The Mitchell High School marching band wrapped up its season Thursday night with a hometown performance at the school’s Performing Arts Center, drawing a full house of local supporters, mitchellrepublic.com reported.
The ensemble spent months preparing its 2026 show, “Underground Symphony,” and competed at events in Orange City, Iowa, and Omaha, Nebraska, where it held its own against larger schools with finals finishes and section accolades, according to the report.
Senior drum majors Emma Hofer and Kae Swanstrom reflected on the season’s growth, saying the band was unrecognizable from its first performance to its last. Director Joel Van Peursem credited dedicated students and support from faculty and parents for the steady improvement.
The drum majors play a unique leadership role, directing the band during field competitions while managing tempo across dozens of players spread across a football field. Swanstrom said the role helped her build endurance and confidence despite being introverted.
The season-ending show marked the final performance for 20 seniors, including Hofer and Swanstrom. Van Peursem said the transition is bittersweet but noted a large freshman and sophomore class is ready to step into leadership roles next year.
Hofer described band as a community, saying all her friends and siblings are in the program. The audience responded to every routine, underscoring the closeness between the ensemble and its supporters, the report said.
For more information, visit mitchellrepublic.com.