving our lives and teaching each band member that you can be a part of something bigger than yourself.”

— Brandi Mitchell, Filmmaker and former Mackenzie High School student (freep.com)

“He was the Pied Piper of the neighborhood.”

— Brandi Mitchell, Filmmaker and former Mackenzie High School student (freep.com)

What’s next

Mitchell is in communication with the Detroit Public Schools Community District to schedule a viewing of "Bobby's Kids" for select Detroit educators, students, and parents this spring.

The takeaway

Brandi Mitchell's documentary "Bobby's Kids" celebrates the transformative impact of Bobby L. Brown and the Mackenzie High School "Band of Renown", which provided discipline, community, and educational opportunities for students, many from underprivileged backgrounds. The film aims to inspire current students to pursue the life-changing benefits of band participation.