Dedicated experts with a proven record of success.

Shad Johnson
Assistant Director of Bands

Mr. Johnson joined Campo Verde this fall as the Assistant Director of Bands. Prior to that, he taught U.S. History at Arizona Connections Academy for eight years and was the Director of Bands at Queen Creek High School for 10 years. While at QCHS, Mr. Johnson tripled the size of the marching band and initiated the guitar class program.

Mr. Johnson was a member of the Arizona State University Marching Band, the Pride of the Southwest, where he played mellophone and trombone. During his tenure with the ASUSDMB, they received the prestigious Sudler Trophy which is “awarded annually to a college or university marching band which has demonstrated the highest musical standards and innovative marching routines and ideas.” After graduating from ASU, Mr. Johnson joined the U.S. Navy as a Hospital corpsman (medic). During boot camp, Mr. Johnson was part of the recruit band where he preformed at boot camp graduations and local parades. After graduating boot camp, Mr. Johnson went to Hospital Corps “A” School serving as one of the classes Education Petty Officers. During his Navy enlistment, Mr. Johnson was assigned to U.S. Marine Corps units where he served as a line corpsman for 3rd LAR, and 3rd Bn 4th Marines Weapons Company Heavy Weapons Platoon, and later as the battalion’s head line corpsman. The last two years of his enlistment, Mr. Johnson was stationed at Navel Medical Center San Diego where he oversaw the enlisted personal for the pediatric nursing department. After leaving the U.S. Navy, Mr. Johnson began his teaching career at Queen Creek High School. While teaching at QCHS, he received his Master of Arts in Education – Administration and Supervision.

Mr. Johnson believes that arts education is essential for a well-rounded education. During his free time, Mr. Johnson enjoys riding and working on his motorcycles, and watching t.v. with his dog, Sasha.

Riley Smith, Percussion Caption Head

Riley is pumped up to continue building the program at Campo Verde HS and serving as the Percussion Co-Caption head alongside Wardell King. Serving as an adjudicator for pageantry circuits such as: WGAZ, AzMBA, and WTCA based out of El Paso, TX. 

Based out of Chandler, AZ Riley has over 10 years of percussion experience both in teaching and performance. Graduating in the class of 2020 from Grand Canyon University, he has held numerous positions in the wind ensemble such as co-principal percussionist as well as principal timpanist in numerous concert cycles. His performance experience includes 4 years in the Pep Band at GCU, 3 years on snare drum at Vision Percussion, and substitute percussionist for the Phoenix Men’s Choir. 

In addition to his roles at Campo Verde Riley serves as the front ensemble coordinator and caption head for 6 time Open Class finalist Breakthrough Indoor Percussion, a role he has held since the 2024 season. He is currently also a general music teacher in the Tempe Elementary School District, a position he has held since 2020. 

Outside of the pageantry and education scene Riley enjoys spending time with his family, nephew, friends, and is an avid golfer in his free time.

Kaitlyn Misch, Visual Caption Head

Kaitlyn Misch is a visual and dance-focused marching band educator native to Arizona who has taught a varied visual package in the fall and winter seasons at numerous Arizona High Schools. 

Over the last few years she has become the Lead Visual Technician at Breakthrough Indoor Percussion, Assistant Director and Visual Designer for Foreword Indoor Winds, and has been teaching visual for the Academy Drum and Bugle Corp. She is also proud to be the Winds Liaison for Winter Guard Arizona. 

Kaitlyn received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Arizona State University as well as a Minor in Dance. Now she is pursuing her Master’s Degree in Communications and strives to apply her education to her teaching methods. 

Josh Burchard, Brass Caption Head

Josh Burchard has been on staff as the Brass Caption Head with Campo Verde High School since the 2020 Fall season.

Josh is a euphonium player whose marching career includes the Academy Drum and Bugle Corps in 2018, the Sun Devil Marching Band in 2019, and Carolina Crown in 2020 before aging out during the COVID-19 pandemic. Before this, Josh was the Principal Trombonist from 2014 to 2017 with the Tucson Philharmonia Youth Orchestra, where he received the Outstanding Musicianship Award. In 2017, Josh was a featured trombone soloist at Carnegie Hall while playing with the Canyon Del Oro High School Orchestra.

Josh briefly taught the Phenom Drum and Bugle Corps as a low brass technician and staff member of the Arizona Academy of Performing Arts before the corps' 2022 season was cut short.

Outside of teaching, Josh is a full-time Materials and Process Engineer at Northrop Grumman Space Systems in the Launch Vehicles Division. Josh graduated Magna Cum Laude from Arizona State University, Barrett, the Honors College, with his Bachelor of Science Engineering in Materials Science and Engineering and a minor in Business. In 2022, he received a Master of Science degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Arizona State University.

Chris Hover, Woodwind Caption Head

Bio Coming Soon

Brian McCormack, Colorguard Caption Head

Brian McCormack was born and raised in New Orleans, LA. He attended the University of Louisiana and studied Graphic Design and Elementary Education. Brian has been designing and contributing to the Pageantry Arts for over 25 years. He moved to Arizona in 2009 and began working with The Academy Winter Guard that later transitioned to Fenix Independent. In 2012, Fenix Independent went on to win a WGI Open Class Bronze Medal. Brian continued working with the Sun Devil Marching Band as well as Fenix Independent World and A Class teams for eight years. In 2017, Brian was inducted into the Louisiana/Mississippi Colorguard and Percussion Circuit Hall of Fame. Brian also worked with numerous high schools in the Arizona valley, including Mountain Ridge HS, Boulder Creek HS, and many more. In 2018, Brian was the Co-Director for Mountain Ridge HS Colorguard when they became the first Arizona high school to make WGI Open Class semifinals. He is currently the owner and creative director of Bleudog Designs where he fabricates custom props, carts, and other types of metalwork for clients across the country. In his free time, Brian enjoys spending time with his partner, Afsoon, and their two kids, Ellis and Addison. Brian is excited to continue his creative journey at Campo Verde High School with the Coyote Pride.