River Valley High School Kimbert J. Kauld, Principal 660 Varsity Boulevard Darby Blakley, Dean of Students } (khaukdervschools.org) _ Spring Green, WI 53588 (dblakley@rvschools.ors) ‘Telephone: (608) 588-2554 FAX: (608) 588-2827 Home of the BLACKHAWKS April 29, 2015 To Whom It May Concern, It is an honor to be asked to write this recommendation for Elisabeth Niemeyer. Liz worked with me as my student teacher for the first quarter of the 2014 fall semester at River Valley High School. In that time, she was able to create daily meaningful and valuable vocal music lessons, while gaining a positive rapport with students and staff. She made a very positive impact on the vocal music students here at RVHS. Working with students in 2 daily choirs and one chamber ensemble, grades 9 through 12, Liz was able to engage them right off the bat, She immediately dove into working in small groups, warmups, and rehearsing full pieces. One specific thing that was a strength in Liz’s daily lessons is her abilty'to connect with students regarding their onset of sound and posture. Much time was taken to make sure students were using their voice in a healthy way to create sound. It is clear that Liz is very knowledgeable in her vocal practice and performance simply by the way she teaches her students to phonate. She is a wonderful private voice instructor, as well as choral director. Another aspect of her teaching that usually is a daunting task for young educators is the discussion of emotion and meaning in choral text. Liz reached out to students to create an experience for themselves and for the audience. It is difficult to stand in front of high schoo! singers and ask them to emote, but Liz did it with ease and integrity. The students were asked to step outside of themselves to create something special musically and that is a trait any employer would be lucky to have in their music staff. | truly believe that Elisabeth brings something special to the vocal music classroom. She brings passion, energy, and focus to the table on a daily basis. It would be a pleasure of mine to work with Liz again and itis with great confidence and excitement that I recommend her for any vocal music position of her choosing. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require further information. Sincerely, a Mia. Ln Rebecca A. Schinker Vocal Music Director River Valley High School rschinker@rvschools.org 608-588-2554