About Rick Rodriguez

Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, Rick has been involved in the arts for 38 years. His musical journey began when he began playing trombone in 6^th grade. His sophomore at Eastwood High School he then joined choir and began his vocal studies with Mrs. Maureen Keaton. His junior year he began his instrumental studies on bass trombone and euphonium. 

After graduating from Eastwood, he began his pursuit for a bachelor’s in music education at the University of Texas at El Paso. While at UTEP he began his study on the euphonium under the guidance of Professor Steve Haddad.

Throughout college Rick was essential in the reactivation of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, the national men's music fraternity of America, where he held the offices of President, Vice President, and Treasurer. 

During his collegiate career Rick was employed by the UTEP department of music as the recital hall manager for 3 years, where he oversaw all events that took place in the Department of Music recital hall.  In addition, he worked as a student assistant to Dr. Elisa Wilson in the music theatre division.  His duties included building sets, light design, operating light and sound boards, stage managing, PR, and marketing. He worked on productions of; Romeo and Bernadette, Susannah, and several variety shows featuring different scenes from many different musical theatre shows and operas. 

In 2009 He was also given the opportunity to work with the El Paso Opera as an assistant stage manager for productions of Madama Butterfly and West Side Story. 

After graduating from UTEP in 2010 Rick began his teaching career as the assistant director of bands at Specialist Rafael Hernando III Middle School in the Socorro Independent School District.  While at Hernando he created a music appreciation class for students to expand their knowledge of music history from the classical eras, jazz, rock, and modern music of today.  He served as head of the Olweus Anti-bullying committee where he was tasked with creating school wide themes that promoted a safe learning environment and inclusion for all.  The annual Olweus pep rally gave students an opportunity to perform their musical school theme for the student body.  Rick also assisted in coordinating a talent show for students to showcase their artistic abilities.  Lastly, he served on the staff for the El Dorado High School Marching Band.

In 2015, Rick was offered the position of director of band and choirs at Salvador H. Sanchez Middle school.  While at Sanchez he served as department head for the Visionary Education Department and continued coordinating campus wide events including a winter arts festival featuring all performing ensembles from the Socorro High School feeder pattern.

Rick is currently set to complete his master’s degree in conducting from the University of Texas at El Paso in the spring of 2023.

2013 SISD Concert Band Contest: Superior Rating Sightreading Non-Varsity Middle School Band

2015 – 2019 SISD Beginning Band Festival: Superior Rating

2015 – 2019 UTEP Beginning Band Festival: Outstanding Performance

2015 – 2019 SISD Beginning Choir Festival: Superior Rating

2015 – 2017 Superior Festival Invitational: Outstanding Beginning Band

2015 – 2017 Superior Festival Invitational: Outstanding Beginning Choir

2015 SISD Drumline Invitational: Outstanding Cymbal Line

2018 SISD Choir Contest: Superior Rating Stage Performance

2 TMEA Region 22 Band Students (Flute, Percussion)

17 TMEA Region 22 Choir Students (6 Soprano, 7 Alto, 2 Tenor, 2 Bass)

1 TMEA Texas All State Band Student (Flute)

2017 & 2018 Teacher of the Year Nominee