Robert has a long history of being involved with music programs over the years. Some of his past percussion instruction ensembles are Western Albemarle High School (Crozet, VA), Western Branch High School (Chesapeake, VA), Lakeland High School (Suffolk, VA), Tallwood High School (Virginia Beach, VA), Cox High School (Virginia Beach, VA) and Princess Anne High School (Virginia Beach, VA). Robert also did some judging for several marching band circuits and music festivals in Virginia. Robert was also a member of Southern Nights Drum & Bugle Corps that was based in Virginia Beach, VA. After moving to California, he took on the Percussion Instructor for Gahr High School (Cerritos, CA). Later he started an independent drumline for young teenagers in the LA Area. This then transformed into the Mystikal Youth Arts Organization (2004 – 2009). Robert also have experience in visual design as part of his duties with the various high school ensembles and worked closely with his mentors Tim Gauldin, Andy Harnsberger, and Kevin Mitchell arranging marching percussion music for the various high school programs in Virginia Beach, VA.
Robert holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology with a focus on Technical Operations from Old Dominion University and numerous certifications. He is also a member of National Association of Minority Architects (NOMA) and Theta Tau Engineering Fraternity as one of the Charter Members for the Upsilon Beta Chapter. Robert’s professional career is currently administering a contractor development and bonding program for Public Agencies in Downtown Los Angeles.
He currently lives in Long Beach, CA where he enjoys international traveling, off-roading, camping and hiking. He loves his family, the Washington Redskins, New York Yankees and Boston Celtics.
Richie has dedicated over two decades to the marching arts in Southern California. His roles have included instructor/caption head, designer, consultant, program coordinator, and director. His work has impacted notable ensembles such as La Quinta High School, Temple City High School, Gabrielino High School, Pasadena City College, Impulse Drum & Bugle Corps, and various other groups throughout California.
Richie has leveraged his extensive experience to specialize as a visual and drill designer for Marching Bands, Indoor Percussion, Winter Guards, and Indoor Winds groups. He believes that success in life is a product of the relationships one builds and the collaborative efforts that ensue. His approach emphasizes professionalism and teamwork.
Richie began his academic journey at Pasadena City College, where he earned both an Associate of Arts in Music Education and an Associate of Science in Computer Science. He continued his studies at California State University, Northridge, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education and a Single Subject Teaching Credential. His career includes serving as the Marching Band Director and AP Music Theory Teacher at Los Alamitos High School (2009-2012),and as the Director of Instrumental Music at La Quinta High School (Westminster) (2012-2023). At La Quinta, he taught a wide range of ensembles, including the Marching Band, Concert Band, two String Orchestras, Percussion, Guard, and Indoor Winds. Additionally, he directed Pulse Percussion from 2012to 2015.
Currently, Richie serves as the Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) for the Garden Grove Unified School District. In this role, he provides instructional support to nearly 30 instrumental music teachers across elementary, intermediate, and high school levels, and coordinates district festivals, concerts, and events. He is also a member of the Board of Directors for Pulse Percussion, where he holds the position of Outreach and All-Stars Director, and serves as the Webmaster for AYSO Region 59.
Richie resides in Westminster, CA, and will be consulting for Photismos for the first time this season.
Originally from the Bay Area, Mitchell began his artistic journey in Union City, where his passion for the performing arts was first cultivated. As a young performer, he was fortunate to be part of highly respected programs including James Logan World Guard, Concord, the Blue Devils, and numerous dance organizations throughout the Bay Area. These formative experiences shaped both his performance identity and his deep appreciation for excellence in the arts.
As his career progressed, Mitchell transitioned from performer to technician and educator, teaching across the Bay Area. During this time, he immersed himself in the pedagogy of instruction and design, learning from and being inspired by many respected mentors who influenced his philosophy and approach. This evolution allowed him to develop a distinct teaching style rooted in authenticity, passion, and a clear artistic vision.
Following the pandemic, Mitchell’s journey led him to Southern California, where he expanded his reach and began sharing the pedagogical principles and artistic values he cultivated throughout his time in the Bay Area. He currently works with Esperanza High School, Palm Desert High School, Meraki, CGAP in the Philippines, and several other programs, and most recently returned to perform with the Blue Devils B Corps this past summer.
Mitchell believes that sharing one’s beliefs and artistic values is essential to building strong, supportive foundations—not only for individual learning, but for the growth of inclusive and thriving communities. By welcoming differences, embracing new ideas and styles, and remaining open to innovation, he strives to inspire meaningful artistic growth. Above all, he believes the arts are most powerful when they are shared.
Savannah brings over a decade of experience in color guard performance and education. She began her career at Colony High School (2012–2016) and went on to perform with several independent groups throughout California. Her performance résumé includes the Riverside City College Marching Tigers (2017–2023), highlighted by participation in the2019 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, as well as the Sacramento Mandarins Drum Corps (2019). Her winter guard experience includes I-Squared (2017), Arete Independent A and Open (2018–2020), Zoetic Independent Open (2022), and Fantasia Independent World (2023–2024).
Savannah began teaching in 201 6and has since worked with middle and high school programs across Bakersfield, San Bernardino, Riverside, Corona, and Upland. She holds three associate degrees from Riverside City College in Administration of Justice, Social and Behavioral Studies, and Fine and Applied Arts (2020), and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Family and Human Development from Arizona State University (2023). She plans to pursue a master’s degree and teaching credential to further her education and expand her professional opportunities.
Savannah is excited to be part of this organization and looks forward to contributing to its continued growth. She is deeply grateful to her past and present mentors, as well as her parents, family, and close friends, whose support has shaped her both personally and professionally.
To brighter and better futures.
Andrew has been actively involved in color guard for the past eight years, beginning his journey during his junior year at Grand Terrace High School. From that point forward, his passion for the activity continued to grow and expand through a variety of performance and instructional opportunities.
In 2022, Andrew marched with Exodus Independent A, an experience that opened the door to further high-level involvement. That same year, he performed with the Riverside City College Marching Tigers and was honored as a featured performer in 2023. Andrew joined Fantasia for the 2023–2024 season, where he had the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from a highly talented group of performers. His time with the Blue Devils Drum & Bugle Corps in 2023 and 2024 has been especially impactful, earning both a gold medal and a bronze medal, and contributing to the Zingali Award–winning program in 2023.
In addition to his performance career, Andrew has taught color guard at several high schools throughout Southern California, including Centennial, Upland, Corona, and Indian Springs High School. He also works with the Blue Devils B Drum & Bugle Corps during the summer. Andrew is excited to be part of this staff and looks forward to supporting the continued growth of the program. He considers it a privilege to help guide the next generation of performers and is deeply grateful for the opportunities that have shaped his journey.