For nearly 40 years Roy has been working hand in hand with music educators to conceive compositions and arrangements that are not only fresh and exciting, but also a challenge for students. His drive is inspired by the belief that the unneeded “watering down” of the music only undermines the music education process.
The arrangements and compositions of W. Roy Mitchell are played regularly by The Baltimore Ravens, Duquesne University, The American Wind Symphony, Messiah University, The University of North Texas, Oklahoma State University, as well as dozens of other colleges, high schools, and professional groups across the United States.

His arrangements for beginning jazz ensemble have been featured in master classes and music conferences in Nova Scotia and Australia, as well as the U.S., as a primary tool in developing an early understanding of jazz and improvisation.

Roy attended Duquesne University as a Jazz Performance major. There he studied arranging and jazz piano with John Wilson and Bobby Cardillo, respectively. Continuing his musical education, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Jazz Studies from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Roy then returned to Duquesne University to earn a Master of Music Degree in Jazz Studies. Roy arranged for most university ensembles and composed original works for fellow students’ recitals. His work caught the attention of high school and college band directors and thus began his arranging career. Today Roy’s charts can be heard worldwide.