MASSAPONAX HiGH SCHOOL 8201 Jefferson Davis Highway Phone: (540) 710-0419 Fredericksburg, Virginia 22407 Fax: (540) 710-1596 April 9, 2007 LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION Tam writing in support of the application of Graham Scott Barton for Your Position. Mr. Barton was Choral Director at Massaponax High School for three years while I was principal, and I am pleased to say that he not only grew personally and professionally, but he also created new attitudes among students and parents as regards musical activities, When Mr. Barton first arrived at Massaponax, choral programs were in Place but neither diversity nor musicianship was apparent. Mr. Barton's Passion for music soon became a standard in our Fine Arts department, and the choral program reached new heights in terms of participation, dedication and levels of significant presentations. Many students and Parents expressed their excitement to me about the new quality of Programs, and many students attained new levels of performance by their acceptance into Regional and State performance groups. Mr. Barton also challenged students by enrolling his ensembles in many performance competitions and festivals. During all three years of his tenure the choirs at Massaponax High School received superior ratings from the Virginia Music Educators Association district 15 panel of adjudicators. As an administrator these ratings help to prove the level of high standards apparent in a music educators teaching, By reviewing official observations conducted by my administrative team it is obvious that Mr. Barton possesses fine skills as an educator. His students learned about various genres of music, the importance of teamwork, and the necessity of detail and training for quality performances. | had the utmost confidence in Mr. Barton in organizing special events at our school. Over the three years at Massaponax, Graham continued to show his high level of organizational skill, financial responsibility, and attention to detail when hosting large choral events. I had the pleasure of appointing Mr. Barton to the Spotsylvania County School Board’s Educational Specifications committee where he represented the music faculty of 5 high schools for the development of new facilities in our county, As a high school principal, I am most pleased with those teachers who sincerely believe in their profession, who manage their responsibilities with energy and creativity and who raise the standards of their class. each year. I can honestly say that Mr. Barton met each of those andWas very sorry to sce him leave our schools. But I know that he has the talent, skills and passion to grow professionally and to lead other choral Programs to new levels. Therefore I strongly recommend Mr. Barton for your position, Sj = e Ri Principal