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.

— SPONSORS AND REFERRAL LINKS —

Looking to plan a great orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years.

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Want to find some classic repertoire or looking for something different and new? Check out Keiser Productions!

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Resources and more information at ⁠www.orchestrateacher.net⁠

Episode #136: From the Air Force to the Podium with Erica Donahoe, Orchestra Director & ComposerIn this episode, Dr. Charles Laux sits down with Erica Donahoe, the Director of Orchestras at New Albany Plain Local Schools in Ohio. Erica’s journey to the podium is unlike any other—spanning from the United States Air Force Academy to becoming one of the most prolific string composers in the industry today.Erica shares how she manages a program of over 400 students, her secrets for keeping middle schoolers engaged through high-energy "games" like Sheriffs and Outlaws, and how she transitioned from a military career back to her musical roots. We also dive deep into her composition process, her tips for working with publishers, and the wild story of how she ended up performing with Andrea Bocelli on just two hours' notice!In this episode, we discuss:* The Non-Traditional Path: How Erica’s time in the Air Force shaped her discipline and work ethic as a teacher.* Growing a Program: Strategies for taking a high school program from 60 to over 160 students.* The Art of Composition: How Erica went from self-taught Finale user to being published by Alfred, Carl Fischer, Excelcia, and more.* Classroom Management through Play: Practical games like "Sheriffs and Outlaws" and "Pepperoni Pizza Scales" to keep students focused.* The "Parent" Perspective: How having her own children in her program changed her teaching style for the better.* Performance Pressure: The incredible story of sight-reading 23 arias for a stadium of 11,000 people.About Our Guest: Erica Donahoe directs the New Albany Plain Local Schools orchestra program in New Albany, Ohio. She holds degrees from the U.S. Air Force Academy and The Ohio State University. An active performer and violinist, she has played with the Pikes Peak Philharmonic and the New Albany Symphony Orchestra. Her compositions are performed nationwide and have been featured at the ASTA National Convention and the Midwest Clinic.Connect with Erica:* Find her music at: Alfred Music, Carl Fischer, Excelcia Music Publishing, and Randall Standridge Music.* Search "Erica Donahoe" on J.W. Pepper to explore her latest scores.Subscribe & Support: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share it with a fellow music educator!— SPONSORS AND REFERRAL LINKS —Looking to plan a great orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years. ⁠https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/⁠Want to find some classic repertoire or looking for something different and new? Check out Keiser Productions!https://www.keiserproductions.comLooking for things on Amazon? Use my referral link:⁠https://amzn.to/3RkfRLk⁠Do you keep a monthly budget? If not, try You Need a Budget! It’s a great app/website that helps keep your finances on track.⁠https://tinyurl.com/TheOrchestraTeacherYNAB⁠Do you have cable? Cut the cord and check out YouTube TV! It works on mobile, Smart TVs, the web and more!⁠https://tv.youtube.com/referral/r22irzcuy7jshi⁠Resources and more information at ⁠www.orchestrateacher.net⁠#OrchestraTeacher #MusicEducation #StringOrchestra #MusicComposition #OrchestraDirector #TheOrchestraTeacherPodcast

In Episode 135 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr. Charles Laux welcomes two legendary orchestra educators from Las Vegas, Shelly Burger and Dr. Chuck Cushinery. Both guests spent decades shaping the orchestra landscape in the Clark County School District and mentoring generations of students and teachers.

Shelly Burger retired in 2021 after a remarkable 37-year career directing orchestras at Green Valley High School and several other CCSD campuses. Her ensembles performed on some of the most prestigious stages in the country, including The Midwest Clinic, Carnegie Hall, Chicago Symphony Center, and Lincoln Center. Beyond the classroom, she served the profession through leadership roles in state and national music education organizations while mentoring countless young teachers.

Dr. Chuck Cushinery began his career as a professional violinist before becoming the orchestra director at Clark High School in 1997. During his tenure, he built a dynamic program that included guitar, piano, and electronic music while leading the Clark Chamber Orchestra to national recognition, including a Grand National Orchestra Championship at the American String Teachers Association conference. His ensembles also performed multiple times at The Midwest Clinic. Chuck is also a two-time Top 10 finalist for the GRAMMY Music Educator Award and now continues his work as a clinician, composer, and educator.

In this conversation, Shelly and Chuck reflect on the lessons learned from decades in the classroom:

🎻 Building strong orchestra programs from the ground up

🎻 Mentoring young teachers and developing leadership in students

🎻 Preparing ensembles for major performances and national stages

🎻 Navigating the challenges and rewards of a lifelong career in music education

🎻 Life and creativity after retirement

With humor, honesty, and decades of wisdom, these two master educators share insights that will inspire both new and veteran orchestra teachers alike.

Whether you’re building a program, mentoring students, or reflecting on your own teaching journey, this episode offers invaluable perspective from two educators whose impact continues to shape the orchestra world. 🎶

— SPONSORS AND REFERRAL LINKS —

Looking to plan a great orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years.

⁠https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/⁠

Want to find some classic repertoire or looking for something different and new? Check out Keiser Productions!

https://www.keiserproductions.com

Looking for things on Amazon? Use my referral link:

⁠https://amzn.to/3RkfRLk⁠

Do you keep a monthly budget? If not, try You Need a Budget! It’s a great app/website that helps keep your finances on track.

⁠https://tinyurl.com/TheOrchestraTeacherYNAB⁠

Do you have cable? Cut the cord and check out YouTube TV! It works on mobile, Smart TVs, the web and more!

⁠https://tv.youtube.com/referral/r22irzcuy7jshi⁠

Resources and more information at ⁠www.orchestrateacher.net⁠

In Episode 134 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr. Charles Laux sits down with master educator Joanne May to reflect on five decades of transformative teaching in public schools and higher education.

A retired Assistant Professor of Music Education and Director of Orchestras at Elmhurst University, Joanne previously spent 33 years in public school classrooms, most notably at Glenbard East High School in Illinois. From launching a kindergarten Suzuki/Rolland program that grew to over 400 students, to rebuilding collegiate string programs, her career is a masterclass in vision, persistence, and pedagogical excellence.

A devoted student of Paul Rolland, Joanne has carried Rolland’s movement-based pedagogy into every level of her teaching. In this episode, she shares:

• What it was like studying directly with Paul Rolland

• How movement, balance, and whole-body awareness transform string technique

• Practical applications of Rolland pedagogy for beginners through advanced players

• How she built thriving string programs from the ground up

• Why professional organizations like American String Teachers Association are vital for growth and leadership

• The philosophy behind her book Skills, Scales, and Tunes: Developing String Technique with Paul Rolland Pedagogy

• The importance of guarding students’ vulnerability in the orchestra classroom

Joanne also discusses her leadership roles, including serving as Past President of Illinois ASTA, former Orchestra Council Chair for NAfME, and her work on the Paul Rolland String Pedagogy Society Certification Committee. Her influence extends internationally through workshops and clinics across the U.S. and abroad.

This episode is filled with wisdom for orchestra teachers at every stage — from beginning directors to seasoned educators seeking renewed inspiration.

🎻 If you believe technique should feel free, balanced, and expressive — and that great teaching is both art and responsibility — this conversation is for you.

— BIORGRAPHY —

Joanne May is a retired Assistant Professor of Music Education and Director of Orchestras at Elmhurst University, where she also founded the Elmhurst World Music Festival. With 33 years in public school teaching, she has extensive experience in string education. A student of Paul Rolland, she is a leader in Rolland pedagogy, presenting internationally and contributing to certification programs. May is a past president of Illinois ASTA, an award-winning educator, and an active clinician, conductor, and author of multiple string education resources.

— SPONSORS AND REFERRAL LINKS —

Looking to plan a great orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years.

⁠https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/⁠

Want to find some classic repertoire or looking for something different and new? Check out Keiser Productions!

https://www.keiserproductions.com

Looking for things on Amazon? Use my referral link:

⁠https://amzn.to/3RkfRLk⁠

Do you keep a monthly budget? If not, try You Need a Budget! It’s a great app/website that helps keep your finances on track.

⁠https://tinyurl.com/TheOrchestraTeacherYNAB⁠

Do you have cable? Cut the cord and check out YouTube TV! It works on mobile, Smart TVs, the web and more!

⁠https://tv.youtube.com/referral/r22irzcuy7jshi⁠

Resources and more information at ⁠www.orchestrateacher.net⁠

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133: Dr. Brenda Brenner — Changing Lives Through Strings

In Episode 133 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr. Charles Laux welcomes one of the most influential leaders in string education, Brenda Brenner.

Dr. Brenner serves as the Eugene O’Brien Bicentennial Executive Associate Dean and Professor of Music Education at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where she specializes in string pedagogy and applied violin. A Past President of the American String Teachers Association, board member of the Midwest Clinic, and co-director of the IU String Academy since 1993, Dr. Brenner has shaped generations of performers and teachers.

In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Brenner shares:

• The evolution and impact of the IU String Academy

• The powerful story behind the Fairview Project, where every first and second grader in a Title I school learns violin as part of the curriculum

• Research connecting early instrumental instruction to cognitive, academic, and social growth

• Why healthy physical setup and body awareness are foundational in string pedagogy

• The influence of master teachers like Mimi Zweig and Paul Rolland on her approach

• How to train future teachers to think diagnostically and teach efficiently

• Why mistakes are “just information” — and how that mindset transforms learning

• Reflections on 34 years in higher education and what the future holds for music education

From grocery-store moments that reveal music’s lifelong impact to big-picture conversations about access, equity, and lifelong learning, this episode is a powerful reminder of why we do this work.

If you believe in the transformative power of early string instruction — and want practical wisdom from one of the most respected voices in our field — this episode is a must-listen.

🎻 Listen now and be inspired to build programs that truly change lives.

Brenda Brenner is the Eugene O’Brien Bicentennial Executive Associate Dean and Professor of Music Education at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. A specialist in string music education, she teaches applied violin and courses in violin and string pedagogy.

Brenner earned Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Music Education degrees from Wichita State University and both a Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts in violin performance from the Eastman School of Music.

Since 1993, she has served as co-director of the IU String Academy, where her students have performed in major venues across the United States and toured internationally throughout Europe, Asia, and South America. She also directs the Fairview Project, a program in which every first- and second-grade student in a Title I school learns violin as part of the curriculum while she researches the cognitive, academic, and social impacts of early instrumental music instruction. She is a past president of the American String Teachers Association and serves on the board of The Midwest Clinic.

— SPONSORS AND REFERRAL LINKS —

Looking to plan a great orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years.

⁠https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/⁠

Want to find some classic repertoire or looking for something different and new? Check out Keiser Productions!

https://www.keiserproductions.com

Looking for things on Amazon? Use my referral link:

⁠https://amzn.to/3RkfRLk⁠

Do you keep a monthly budget? If not, try You Need a Budget! It’s a great app/website that helps keep your finances on track.

⁠https://tinyurl.com/TheOrchestraTeacherYNAB⁠

Do you have cable? Cut the cord and check out YouTube TV! It works on mobile, Smart TVs, the web and more!

⁠https://tv.youtube.com/referral/r22irzcuy7jshi⁠

Resources and more information at ⁠www.orchestrateacher.net⁠

#OrchestraTeacher

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#MusicEducation

#StringPedagogy

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ASTA Conference 2026 Coverage (parts 1 and 2)Welcome to The Orchestra Teacher Podcast ! We're live from ASTA 2026 in San Francisco, proudly featuring D'Addario, the title sponsor, and their exceptional strings. We talk with a few vendors and some people in the exhibit hall.

PART TWO:🎻 Live from the 2026 ASTA National Conference in San Francisco! 🌉Dr. Charles Laux, with The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, bringing you exclusive live clips from the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) National Conference held in beautiful San Francisco.In this special episode, you’ll hear candid conversations with string educators, ASTA leaders, mentors, and industry partners about:✨ The incredible energy and camaraderie of opening day🎶 Music happening at every turn🤝 The power of community in string education🌎 Connecting with colleagues from across the countryFeatured guests include: • Rebecca MacLeod (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Immediate Past President of ASTA) • Tiffany Ou-Ponticelli (ASTA Board Member, San Francisco Bay Area) • Kelly Bell, Executive Director of The Midwest Clinic • String educators from Rhode Island and New Mexico sharing insights on the ASTA Mentoring ProgramYou’ll also hear about:🎼 The 80th anniversary of The Midwest Clinic in Chicago📋 Upcoming application deadlines for clinics and performances🎓 ASTA’s mentoring program — designed for both new AND veteran teachers -- https://www.astastrings.org/site/mentor-program🙌 Gratitude for presenters, committee members, and sponsors who make the conference possibleA special thank you to our conference partners, including D’Addario (Title Sponsor) and Eastman Strings, who provided instruments for the National Orchestra Festival.If you love networking, professional growth, and celebrating the string teaching community, this episode captures the heart of what makes ASTA so special.👉 Be sure to like, subscribe, and share with a fellow orchestra educator!🎙️ And we’ll see you next time on The Orchestra Teacher Podcast.— SPONSORS AND AFFILIATE LINKS —Looking to plan a great orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years. ⁠https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/⁠Want to find some classic repertoire or looking for something different and new? Check out Keiser Productions!https://www.keiserproductions.comLooking for things on Amazon? Use my affiliate link:⁠https://amzn.to/3RkfRLk⁠Do you keep a monthly budget? If not, try You Need a Budget! It’s a great app/website that helps keep your finances on track.⁠https://tinyurl.com/TheOrchestraTeacherYNAB⁠Do you have cable? Cut the cord and check out YouTube TV! It works on mobile, Smart TVs, the web and more!⁠https://tv.youtube.com/referral/r22irzcuy7jshi⁠Resources and more information at ⁠www.orchestrateacher.net⁠

In Episode 130 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr. Charles Laux welcomes Liz Dinwiddie, Director of Strings at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School in the mountains of Northeast Georgia, for a powerful conversation about access, community, and joy in string education.

At Rabun Gap, every student from age three through fifth grade is required to take strings. Yes — every student. Liz shares how she structures this unique program, including cardboard starter instruments, singing-based instruction, floor staff games, color-coded finger systems, and creative approaches to teaching clefs and note reading that make learning accessible and fun.

Serving a diverse student population that includes local Appalachian families and boarding students from over 50 countries, Liz discusses how she builds a culture where music is not just about performance — it’s about life skills, belonging, and exposure to beauty.

But the story doesn’t stop in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Liz also shares her extraordinary experience traveling to Onitsha, Nigeria, where she helped launch and grow a youth string program connected to a local parish. From crash-course string pedagogy workshops to coaching students preparing excerpts from Messiah, her work demonstrates the global power of music education to connect cultures and expand opportunity.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How to structure a required elementary strings program

• Practical tools for teaching 3–10 year olds successfully

• Using movement, singing, and visual mapping for early note reading

• Managing mixed socioeconomic communities with intentional culture

• Building student ownership and leadership

• Launching and sustaining international string outreach

This episode is a reminder that whether you’re teaching in a rural mountain town or halfway across the world, strings can be a powerful vehicle for connection, growth, and joy.

— BIORGRAPHY —

Liz Dinwiddie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Viola Performance from Boston University, a Master’s from the University of Colorado Boulder, and a Specialist Graduate Degree Certificate from Indiana University focused on Music Education and Community Music Schools. She has performed with the Boulder Chamber Orchestra, Greeley Philharmonic, Fort Collins Philharmonic, and the Prague Multicultural Music Project, and has presented nationally at ASTA and multiple state music educator conferences.

Contact: www.lizdinwiddie.com

— SPONSORS AND AFFILIATE LINKS —

Looking to plan a great orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years.

⁠https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/⁠

Want to find some classic repertoire or looking for something different and new? Check out Keiser Productions!

https://www.keiserproductions.com

Looking for things on Amazon? Use my affiliate link:

⁠https://amzn.to/3RkfRLk⁠

Do you keep a monthly budget? If not, try You Need a Budget! It’s a great app/website that helps keep your finances on track.

⁠https://tinyurl.com/TheOrchestraTeacherYNAB⁠

Do you have cable? Cut the cord and check out YouTube TV! It works on mobile, Smart TVs, the web and more!

⁠https://tv.youtube.com/referral/r22irzcuy7jshi⁠

IS YOUR THUMB BENT? Get stickers here! www.orchestrateacher.net⁠/stickers

Resources and more information at ⁠www.orchestrateacher.net⁠

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