Indiana Lt. Gov. Calls School Band "Demonic," Stirring Controversy

P. Keith Benefiel

The 1920's KKK was headquartered in Indiana. Looks like they are due for a re-run?

Robert Berry

I can hardly wait to start hearing about their required special bathrooms with burning sulphur and running fire. 🔥

Bernard Duffy

Indiana Lt Governor needs to keep his Christian fascism to himself.

Donald Robards

It certainly did not seem demonic at all to me,as a born again Christian and ordained minister I have nothing but praise for the students and their work.

Warren Calvin Wall

Why lose your reasoning over costumes and makeup in a performance of music from a prominent opera? It makes no sense. Actors and TV personalities do it daily, literally. The entire ordeal is composed of nonsense. Pastors and priests put on costumes for their performances as well. If it is televised, they have makeup as well. Perhaps some folks need to look for the log in their own eye.

Rev. Miche'al Yosef Dixon

For the record "Carmen" is a famous four-act opera by Georges Bizet (1875AD) set in Seville, Spain, depicting the tragic downfall of Don José, a soldier who falls infatuated with the fiery gypsy (race not witch), Carmen. The opera, known for hits like the "Habanera," follows their tumultuous relationship, resulting in José's desertion and ultimate murder of Carmen. Jose was chasing her without help from demonic forces, he doesn't know what he's talking about. We had to study the play/Opera, watch the movie and write a review in 9th grade English. As to what is "Demon" the word never appears in Scripture anywhere. It's comes from 2nd century Greek "Daemon" meaning "Guardian of the House" individual house protector under control of "Hesta, Goddess of the Home & Family". Christians said they are Evil fallen angels. Scripture called the fallen angels "Phantasma" as when Yeshua walked on water not Ghost/Spirit which is a different type of entity the essence of a dead person. Yeshua never corrected them proving they exist. LtG is an uneducated idiot, the perfect politician.

Samantha Walker

The LtG is talking about children. Children who have practiced and made it to an important competition stage. They sound fabulous, they move as one. they are playing a famous composition from a famous play. Shedding of social norms is not satanic. Someone who views Carmen as satanic would also view Romeo and Juliet satanic, or A Tale of Two Cities/ Les Miserables, or even Ebeneezer Scrooge because there are ghosts that visit him- in spite of the overall message. The playwrite did not intend to worship satan. Did not compose for satan. The performance was not dedicated to satan. There is no ritualistic elements. The LtG could be cited as having "religious derrangement syndrome"- when really he is reliant on a perversion of scripture and not seeking wise council before speaking. If his religious leaders are supportive of his view point, encouraging him to speak out about children in this manner and do so publicly would be damaging to morale, character, and esteem. We protect and guide the children. We protect their dignity. We protect their psyche. we leave their esteem and character in tact. If we have a problem with something- we address the adults responsible for the problem... not public shame children. That was not a Christian behavior. Christianty does say if we do not call out our brothers and sisters sin that we are as guilty in sin as they are- but it also says the greatest commandment God has given is to Love- this was not loving. The kids were not sinning. This was humiliation in the way he approached this.

Alexander Clarke

Proof that there is no limit to human stupidity. We get the government we vote for.

Ari Joseph Bertine

The Lt. Governor needs more actual work to do if he has the time to waste on ridiculousness like this. This is not religious conviction, this is boredom and/or a need for attention. He is probably embarrassing his church, if he has one. No reasonable adult thinks like this.

Mother Elizabeth

Hmm. That’s funny. I didn’t hear any curse words or see any foul hand signs or nudity or other hints of obscenity and I didn’t know that colors could be evil. I guess seeing really is in the eye of the beholder. Is it true that someone who focuses so much on evil must have a reason for that? Focus on beauty instead. I have always believed that God/dess/es/s is/are creation and creativity and it is through creativity that we become closer to Holiness.

Cameron Lewis

oh my holy fracking gawdz in hee-vann that lieu-tenat govenor is nuttier than a1970s southern fruit cake...when will the MAGA fools end? oh wait is he expecting the in all white with funny underwear? have these foolish maga people ever actually read the great book of christian myth and story? how many of them idolize with hormone therapy ,viagra or equal and praise thier wives for fake parts and and injections? this disgusts me if you cant tell...

Rev Ned

MAGA Republicans are, IMHO, demonic, and worship the antichrist.

Shelly Johnson

Yes this has racism in the colors and letters printed in the cloth and paint. This is a taught behavior.

Louise Marie Harmon

I am SO tired of people in power using fear to drive their personal agendas. If you go looking for evil, you will find evil; if you look for good, you will see good. These young people did an amazing job. How about celebrating their hard work and talent instead of making it about a personal religious agenda...

James Wayne Kelley

Looks like an elaborate drum line performance to me. This critic sounds like he’s performing an impression of Judge Frolo.

Roy S. Thorpe

The gentleman falls into the group of people that should not be given a place of power and a loud voice! The misplaced ideas of these type of people should be ignored by intelligent individuals!

Jacqueline Hayes

Can we PLEASE start building up our youth on their accomplishments!! Their choice of music and stage makeup may not be your cup of tea; however, they had an excellent performance and should be praised for that! Keep your personal beliefs to yourself! These kids, the teacher, and the school did nothing wrong.

Christopher Case

While we live in a country that allows difference of opinions, to base a statement with incorrect background knowledge is foolish. I'm a band parent, father of 2 band teachers and married to a music specialist. I can tell you that music and the creative processes that are developed by the student is critical for learning. There is documented proof that people who learn and perform music far out perform on other areas of learning and education. They develop positive social skills and leadership abilities. It's unfortunate that the performance was seen as anything other than what it is, an artistic interpretation of music and a lot of hard committed efforts by the students and their positive support mechanisms aka parents, families and school.
With everything that is happening in our world, we need to support those things that ultimately bring good and peace.
Public officials should research their background material before basing any statement. To suggest people leaving the district undermines the district and potentially causes hardship for many students over a course of years.

Religion as a Weapon is Wrong

This is the most important paragraph:

"It’s common to see things get labeled “demonic” – whether they’re literally celebrating Satan, or simply look like they are to concerned eyes.

A couple years ago, three Apache girls at a private Christian school were disciplined for participating in a traditional Sunrise Dance their school deemed Satanic. Animated TV shows,popular dolls, and viral birthday parties have all drawn similar accusations in recent years.

What makes this case more interesting is the simmering battle over the role of belief in public schools. Religious objections to school programming – from chaplaincy bills in Florida to fights over school library books – are a recurring flashpoint. Each case forces the same hard question: how much should the religious convictions of some students or families shape the public education of all?"

Stephen Wallace

History tells me that hell and satan were created by the church as a means of control.

Douglas Anderson-Collins

Look at yourself in the mirror Lt. Gov!!! This is an art form. Whats next you start raiding libraries and burning books!!! How do you know that these young people are not church-going young Christians? Support our young people for they are the future!!!

Dorothy Hawkins

May 6, 2026

This comment should go directly to Lt. Gov. Beckwith:

As a retired music literacy educator, I can attest that the students' level of musicianship in the piece you call demonic is nothing less than a perfect demonstration of my own goals as an educator realized: to take children to a place of understanding in the musical literature that they OWN the music.

Perhaps the Lt. Governor's own music education was lacking, as it still is in many parts of the country, but this group is decidedly an exception to that lack, and a great example of what can happen when a great educator is allowed to actually teach to the task: bringing students into the light of true understanding in their musical interpretations.

Lt. Governor Beckwith, your comment only displayed your own ignorance. Please take a seat in the back row, and listen up: the next generation is shining a very bright light on just how IGNORANT you are.

Kudos to the Westfield High School ensemble and laurels to their instructor!

Sincerely, Dorothy N. Hawkins, M. Mus. Ed. Music Literacy Educator and ULC Minister

Merlin

Does it harm? It’s all personal perspective, not for government intervention.

Lance Wallace

It's extremely obvious that the Lt Governor is pushing an agenda. He doesn't even know what Carmen or Bolero are about!

And please stop with all the demonic bs. If he was to see anything actually close to resembling demonic, he'd lose his mind, literally. It's the same old method the OLD church used to push conversion on pagan and other folks. They'd denounce the original beliefs as 'demonic' and then try to convince them that their beliefs are ' much better/holier'.

Billy Coley

The only thing actually demonic are the fake 'christians' who are so prevalent in this country

Tami Tabone

Really?! I just can't anymore with the ridiculous claims. This is terrible that we have leaders who are pushing religious agendas into their political positions. It is mental. Fine if you want to state your opinion at church. But this is one reason why a lot of youth are not religious. I, myself, am no longer religious. When I see this kind of thing, it just confirms it f9r me. Let kids be kids. They dod a good job. And besides, even if 8t was portraying music from a horror story theme, we live in a country of freedom of expression. Geez.. why is this even a thing?

Rachael Evans

Speaking as what some will call me a 'liberl-leftist-woke' European, I read this with a sense of disbelief and disappointment.

Disbelief that a school interpreting a cultural classic for a drum display could be considered demonic or satanic. Disappointment at just how far some elected officials have slipped into what can only be described as absurdity.

There was a time when the US was seen as a beacon of hope, openness, freedom, choice, and offering the 'American Dream'. That was when one could argue that America was great. But, that time has passed. The US has allowed outdate voices, some akin to the lunacity of the Salem Witch Trials to rise again.

Bigotry, hatred, racism, misogyny, are again shouting out loud using poor religious jurisprudence as the excuse.

Right now, most of Europe, the world, is laughing at the US. The US is not the shining example it's trying to make itself out to be. Seriously, get a grip and expand your horizon. Stop allowing people such as this Lt. Gov. a platform for such silliness.

We're not riddled with Shariah Law in Europe, don't tell me that, I live here. I'm Jewish with a Masters in Shariah Law, I've not only read the book, I write them. I know what Islam stands for and whilst their views don't align with mine, some of my closest friends are Muslim. I sit with them during Ramadan and break bread to celebrate their commitment to their beliefs. Yeah, I'm that kind of European liberal. One that reads books, speaks to others, learns, listens, and loves.

If you want to 'Make America Great Again', look outwards, look at the time when the US was a great example, a world leader, a beacon of what could be.

Or, listen to people who claim that demons creep out from under the bed at night and see where that gets you.

Joseph Grieco

When a politician bases his judgements on Scripture instead of Law, he's in the wrong line of work. When people calling themselves "Christians" and spend more time applying Leviticus and Judges to their theology than Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, they are in the wrong religion.

Lady Mutt Cat

I’m horrified that three Apache girls would be stuck in such a horrible school.

Leslie A. Hulberg Née Tomasura

The Lt. Gov is not sane. There is absolutely nothing “demonic” in this performance. And even if there was, this is a PUBLIC SCHOOL. Not a private Christian or private religious organization’s school. I think these kids did a fantastic job! They are getting an ovation from me. Sadly, the Lt. Gov’s. Comments are wildly inappropriate. That is not someone who represents all the citizens of the state.

Reverend Paula Copp

There’s nothing to see here… move along…

Rev. Carol M Anaski-Figurski

Interesting article, I'd give it 5 stars & blue ribbon for state choreography was amazing the music was terrific the kids did a great job. The costumes & colors fantastic. The story told by opera version of Prospers Merrimee's has character themes of devils, destruction love gone wrong. jealous & fate. Just like a supernatural romantic chiller.

Rev Ned

Takes one to know one!

ServantOfJudgement

Let's see ...

Black sunk in eye sockets. Ok. Bloody handprints. Yep. Sinister evil grin. Mmmhhhmmm.

Say, didn't the OJ Simpson murder scene have bloody handprints? I think allot of bloody murders have a lot of bloody handprints. That means nothing though.

Anyone who thinks anything at all is wrong with schoolkids puting on a performance covered in blood is an absolute ant total idiot. Furthermore, that idiot is a paranoid narcissist who only cares about their own career. Probably a religious fool that thinks we didn't come from trippy mud from an asteroid or whatever.

Idiots. Right?

Michael Burton

Nothing to see here folks, move along

Wilberta M. Berry

Every since Trump was allowed to infiltrate our government the Republicans have lost their minds and all since of logic and reasoning. They can accept their leader Trump pretending to be equal to or higher than Jesus however, a highschool band is deemed Demonic. There is no limit to their (Republicans) nonsense. Plus, in religious history DEMONS were initially considered to be the true guardians and protectors of humans. Somewhere in history the script was flipped and the Angels became the good guys and Demons became the bad guys. LOOK UP THE HISTORY OF DEMONS!

Colleen McAllister

Some people flip out over every little thing. There is nothing demonic here. Move along.

Melinda Fulk

So, he saw ONE photo,with the black-circled eye makeup and the school colors on their uniforms and decided this was the work of demons? How is he? When did he go to school? And what kind of idiots put an even bigger idiot in office, where one would hope he'd investigate things a little more before bullying a bunch of kids with name calling. Oh, wait, we are in the land ot outrage. Hard to be outraged when you look at facts. (And one of those facts is that the makeup made the kids faces standout more while performing. It was a pretty cool idea!)

Keith Ramsey

The LtG is a fool. He is just using his own personal religious beliefs to attack others, my guess it to make himself feel better.

Sir Lionheart

There is still no DEMONstrable evidence to support the claims that Demons are real. 🤭

🦁❤️

Susan Christine Giganti

Well, that LtG has no idea what he was talking about. Almost every competition from Olympic skating to bands and Pom-poms will use red and black for costumes with music from Carmen. And he’s so wrong about the story, I won’t even …