Mitch Ernst is the Assistant Director of Bands at Parkway High School and Elm Grove Middle School in Bossier City, Louisiana. His responsibilities include overseeing all aspects of percussion 6th-12th grade and assisting with the instruction of band activities at the middle school. Mitch is the Co-founder and Front Ensemble Caption Head for Red River Rhythm Independent Percussion.

Mitch holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance from Northwestern State University(NSU) in Natchitoches, Louisiana, where he studied percussion extensively under Mr. Kenneth Green. While at NSU, he served as the drumline assistant and arranger for the Spirit of Northwestern Demon Marching Band. As a professional, he has been an active clinician, adjudicator, and arranger for various schools in Louisiana and Texas. His professional affiliations include memberships in the Percussive Arts Society and the Louisiana Music Educators Association.