March 13, 2014 To Whom It May Concern: I am corresponding to you on behalf of Mr.

Robert Starace, an applicant for the band director position in your school district. My association with Mr. Starace has take place from August 2009 through the present, during which he has been a student at Drake University. I have worked with him in classes and ensembles, and as his supervisor in the band office where he has served as my lead undergraduate band assistant. Mr. Starace has also been a student director of the Drake University Bulldog Brass, our basketball band. In all cases, I have found Mr. Starace to be an important asset to Drake, and to our band program during his time here. Mr. Starace has distinguished himself both in and outside of the classroom. Simply stated, his work has been excellent. He has continually exceeded expectations as a student, a performer, and as the student in charge of all band office student workers. He is highly organized, meticulous, and will go beyond the requirements to see that every project is completed accurately and on time. He is a natural leader who demonstrates a very strong work ethic in all that he does. Mr. Starace is an excellent musician. He is a gifted horn performer, and a fine trumpet player who has had numerous successful experiences in the jazz genre. Mr. Starace has demonstrated a natural acumen for teaching students of all levels. He has shown willingness to do whatever it takes to ensure the success of the students that he teaches. He has developed multiple delivery systems that allow him to teach students of varying aptitudes. Bobby is intelligent and outgoing. He communicates easily and effectively in both formal and informal settings. He has strong intrapersonal skills and relates well with others. His personality is suited appropriately to the high school band setting. He is equally respected by his peers and by members of the Drake faculty. I recommend Mr. Robert Starace to you without any reservations. He will be a welcome and vital addition to the field of music education at a time when we need high quality people entering the teaching profession. He will prove to be an excellent addition to any teaching faculty and to the school district fortunate enough to hire him. Please contact me if I can be of further assistance with this matter. Sincerely,

Robert Meunier Director of Bands/Professor of Percussion Drake University Past-president, Iowa Bandmasters Association Past-president, South Central Iowa Bandmasters Association Past-president, Iowa Percussive Arts Society Member, American Bandmasters Association