Pride of Paoli: History Overview

The band program has been around since the early days of the 1940s and 1950s here at PHS. Mrs. Laughlin graduated from the PHS band in 1962. The band program always participated at the State Fair contest in Indianapolis until the 1970s. In 1979, Mrs. Teresa Elliott came to Paoli, bringing a new sense of discipline and musical work ethic to the program. The band was last place in the entire state that year. However, in just a few short years, the Pride of Paoli began its rise and dominance - placing 4th at the ISSMA State Finals in 1982, and winning the State Championship in 1983 and 1984. Mrs. Elliott left to pursue other interests, opening the door for Mr. Bill Pearce for one year. The band earned a Runner Up finish at the state finals that year. The next year brought a Mr. Mark Middleton to the directorship of the band, earning a Runner Up finish at the state finals. Mrs. Laughlin joined Mr. Middleton as the assistant director in 1987, and the Pride of Paoli returned as Class D State Champions. Mr. Bill Laughlin took the directorship of the Pride of Paoli in 1988 and has since led the program to 2 State Championships, 2 Runner Up finishes and a 5th place finish in Class C, along with 9 State Championships and 1 Runner Up finish in Class D.