December 9, 2015

To Whom It May Concern:

I am happy to recommend Katie Fries for a position as a music teacher in
your district. I have known Katie for four years and, during the past year,
worked with her on an almost daily basis, since she was a member of the
Drake Choir, which I conduct. She was also a student in both of the choral
conducting classes, which I teach. In all of my interactions with Katie, I have
been impressed with her intelligence, musicianship skills, and integrity.
Katie is an intelligent and intellectually curious student. She possesses deep
knowledge of music theory and history, seeks to understand the cultural
context of music, and is capable both of engaging in critical thinking and
leading others to do so.
An excellent trumpet player, Katie changed from the instrumental to the
choral emphasis track in her junior year. Thus, she brings real depth to her
understanding of music. She is a fine sight-reader, possesses a lovely voice,
which she uses effectively as a model for students, and brings a strong ear to
the rehearsal process. Her gestural technique is both clear and expressive.
Katie is capable of sophisticated diagnosis in rehearsals and is able to
employ a variety of rehearsal strategies to improve student performance.
Her teaching is confident, energetic, and positive. She is able to establish
and maintain an appropriate pace of instruction and engages students well
with her enthusiastic, focused, and goal-oriented manner.
I view Katie as an effective team player. She is an strong listener and
communicator and is respectful of the needs and opinions of others. Both
students and faculty at Drake found her to be a joyful person who works for
the common good.
I urge you to give Katie your strongest consideration for a teaching position
and I would be happy to discuss her candidacy in greater detail, should that
be helpful in your decision-making. Please feel free to contact me at
515.271.2841 or via email at aimee.beckmann-collier@drake.edu .
Sincerely,
Aimee Beckmann-Collier, D.M.A.
Director of Choral Studies
Ellis and Nelle Levitt Distinguished Professor of Conducting
Drake University
Des Moines, IA