December 14, 2021

I am writing on behalf of Paul Covert, an applicant for the Graduate Jazz Studies program at the
University of North Texas.

Paul is currently in his final semester in residence at James Madison University, completing his
coursework in Instrumental Music Education. He will be student teaching during the spring
2022 semester. Paul has held the Lead Trombone chair in the JMU Jazz Ensemble under my
direction since September, 2019. He has also been active in our Jazz Chamber Ensembles for
the past year. Additionally, Paul is an outstanding bass trombonist, currently holding that chair
in both the JMU Wind Symphony and JMU Symphony Orchestra.

Paul’s interest and focus in the past two years have shifted from classical trombone
performance to jazz studies. As demonstrated by the fact that he plays lead trombone in JMU’s
top jazz ensemble, and bass trombone in JMU’s top orchestra and wind band, Paul possesses
excellent fundamental technique on both instruments. His skills as a lead player have become
very apparent in the past two years; Paul is also one of the most dedicated and focused
students I’ve worked with in my 30 years of university teaching. I believe that, despite his
relatively recent orientation to jazz studies, he is primed to excel as a lead player. His
fundamentals on the horn are excellent, and he is ready to capitalize on his potential.

Though I’ve never had Paul in one of my academic classes, it’s plainly apparent that he is very
intelligent, and a quick learner. He has a great ear, to the point that I occasionally defer to him
in our big band rehearsals to clarify for the ensemble specific articulations and inflections from
the original recordings of classic repertoire we are studying. His preparation and attention to
detail are thorough, unfailingly accurate, and always dependable. He also does great work
leading and rehearsing one of our top student combos, in spite of having only two semesters’
experience with improvisation.

I believe that Paul will do excellent work as a graduate student. Please do not hesitate to
contact me if I can be of additional assistance.

Sincerely,

Charles J. Dotas
Professor of Music, Director of Jazz Studies
James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia