Washington Metropolitan Youth Orchestra
for grades 9 through 12
Welcome from WMYO Music Director Alberto Rodriguez . . .As a music educator and conductor, I am excited about the opportunities that a group like the WMYO presents. This organization has a fantastic legacy of community collaborations and partnerships, student-centered repertoire choices, and the featuring of senior soloists. I believe we also have a bright and exciting future as an ensemble that provides excellent growth and performance opportunities to some of the most gifted young musicians in the greater Alexandria area both musically and personally as we perform brilliant music as diverse as the communities we live in.
As the Music Director of the WMYO, I use my values and those of the WMPA to chart our ensemble's direction. I seek to place opportunity above all else and make WMYO a premier ensemble for students who need extra-curricular performance challenges, regardless of background, and help these students grow by focusing on musical excellence and quality human relationships. The WMYO will strive to demonstrate our commitment to student excellence in all aspects of our existence, because ultimately, uplifting our students to share beautiful, transformational music is our purpose of existence. Sincerely, Al Rodriguez [email protected] Music Director Alberto Rodriguez
Alberto (Al) Rodriguez is an engaging educator, conductor, clinician, and performer, now serving as Music Director of the Washington Metropolitan Youth Orchestra after three seasons as Assistant Conductor. A two-time “Orchestra Director of the Year” winner from the Fairfax Orchestra Directors Association and a Quarterfinalist for the 2024 GRAMMY Music Educator Award, Al has led the orchestras at Mount Vernon High School in Alexandria, VA since 2017. Under his steady leadership, the program has grown in size and quality, offering students world premieres and guest clinician experiences. His ensembles consistently earn “Superior” ratings at Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association events. Outside the classroom, Al is an active electric and upright bassist in Northern Virginia, specializing in rock, blues, and funk, and has toured regionally for over a decade. With a strong belief in diverse and engaging repertoire, Al was awarded a 2023 Wolftrap Grant to launch a collaborative music project at MVHS. He holds a B.S. in Music Education from Case Western Reserve University/Cleveland Institute of Music (2015) and an M.M. from Ithaca College (2021).
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WMYO featured in Alexandria Times!
World Premiere (excerpt) of Serenity, Op. 1 by WMYO violist Thien Phan (b. 2006). Featuring Hannah Leong, violin, Thien Phan, viola, and Isaiah Reed, viola
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