MITCHELL— The Mitchell Jr/Sr High School marching band, the “Sound of the Swarm,” achieved a historic milestone on Saturday, October 10th, earning its first-ever qualification for the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) State Finals.
Competing at the ISSMA Prelims Scholastic Class B event in Jasper, Indiana, the band delivered a standout performance of their 2025 show, “There’s a Monster Under My Bed.” The show, featuring original music by Randall Standridge and Mo Longo, captivated the judges, earning the ensemble a prestigious GOLD rating with distinction in the Music caption.
The top rating officially secured the program a coveted spot in the state-level competition, marking a momentous achievement in the history of Mitchell’s marching band program.
The “Sound of the Swarm” is led by Director Paul Pfeifer, with support from Color Guard Instructors Elli Carr and Nikki Mitchell, and Drum Majors Andino Scarfone and Sophia Arvin.
The band will now prepare to compete for the state championship at the ISSMA Scholastic Class Finals on Saturday, October 25th, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis. The community is invited to celebrate the band’s historic success and wish them well as they advance to the next level of competition.
