137. The Golden Baton, Music Marathons & Creative Innovation with Al Rodriguez

In Episode 137 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr. Charles Laux sits down with the dynamic and forward-thinking Al Rodriguez—Director of Orchestras and Music Technology Instructor at Mount Vernon High School in Alexandria, Virginia.

Recently named a Yamaha “40 Under 40” Music Educator (2026) and a two-time GRAMMY Music Educator Award quarterfinalist, Al is redefining what a modern orchestra program can look like.

From his roots in Lakewood, Ohio—where he studied under the legendary Dr. Elizabeth Hankins and performed in the nation’s first high school rock orchestra—to leading a vibrant, student-centered program just miles from the historic Mount Vernon estate, Al brings passion, innovation, and heart to everything he does.

Serving a highly transient, military-connected student population, Al has built a thriving program grounded in care-based instruction—where relationships, creativity, and student voice take center stage.

In this conversation, we explore how Al:

• Transformed his program by integrating a high-impact Music Technology course, empowering students to create and produce their own EPs using Soundtrap
• Reimagined fundraising with his wildly successful “Music Marathon,” where community leaders compete for the chance to conduct using the coveted Golden Baton
• Balances rigor and creativity by shifting from “director” to facilitator, unlocking deeper student engagement and ownership
• Builds resilience and connection in a constantly changing school community

You’ll also hear about Al’s life beyond the classroom as a professional bassist and bandleader, including his work with the funk-fusion group Femi and the Foundation and their debut release.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The lasting impact of mentorship and the legacy of Dr. Elizabeth Hankins
• Teaching and retaining students in a military-connected, high-transiency environment
• Designing a Music Technology curriculum that turns beginners into confident creators
• A step-by-step blueprint for hosting your own “Music Marathon” fundraiser
• Rethinking the role of the orchestra teacher in a modern classroom
• Balancing teaching, performing, and creative life

About Our Guest:
Al Rodriguez is the Orchestra Director and Music Technology Instructor at Mount Vernon High School and Music Director of the Washington Metropolitan Youth Orchestra. A graduate of Case Western Reserve University and Ithaca College, he is an in-demand clinician, conductor, and performer dedicated to expanding access and innovation in music education.

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