Mr. John Donnell
Percussion Director

Mr. John Donnell is a 2023 Graduate of James Madison University, where he earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Education. After graduation, he began working at James River in the fall of 2023.

Born in D.C. and raised in Fairfax, Mr. Donnell was heavily active in music programs in and out of high school, including marching band, internationally traveling jazz bands, and being a member of the 2018 Jersey Surf Drum and Bugle Corps snare line (Camden County, NJ). While at JMU, Mr. Donnell maintained a vast array of ensembles and activities; he served as the captain for the Marching Royal Dukes Percussion section, and was involved in various ensembles including the Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, Steel Band, and the internationally acclaimed JMU Brass Band. Currently, Mr. Donnell maintains an instructor position with the JMU Summer Band Camps.

Since joining the James River community, Mr. Donnell has led the Regiment Percussion section and has become the Director for Rapid Indoor Percussion, which competes in the Atlantic Indoor Association circuit. Mr. Donnell also took the Symphonic Band to concert assessment, and directs the Anything Goes Show Choir Band. During the school day, Mr. Donnell also teaches Music Technology and Percussion ensemble.

Mr. Donnell resides in Scott’s Addition and likes to cook, play video games, and root for the Washington Commanders with his two cats, Baxter and Beau.

Mrs. Erica Eaton
Colorguard Director

Born and raised in Virginia, Mrs. Erica Eaton is a 2009 graduate of James Madison University receiving her Bachelors of Music Education in Instrumental Education. While at JMU, she was a member of the Wind Symphony and Symphony Orchestra serving as principal bassoonist. She served as captain of the Marching Royal Dukes Colorguard and competed in the Atlantic Indoor Association and Winterguard International circuits with Nuance Winterguard.

She began her career as an elementary music educator at Great Bridge Primary with Chesapeake City Public Schools then served as the director of bands at Lynnhaven Middle School with Virginia Beach City Public Schools from 2012-2014. In 2014, Mrs. Eaton began her tenure as director of bands at Robious Middle School with Chesterfield County Public Schools where she currently directs over 225 band students in grades sixth through eighth.

Since 2005, Mrs. Eaton has served as a choreographer for numerous colorguard and winterguard programs around the commonwealth. She is currently the choreographer and instructor for the James River High School Regiment Colorguard and the James River High School Rapid Winterguard. Her professional affiliations include Phi Beta Mu, Kappa Kappa Psi, Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association, Virginia Music Educators Association, National Association for Music Education, and Atlantic Indoor Association.

Mrs. Eaton resides in Midlothian with her husband Jesse, son Everett, and two cats, Gracie and Jinx.

Ms. Maddie Green
Colorguard Instructor

Maddie Green has been involved with colorguard and winterguard since she was in 8th grade at Robious Middle School. She is currently a member of the independent group Revolutionary Winterguard. She has been an instructor for the James River High School Regiment Colorguard and Robious Middle School Raider Winterguard since 2022. She not only enjoys being a part of the sport, but also helping students learn and appreciate the art of colorguard and marching band!