UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST ‘Minuteman Marching Band Band Office: 413.545.3410 George N. Parks Minuteman Band Building Fax: 413.545.5631 University of Massachusetts Web: www.umass.edu/band 110 Grinnell Way Amherst, MA 01003-9365 February 20, 2018 ‘To Whom It May Concern: Itis my great pleasure to write a letter of recommendation for Matt Sypek. [have known Matt since August of 2011. When I met him, he was a section leader in the UMass Marching Band. Since then, he has been a junior high band director, and is currently a Master in Music conducting student at UMass. | have worked with Matt closely over that time. For the past ‘two years, he has been a Teaching Assistant with the UMass Band. He has worked with the marching band, the pep band and the concert band. He has also been a student in the graduate conducting seminar, which I co-teach. ‘When | think of Matt Sypek, there are a couple things that come to mind. One is dedication. Matt is steadfastly dedicated to self-improvement. He’s always looking for feedback. If something didn't work the first time, you can guarantee he’s already working to change that. In his two years in the graduate program, Matt has made significant growth as a conductor. His most recent rehearsal with the Concert Band was the best I've seen him in front of an ensemble. He was confident, at ease, and had a plan that improved the students’ ability. Matt dedicated himself to improvement and it showed. Another characteristic of Matt is reliability. There have been many tasks given to Matt during his graduate education. He has written drill for the marching band; he has helped coordinate the movement of students during our 3,000 student-plus Band Day; he has. conducted the pep band; and served as the face of our Music Department at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago. Most recently, Matt coordinated our High School Honor Band Festival. This involved over 140 students, separated into 3 bands, rehearsing in 2 buildings. There ‘was countless logistics, but Matt handled everything smoothly. He was so organized, the event just ran itself. We couldn't have done it without him. As hope you can tell, I think very highly of Matt Sypek. I've really enjoyed working with him over the years, and I've seen true growth in him. He was a successful music educator before going to graduate school, and 1 am confident he will be even stronger as he re-enters the field. I have no hesitation in giving him my recommendation. If you have any questions or would like to discuss Matt further, please do not hesitate to contact me. All the best, fy Todd Anderson, Ed.D. ‘ctor, University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marchi tanderson@musicumass.edu Band “The University of Massachusets san Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution 1 Printed on Reccled Paper