Sound of the Swarm concludes its historic season with strong national showing

MITCHELL— The Mitchell Jr/Sr High School “Sound of the Swarm” Marching Band has wrapped up a truly historic season, culminating in a strong performance at the Class A Mid-States Band Association (MSBA) Championships in Independence, Kentucky.

The “Sound of the Swarm” proudly placed 13th among 21 top bands hailing from Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. This placement marks a significant leap forward in performance and competitiveness for the program.

The highlight of the season was achieving a significant milestone for the Mitchell program: for the first time, the band advanced to the ISSMA Scholastic Class B State Finals. This accomplishment signifies a season defined by passion, discipline, and shared commitment from every student.

Under the show title “There’s a Monster Under My Bed,” featuring original music by Randall Standridge and Mo Longo, the students brought their production to life one final time at the MSBA Championships.

The Mitchell Band program was directed by Paul Pfeifer, with the Color Guard instructed by Elli Carr and Nikki Mitchell. The Drum Majors leading the group were Andino Scarfone & Sophia Arvin.

Dedication from the Swarm

The “Sound of the Swarm” boasts a dedicated membership across all sections:

  • Drum Majors: Andino Scarfone, Sophia Arvin
  • Color Guard: Alli Foddrill, Cora Young, Emma Payton, Hollie Mitchell, Kali Hanners, Sophia Arvin, Jerilynn Pace, Daizy Arvin, Lillian Guess, Bella Shifflett
  • Woodwinds: Flute (Andino Scarfone, Hannah Elliott, Scarlott Mattox); Clarinet (Emma Cook, Trevor Connerley); Alto Saxophone (Max Petro, Brennen Cooper, Anderson Lee)
  • Brass: Trumpet (Lucas Meyer, Aiden Lee, Jaysen Edwards); Mellophone (Jaslynne Pace); Trombone (Reece Grissom, Gavin Adams, Owen Freeman); Baritone (Jakobi Cravens, Andrew McKnight, Rylee Hayhurst); Sousaphone (Lou Christensen)
  • Percussion: Isabelle Sanders, Catalina Bess, Gabe Wood, Judah Spear, Walter Bess, Nahomi Perez, Chloe Hughes, Casey Stroud

Community Support Fuels Success

The Mitchell Band Boosters would like to extend a special thank you to the many local sponsors whose generous contributions helped make the successful season possible.

The swarm has spoken—and it’s louder than ever.

Sponsors include: Alternative Care Solutions, Cecil C Martin American Legion Post #250, Andy McKnight, Applacres, Bedford Federal Savings Bank, Lazy “K” Quarter Horses- Memory of Wendell Kern, Chastain Funeral Home, Chief Senior Marketing, LLC, Curtis Orthodontist, David & Cindy Dunn, Deckard’s Garage, Dr. James F. King DDS, Elizabeth McKnight, Hometown Scoops, Hubler Chevrolet Buick GMC Inc, James & Julie Freeman, James Ins. Agency, Kirk Veterinary Services, Lucas Indiana Reality & Home Services, Marvin Davis VFW Post #9107, Mitchell Masonic Lodge #228, Peter & Melissa Horton, Roots RV & Sales Inc., Sosh Drywall, Timeless Image Photography, Tony & Patty Sanders, Women’s Auxiliary Bedford & Boat Sportsman Club, Mitchell Presbyterian Church, Mitchell Tri Kappa, and the Mitchell Police Department.