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Erasmo Rodriguez-Castaneda is the focus of Arts Council Menifee’s ‘Artist Spotlight’. Currently serving as a Music Educator at the Santa Rosa Academy in Menifee, he has dedicated 19 years to further music education for our high school and middle school students. He is a music educator, composer, arranger, and arts advocate, whose work focuses on building meaningful connections through music, education, and community collaboration.
As a K–12 music and CTE Digital Music educator, Erasmo works at the intersection of traditional music education and modern creative technology, helping students explore composition, recording, sound design, and digital media alongside ensemble performance and musicianship. His approach emphasizes creativity, accessibility, mentorship, and long-term program development that creates sustainable opportunities for young artists.
As a composer and arranger, his collaborations have extended across the United States, Japan, Taiwan, and Mexico, reflecting a broad artistic perspective shaped by both cultural exchange and educational leadership. His background spans concert percussion, jazz, marching arts, digital production, and game audio.
Beyond the classroom, Erasmo is passionate about strengthening arts communities by creating systems, events, and collaborative experiences that bring together students, educators, families, and local organizations through the shared experience of music. In that context, he joined Arts Council Menifee in 2025 attending Board Meetings, volunteering at ACM events, and giving meaningful input and feedback to the Board. In April 2026 the ACM Board of Directors asked Erasmo to join the Board as a Trustee, which he gladly accepted.
If all that weren’t enough, On April 30, Erasmo almost single handedly put together the inaugural Santa Rosa Academy Choir and Music Festival at Perris High School. The Festival sponsored by Arts Council Menifee brought together 309 students from six valley schools including Perris High School, Pinacate Middle School in Perris, Rancho Verde High School in Moreno Valley, Paloma Valley High School in Menifee, Badger Springs Middle School in Moreno Valley and the Santa Rosa Academy in Menifee.
The Festival was the brainchild of Erasmo. Unlike typical choir and band competitions, the purpose of the event was to provide music students with an educational experience focusing on musical growth, clinician feedback, and music collaboration for directors and students alike. Choir Programs from 7 schools participated along with the Concert Band from Perris High School and the Intermediate Band from Badger Springs Middle School.
As the consummate professional, Erasmo has already identified areas for refinement and improvement. With the support and encouragement of Arts Council Menifee, he intends to make the Festival a yearly event. Clearly, year one was a huge success demonstrating a strong interest in continued regional collaboration in music education.
According to Arts Council President Mary Carnes, “Erasmo Rodriguez brings an extraordinary combination of talent, vision, and heart to our arts community. His dedication to music education and ability to unite students, educators, and families through meaningful artistic experiences make him an invaluable leader and an inspiring force in the greater Menifee area.”
Erasmo Rodriguez has burst on the arts scene in the greater Menifee area providing a spark to the music education of our middle and high school students. Arts Council Menifee is both proud and honored to shine the ‘Artist Spotlight’ on Erasmo Rodriguez.
For more information, visit our website at artscouncilmenifee.org
