To Whom It May Concern: Please accept this letter of support for Steph Niewohner's candidacy for your vacant

position. Ms. Niewohner has been a student of mine the past four years at Drake University, where she has been a member of my ensembles as well as a student in my methods course. As one of the music education faculty, I have collaborated with her on a number of issues regarding her continued growth as an educator as well as the development of her musical skills. Niewohner's musical growth and maturity has been astounding. She has applied herself to develop her musical abilities as a clarinetist, which has paid off given Steph's membership in the Drake Wind Symphony. Since Ms. Niewohner has experienced such an exorbitant amount of disciplined growth to attain her status as a player, it is evident that she will be empathetic towards students who require the same amount of growth and disciplined work ethic she poses. Steph's organization and attention to explicit detail is to be admired. She displays clear communication skills, of which corresponding with her has always been quick and efficient. Niewohner's resourceful and thorough planning has already proven to be a successful trait in her young teaching career. For example, Ms. Niewohner had the most organized, systematic, and logical lesson plan of all who presented a lesson in my methods course. Clearly, she has a plan for success and implements it well! Ms. Niewohner's enthusiasm for teaching and learning go hand-in-hand. I can honestly say that I have never heard Steph complain of a situation or fail to be her best. She desires to be the best teacher she can become through regular observations of great teachers and her attendance at the Midwest Orchestra and Band Clinic. One can only hope that more music educators are as studious and dedicated as Ms. Niewohner has proven to be. Should you choose to hire Steph Niewohner, you will be adding an incredibly hardworking, enthusiastic, and organized individual who has the compassion to teach students of all backgrounds and abilities. I highly endorse Steph Niewohner for your position! Sincerely, Dr. Grady McGrannahan Assistant Professor of Music, Band and Low Brass Drake University