

Jessica Leighton | Director of Bands
This marks Mrs. Leighton’s second year at West Johnston as the Head Director of Bands and as the Fine Arts Department Chair, following three years as the Assistant Director. Before joining the team, Mrs. Leighton started her teaching career at Toisnot Middle School in Wilson, NC, fostering a love for music through virtual band and general music classes.
While Mrs. Leighton has been at West, the Concert Ensembles have earned Superior Ratings at the NC Southeastern District “Music Performance Adjudication.” The Marching Band consistently earns high ratings at competitions, including a four-year streak of making Finals at the Havelock High School’s Crystal Coast Band Classic. The Varsity Color Guard eats great food while attending competitions when traveling with Chef Leighton.
Mrs. Leighton earned her Bachelors of Music Education from East Carolina University (Go Pirates!), Class of 2020. During her time at ECU, she played the Tuba in the Marching Pirates, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Tuba & Euphonium Ensemble, several chamber ensembles, as well as in the Concert Band on French Horn and Bassoon. Mrs. Leighton was the President of the ECU Collegiate Chapter of the National Association for Music Education during her Junior and Senior years.
On her (many...) days off, Mrs. Leighton enjoys camping and cooking. [Shameless Instagram Plug @wchef_leightonwj] She currently lives in Benson, NC with her wonderful wife, Vanessa, and their two cats, Willow and Coda.

Elijah Collingwood | Assistant Director of Bands
Mr. 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 in the Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, and Percussion Ensemble. In the summers, he serves on the Administrative Team for Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps. Most recently, he worked as the Intern Project Coordinator, overseeing the corps' music education interns. He has also spent past summers as the Drum Major Technician for West Johnston High School.
Currently in his first year of teaching, Mr. Collingwood leads the Beginning Band—now the Concert Band. He also introduced a Bucket Drumming program for the Life Skills classes during West Success and served as the drum set player for the school’s 2025 musical, The Addams Family.
Previously, he completed his student teaching under Becca Clemens at Margaret B. Pollard Middle School. Outside of teaching he enjoys playing video games, collecting vinyls, and spending time with loved ones in Cary, NC.
Tyler Maroney | Color Guard Director
More information coming soon!

Lucas Vargas | Percussion Director
Lucas Vargas-Casera is a highly skilled percussion instructor and sound designer with a passion for musical excellence. With 8 years of experience in percussion education, performance, and show design, Lucas is dedicated to fostering student growth and leading successful programs.
As the Percussion Director at Green Level High School and West Johnston High School in North Carolina, Lucas has played a pivotal role in establishing and developing percussion programs. Through his innovative show designs and comprehensive curriculum, he has led marching band and indoor percussion ensembles to successful performances and accolades. Lucas's expertise extends beyond the school setting. As a percussion instructor for Carolina Gold, he provided instruction to the DCA Champions, cultivating a collaborative and engaging learning environment. Lucas's musical experience as a tenor drummer was showcased in his role as a charter member of the Alchemy Independent Percussion Ensemble.
Additionally, Lucas's passion for sound design and production has led him to collaborate with local artists, providing recording and beat-making services at Lux Studios. His skills in sound design have also benefited notable groups such as EVA Independent, the WGI World Champions, as well as Green Level High School and West Johnston High School. Lucas brings not only his musical expertise but also strong leadership, collaborative problem-solving, family environment and multitasking abilities to his students.
Cailyn Goodman | Color Guard Instructor
More information coming soon!

Ari Moore | Percussion Instructor (Front Ens.)
Mr. Moore is on his fourth year on staff at West Johnston High School.
"Hello, my name is Ari Moore. I am a freelance musician and teacher, this is my seventh year teaching. I’ve been doing music since I was two years old, started in the church, and then when I started school started taking private lessons on piano. I did band when I was in high school, which led me to do independent groups, such as alchemy independent, and George Mason University and going to UNCP for music industry. I am very excited to be working with West Johnson, high school, bands, and ensemble's once again."

Robert Redfield | Percussion Instructor (Battery)
Robert Redfield graduated from Appalachian State University in May of 2021 with a BS in Psychology specializing in Education Studies. Robert is currently a freelance percussion instructor in the NC area, working with West Johnston High School, Green Level High School, and Enloe Magnet High School. Robert has also served as a battery staff member for Carolina Gold Drum and Bugle corps during the 2018 and 2019 seasons.
Robert’s marching experience includes Alchemy Independent, Carolina Gold, and the Appalachian State University Marching Mountaineers. Serving as quad section leader for a majority of his seasons. Outside of teaching Robert can be found streaming music and movies, practicing drums, or playing guitar with his band “Galloway”.
Using knowledge from his degree, Robert hopes to create a learning environment that students can benefit from on the field, and in the classroom.
Rasheed McFadden | Color Guard Instructor
Rasheed is on his third year on staff at West Johnston High School.

Sydney Beasley | Visual Instructor
"I graduated from West Johnston in 2019, and this will be my third year on the team as a staff member! I've been playing saxophone for more than ten years, and bassoon for almost five. I marched saxophone with WGI Finalist Eva Winds. I also marched West's productions of Cloudscapes, Red White & Blues, Built on Ashes, as well as winter productions of What Dreams May Come, Misdirection, and Johnston County Alliance Winds' Into the Woodwinds. I currently live in Raleigh, NC, with my two cats Leela and Peebo, and in our free time we love to hang out on the couch drinking coffee and watching reality tv!"