Ruben Desmond Mitchell is a native and current resident of Gadsden, AL and has served as the Director of Bands at Anniston High School since 2003. Mitchell received a Bachelor of Music Education from Alabama State University (2003), a Master of Arts Degree from Jacksonville State University (2007), and a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Alabama (2016). Mitchell is a member of the Alabama Music Educators Association, National Band Association, North American Saxophone Association, Pi Kappa Lambda, National Association for Music Educators, National Educators Association, Alabama Educators Association, the Education Law Association, and Kappa Delta Pi.  Since being the band director of Anniston, Mr. Mitchell has led the band to win over 150 superior ratings at marching and concert festivals and competitions throughout the state of Alabama.  Under his direction, the Anniston Band represented the state of Alabama in the 2013 Florida Citrus Bowl Parade in Orlando, FL.  In addition to being the director of bands at Anniston High, Mr. Mitchell serves as the Fine Arts Department Chair, Tech S.O.S., Administrative Designee, and Choir Director.  Ruben Mitchell was inducted into the Jacksonville State University Teacher Hall of Fame in 2016 and was selected as the Anniston City Schools’ Secondary Teacher of the Year in 2017.

Ruben is married to the former Janekia King and has two children, Adarius and Layla.