Memories of Band Director Bill Mitchell

According to Mahanoy Area Historical Society’s Images of America book, “In 1957 Mahanoy City High School hired Bill Mitchell as Band Director. A trombone student from the famous Professor Dorsey, the service veteran and graduate of Pennsylvania State University was about to revolutionize the performance of high school marching bands.”

During his tenure as Band Director and throughout his musical career, Mitchell inspired friends, colleagues and students. Here are a few personal reflections on Mitchell‘s love of music education.

Hartman Beynon, Musician

“I was a friend of Bill Mitchell. I had graduated in 1949 so I didn’t have the pleasure of playing in the band when he was the leader, but I did play in the Mahanoy City High School band when another Bill was the leader.  Of course, I am speaking now of Bill Becker. Bill Mitchell and I shared a passion for band music, which is how we became friends. We went fishing together and shared stories about bands and band musicians. I was a member of The United States Army Band and had studied under a cornet soloist with The United States Navy Band, who had played in the Arthur Pryor Band. Bill Mitchell enjoyed hearing stories about my teacher, Oscar Short, and the Pryor band as we sat in the boat at Locust Lake.”

Mary Edith Rhoades, Educator

“Bill Mitchell came to Mahanoy Area when I was a senior cheerleader. He was the first to allow cheerleaders to be part of the marching band. He was our hero! Bill fashioned the band on the style of the Penn State Blue Band of which he was a former member. By the time I returned to teach at Mahanoy Area, the Golden Bear band was recognized as one of the best high school bands, not only in the county, but in the state. Eventually, I became advisor of the band front and cherished every minute I spent working and traveling with Mr. Mitchell and the band. Today when I watch Penn State’s Blue Band, I see Bill Mitchell’s Golden Bear band marching down that field. Memories are Golden!”

Daniel FREEBO Friedberg, Folk-Rock Blues Icon

“Bill Mitchell is one of my heroes and certainly had a big influence on my life. I, along with so many, hold him in very high regard.”