Our Staff

The success of the River Ridge Royal Sound is made possible by a dedicated team of educators, instructors, and volunteers who are committed to helping every student reach their full potential. Our staff brings a wealth of musical expertise, instructional experience, and passion for student development to every rehearsal and performance.

Beyond teaching music, our team strives to foster leadership, discipline, teamwork, and character in a positive and inclusive environment. Through their guidance and mentorship, students are challenged to grow as musicians, performers, and young adults while creating memories and friendships that last a lifetime.

A man with blonde hair, tattoos on his arms, smiling and crossing his arms, wearing a black t-shirt with a geometric pattern, standing against a dark background with warm lighting.

John Chiarella

Percussion Director

A performer with short black hair and dark makeup, wearing all black, stands on stage with arms extended in a dance pose, with another dancer in the background.

Maddy Nelson

Colorguard Director

A man wearing sunglasses and a black jacket smiles outdoors with a tree and a blue sky in the background.

Zackary Smith

Sound Design & Engineering

A woman in colorful, fiery-patterned clothing with a hand on her chin, looking thoughtful or concerned, standing in front of a group of people dressed similarly, outdoors with a blurry green background.

Kaylin Wilkins

Colorguard Instructor

A group of musicians in orange outfits playing drums outdoors among green trees.

Bryce Landry

Battery Coordinator & Arranger

A man wearing a beige cap with 'day 28' embroidered on it, black sunglasses, and a white T-shirt with blue prints and text that reads 'day 28,' '2026,' and a mountain scene with camels. He is smiling and standing outdoors with a background of trees and bushes.

Kenny Blankenship

Battery Instructor

A man with dark hair, sunglasses, and light facial hair smiling outdoors, wearing a black polo shirt and holding a phone.

Jacob Barber

Battery Instructor

A young woman with curly brown hair and tattoos on her arms sitting on a beige armchair in a cozy room. She's smiling at the camera, wearing a white t-shirt and ripped jeans, with a smartwatch on her left wrist and a ring on her finger.

Desi Clarke

Front Ensemble Instructor

A young man with curly brown hair, a beard, and earrings, smiling at the camera, wearing a maroon striped shirt, with a blurred background of black and blue lights.

Chris Demas

Front Ensemble Coordinator

Woman dressed as a superhero in a blue suit with a red cape, sitting on a cardboard box labeled "Fragile," with a thoughtful expression and resting her chin on her hand.

Koda Wright

Colorguard Instructor

Our staff works to uphold the traditions of excellence that define the River Ridge Royal Sound and inspire our students to achieve their very best.