Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of stories featuring high school marching bands from across the Juniata River Valley.

LEWISTOWN — Crowds at Mifflin County High School football games might get starstruck during the Marching Huskies’ pregame performances.

“Medusa” is the Marching Huskies’ show title this season, which is a tale that follows the hero Perseus as she hunts the evil Gorgon Medusa – a mythical creature hair of living snakes and, with one look, has the ability to turn anyone who gazes upon her into stone.

Perseus’ task will be a very challenging endeavor. Will the hero prevail or will she become yet another one of Medusa’s stone trophies? “You will have to watch to find out,” quipped Mifflin County High School Director of Bands Brandon Kahley about the ending.

“It’s been a ride to get this one together,” added Kahley, who took over for longtime Director of Bands Art Belfiore this summer. “We learned the music throughout the summer. I think we grow each time we have practice.

“The drill was written by Rick Kane, and we’ve been working with his ideas, setting the stage with props and costumes for specific people in the show,” Kahley added. “We want to make sure the true story is being told.”

The music soloists in “Medusa” are senior Reese Bennett on trumpet and senior Alia Diehl on the mysterious clarinet.

“They’re both great,” Kahley said of his two soloists. “They put a lot of effort into their music. It’s (solos) a good way to show off the hard-working kids.”

The guard soloists are seniors Emily Banks, Natalie Haubrick and Gabbi Swanger.

The actors in “Medusa” are senior Lia Barahona, who plays the role of Medusa, while sophomore Anna Miller is Perseus.

Kahley believes the production has been easier at times this season because the new Kish Bank Field at Donald M. Chapman III Stadium is so much closer to the high school than Mitchell Field was.

“The staff is finding it easy to get to and from the field,” Kahley said. The short distance has also enabled the band to start a new tradition: the Marching Huskies’ walk to the stadium, along with the Mifflin County cheerleaders.

“We’ll do it at every game,” he added. “The kids have liked it, and the short walk means a lot to the people.”

Kahley would be remiss if he didn’t thank Belfiore and his staff for having a solid foundation in place. “A lot of things were set in place when I got here,” Kahley explained. “Thanks to Mr. Belfiore. His comment to me was, ‘They picked the right person.’ That means a lot coming from a staple of the music community.”

Kahley is still adjusting to his new surroundings, which includes directing larger ensembles with the Marching Huskies and concert bands. “It gets better every single day as the kids get to experience me and what I’m about more,” he said.

Members of the Marching Huskies include:

Piccolo: Katrina Spickler, junior;

Clarinets: Alia Diehl, senior; Makenna Earnest, eighth grade; Nevaeh Hammill, seventh grade; Hannah Jones, senior; Jillian Kauffman, freshman; Emma Peachey, seventh grade; Kenzie Schiech, eighth grade; and Sommer Smith, freshman;

Alto saxophones: Griffin Damicantonio, junior; Sophie Kise, seventh grade; Sierra Snyder, eighth grade; and Nolan Wade, seventh grade;

Trumpets: Reese Bennett, senior; Scarlett Daer, seventh grade; Amara Deckman, eighth grade; Trae Kerstetter, junior; Abi Riden, sophomore; Abbi Snyder, seventh grade; and Lexis Wray, freshman;

Mellophones: Brenna Bickel, eighth grade; Relayna DeArment, ninth grade; and Aria Hartley, eighth grade;

Trombones: Kaden Baker, junior; and Gage Clinger, ninth grade;

Baritones: Isaac Coldren, seventh grade; and Caleb Noerr, senior;

Tuba: Idabeth Bishop, eighth grade;

Baritone saxophone: Colsen Mackneer, ninth grade;

Snare drums: Marquise Siennick, sophomore; Aden McCarl, junior; and Dylan Noerr, freshman;

Tenor drums: Dylan Hagerty, junior; and Reiss Miller, junior;

Bass drums: Airalynn Alexander, seventh grade; Bell Matthews, eighth grade; Gracen Heckendorn, seventh grade; Emmalynn Reedy, freshman; and Alessa Norris, junior;

Guitar: Brody Harshbarger, eighth grade;

Bass guitar: Teagan Pisko, junior;

Marimbas: Maddy Clinard, junior; Emmah Miller, senior; AJ Dean, seventh grade; and Mason Wian, seventh grade;

Xylophones: Bailey Horner, junior; and Silas Snyder, junior;

Vibes: Rayne Schultz, junior; Michael Baumgardner, sophomore; and Kaden Rodriguez, sophomore;

Bells: Emma Keller, seventh grade;

Auxiliary: Jackson Stewart, sophomore;

Color guard: Emily Banks, senior; Natalie Haubrick, senior; Kenadi Royer, junior; Katelynn Rupert, freshman; Vayla Shawver, sophomore; Catalina Snyder, junior; and Madison Stitt, senior;

PTC guard: Ava Crosby, sophomore; and Gabbi Swanger, senior;

NC guard: Emma Colyer, sophomore; Cadence Diehl, seventh grade (and actor); Madison Litzinger, senior; Maeve Moyer, freshman; and Miley McNitt, junior;

SFX guard: Max Everts, sophomore; Riley Matthews, eighth grade; and Mariana Watson, junior;

Actors: Lia Barahona, senior; and Anna Miller, sophomore.

The competition season starts on Saturday, which is less than a week away. The Marching Huskies are three-time Tournament of Bands, Pennsylvania State champions.