April 12, 2016

To Whom It May Concern:

This letter is written in support of Sarah Haigh's application to teach at your school.
I have known Sarah for the past four years in my role as Assistant Professor Choral Music
and Associate Director of Choral Activities at James Madison University. Sarah has been
most active in the choral program at JMU, involved in all of our choirs, and availing herself
of every possible teaching opportunity. Sarah is ambitious, talented, and dedicated to her
work. I am confident she will be a very fine teacher.
In her time at JMU Sarah has sung with each of our choral ensembles, and quickly
identified herself as a leader in the choral area. She has held section leader and manager
positions in most of our ensembles. Sarah's leadership has been exemplary: helping to
manage logistics, concert details, musical needs, etc. Sarah's leadership extended beyond the
choral ensembles, taking extensive roles in our summer choral workshops and camps.
Sarah's teaching has also been first-rate. In addition to her excellent student teaching
and practicum work, Sarah was honored in winning the 2015 JMU ACDA Undergraduate
Conducting Competition. As winner of this highly competitive honor, Sarah was tasked with
rehearsing and conducting 200 high school students and the JMU Chorale in JMU's annual
Choralfest.
I am excited to watch Sarah Haigh's career develop. I have every confidence that she
will be an asset to your school community. Should you require any additional help, please do
not hesitate to contact me.

Kind Regards,

W. Bryce Hayes
Assistant Professor Choral Music Education
Associate Director of Choral Activities
hayeswb@jmu.edu
540-568-5052