Jill Anderson Principal Dean of Students Dave Oleson Carroll W.

Hardy Band Director

Lakewood Elementary School

Norwalk Community School District 9210 Happy Hallow Norwalk, Iowa 50211 Phone 515-981-1850 Fax 515-256-7823 www.norwalk.k12.ia.us

April 27, 2012 Dear Prospective Employer: Derek Hessing student taught with me here at Lakewood Elementary from January 9th through May 8th, 2012. He spent most of his mornings at Norwalk High School and afternoons here. We have about 185 fifth graders in our building, with over 100 currently involved in instrumental music. Mr. Hessing assisted and directed both of our fifth grade band groups during their rehearsals and also directed and assisted at our Spring concert on May 8th. The rest of his time was spent teaching small group lessons, helping prepare students for solo contest, as well as being available for assisting in room set-up, administrative tasks, and helping with student supervision. I found Derek to be quite confident and serious about the task of teaching music. His manner, speech and conduct have been professional. During the course of the semester he established rapport with the students and is capable of handling any situation with confidence. He has become quite comfortable working with young students in a small group lesson setting and is exceptional at improving student embouchures, tone, and technique. Having come to us from recent college and drum corp experiences, Mr. Hessing has learned how to apply his high expectations to the fifth grade level. Mr. Hessings music and education background seems solid and he has grown a lot during his time here in applying what he knows about music pedagogy to beginning band students. He is an accomplished trumpet player, with also a strength in percussion. Teaching brass is his specialty, but he worked to improve his skill at woodwinds as well while he was here. I feel that Derek Hessing would be a fine instrumental music teacher at any level and would encourage giving him prime consideration for any opening that you may have. Sincerely, Mr. Carroll W. Hardy Elementary Band Director