James Madison University

School of Music
Gregory P. Thomas
thoma3gp@jmu.edu

February, 2022

To Whom It May Concern,

Please consider this letter in support of Lauren Carr for employment in your school system. I
have had the pleasure of working with Lauren as her Arranging Professor, Jazz Band Conductor,
and student teaching Supervisor during her tenure at James Madison University. Lauren is an
exceptionally enthusiastic, capable, and flexible young teacher. She is inquisitive, energetic, and
very empathetic. Lauren comes from an extremely rigorous and comprehensive teacher preparation
program at James Madison University and is full of great ideas and the skills to put them into
practice.

Lauren is well organized, thorough, and very dependable. She has a very nuanced way of
talking to students that inspires trust and loyalty. But underneath her calm and cheerful disposition,
she has the desire to “get it right” and the determination to go the extra mile toward that end. As a
former public-school educator of 34 years, I am certain that this combination of attributes will
translate into success in public school music teaching. Lauren is very strong musically (her
performances across a range of styles while at JMU provides vivid evidence!) and was not
intimidated by any of the myriad of challenges I threw at her in arranging class or Jazz Band. She
is a risk taker in the best sense of the word – not reckless, but willing; not impulsive but forward
looking.

Lauren is a quick learner, a wonderful team player and an inspiring person to be around. Her
inquisitive nature and generosity elevated the learning climate in my classes. She is unselfish in
her encouragement and praise to those around her. She is compassionate, sincere, and very mature.
I give Lauren my strongest recommendation and expect her to be a terrific addition to a music
faculty in the very near future. To be honest, I would jump at the chance to hire her!

Sincerely,

Greg Thomas
James Madison University School of Music