About our Choir Director

Mr. Xavier Howard is a Northern Virginia native and proud Prince William County Public Schools alumnus. Following high school graduation, he moved to Texas to attend the University of North Texas, where he pursued a double major in Vocal Performance (Opera) and Music Education (Choral). During his studies, Mr. Howard trained in classical voice under renowned tenor William H. Joyner and performed with several of UNT’s premier ensembles, including University Singers, A Cappella Choir, Vox Aquilae, and others.

In addition to his collegiate experiences, Mr. Howard maintained an active professional singing career throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, performing with respected ensembles such as the Verdigris Ensemble and Highland Park Chorale.

Upon completing his degrees, Mr. Howard began his teaching career as Choir Director at H. Grady Spruce High School in Dallas, Texas. Seeking to return home and invest in the community that helped shape him, he accepted the position of Choir Director at T. Benton Gayle Middle School in Stafford County, Virginia. Mr. Howard remains an active performer and is a member of the Chamber Chorale of Fredericksburg. He is passionate about fostering musical excellence, building strong choir communities, and inspiring students to discover their voices through choral music. 

Mr. Howard is thrilled to join the South County family and looks forward to working with students, families, and the community as he begins this exciting new chapter as Choir Director for South County Middle School and South County High School.

A.J. Rodriguez (she/her), residing in Lorton, Virginia, has been teaching high school choral ensembles since 2014 and privately teaching voice since 2011. A.J. is a graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor’s in Choral Music Education.  

She began teaching private voice lessons as an undergraduate student at Florida State University! Students auditioning into the program gained admittance into the College of Music under her tutelage. Students who have studied under AJ Rodriguez have been accepted into: Florida State University, Michigan State University, The University of Michigan, Northwestern University, Howard University, Stetson University, Berklee College of Music, Virginia Commonwealth University, James Madison University, Virginia Tech University, and Rollins College.

A.J. began their choral career in Kissimmee, Florida teaching at Poinciana High School. A.J.’s choirs have received superior ratings at the District and State level in Florida. In 2016, A.J. moved back to teach at their alma mater, South County Middle & High School. A.J. is also a tenor that sings professionally in the Northern Virginia area. Their choirs have been invited to sing at Walt Disney World's Disney Candlelight Processional, the 2021 Virginia Music Educators Association’s conference, and all around the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area.

A.J. has become passionate about their activism in ensuring equity towards Transgender and Gender expansive students as well as Black, Brown, Indigenous, Asian and Marginalized students within the choral classroom and community.  AJ recently completed her Master's Degree in Music Education from the University of North Texas. 

She now teaches at West Springfield High School.