Jessica Leighton | Band Director
Mrs. Jessica Leighton is in her third year as the Head Director of Bands and Fine Arts Department Chair at West Johnston High School, following three years as the Assistant Director. Before joining the West Johnston team, Mrs. Leighton began her teaching career at Toisnot Middle School in Wilson, NC, where she fostered a love of music through virtual band and general music classes.
During her time at West Johnston, the Concert Ensembles have earned Superior Ratings at the NC Southeastern District Music Performance Adjudication. The Marching Band continues to earn high ratings at competitions, including an impressive four-year streak of advancing to Finals at the Havelock High School Crystal Coast Band Classic.
Mrs. Leighton earned her Bachelor of Music Education from East Carolina University in 2020. Go Pirates! While at ECU, she performed on tuba with the Marching Pirates, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Tuba & Euphonium Ensemble, and several chamber ensembles. She also performed on French horn and bassoon with the Concert Band. During her junior and senior years, she served as President of the ECU Collegiate Chapter of the National Association for Music Education.
When she isn't making music, Mrs. Leighton enjoys camping and cooking—often combining the two whenever possible. She currently resides with her wonderful wife, Vanessa, and their two cats, Willow and Coda. jessicaleighton@johnston.k12.nc.us
Elijah Collingwood | Assistant Band Director
Mr. Elijah Collingwood is a recent graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned his Bachelor of Music. During his time at UNC, he performed with the Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, and Percussion Ensemble, developing his musicianship and passion for music education.
Mr. Collingwood is on his third year of teaching at West Johnston High School, where he leads the Beginning Band—now the Concert Band. He has also introduced a Bucket Drumming program for students in the Life Skills classes during West Success. In addition to his classroom responsibilities, Mr. Collingwood served as the drum set player for West Johnston's 2025 musical production of The Addams Family.
Beyond West Johnston, Mr. Collingwood is actively involved in the marching arts. During the summers, he serves on the Administrative Team for Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps, most recently working as the Intern Project Coordinator, where he oversaw the corps' music education interns. He has also previously served as the Drum Major Technician for West Johnston High School.
Before beginning his teaching career, Mr. Collingwood completed his student teaching under Becca Clemens at Margaret B. Pollard Middle School.
When he's not teaching or making music, Mr. Collingwood enjoys playing video games, collecting vinyl records, and spending time with his loved ones.
Ari Moore | Percussion Director
Mr. Ari Moore is a freelance musician and educator who is excited to return for his sixth year on staff at West Johnston High School. With seven years of teaching experience and a lifetime dedicated to music, Mr. Moore brings a wealth of experience, energy, and passion to the West Johnston Bands & Ensembles program.
Mr. Moore began his musical journey at just two years old, singing and making music in the church. Once he began school, he continued developing his musicianship through private piano lessons before discovering band in high school. His experiences in band opened the door to performing with independent music groups, including Alchemy Independent, and eventually led him to pursue music at the collegiate level.
Mr. Moore attended George Mason University and later studied Music Industry at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Throughout his musical career, he has continued to grow as both a performer and educator while working as a freelance musician and teacher.
Mr. Moore is excited to once again be part of the West Johnston High School Bands & Ensembles family, where he enjoys sharing his love of music and helping students develop their skills as musicians and performers.
Robert Redfield | Percussion Instructor (Battery)
Mr. Robert Redfield is a freelance percussion instructor and educator who works with music programs throughout North Carolina, including West Johnston High School, Green Level High School, and Enloe Magnet High School. He has been sharing his passion for percussion with students for several years and is dedicated to creating meaningful learning experiences both on and off the field.
Robert graduated from Appalachian State University in May 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, specializing in Education Studies. Drawing from his educational background, Robert strives to create a learning environment where students can develop not only as musicians and performers, but also as confident and well-rounded individuals.
His marching experience includes performing with Alchemy Independent, Carolina Gold Drum & Bugle Corps, and the Appalachian State University Marching Mountaineers. Throughout much of his marching career, Robert served as a quad section leader, gaining valuable experience in leadership, performance, and percussion instruction. He also served as a battery staff member with Carolina Gold Drum & Bugle Corps during the 2018 and 2019 seasons.
Outside of teaching and percussion, Robert enjoys streaming music and movies, practicing drums, and playing guitar with his band, Galloway.
Robert is excited to continue working with the West Johnston Bands & Ensembles family and looks forward to helping students grow as musicians, performers, and leaders.
Cailyn Goodman | Color Guard Director
As a proud 2024 graduate of West Johnston High School, this will be Cailyn's second year on staff and first year serving as the Director.
Her color guard journey began at age 11 with Swift Creek Middle School from 2018–2020 before continuing with the WJHS program from 2020–2024. Following graduation, she expanded her performance experience with independent groups including Carolina Visual Productions during the 2025 winter season and First Flight during the 2026 winter season.
She also marched with Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps during the 2025 DCI season and will continue performing with the corps for the 2026 season.
She is incredibly excited to help lead the next chapter of the West Johnston Color Guard program and cannot wait to see everything the students accomplish in the future.
"These kids deserve so much. I’m VERY excited for this season and for all of the seasons I will get with them!" colorguard@westjohnstonband.com
Sydney Beasley | Visual Instructor
Sydney graduated from West Johnston High School in 2019 and is excited to return for her fourth year on staff as Visual Coordinator. She has been playing saxophone for more than 14 years and marched with WGI Finalist Eva Winds for two seasons.
During her time at West Johnston, Sydney performed in the marching productions Cloudscapes, Red White & Blues, and Built on Ashes, as well as the winter productions What Dreams May Come, Misdirection, and Johnston County Alliance Winds’ Into the Woodwinds.
Sydney enjoys time with her cat, Leela. Outside of band, she enjoys iced coffee, listening to podcasts, and sharing her passion for music and performance with the next generation of students. She is excited to continue helping West Johnston students grow and succeed both on and off the field.