To whom it may concern:

Josue Duran is one of those students that you will remember years after they have left your
classroom. Josue has been a student of mine for four years now at Youth Orchestra of Los
Angeles at Heart of Los Angeles (YOLA at HOLA), an after school music program in the
Rampart District of Los Angeles. During that time, I have seen Josue grow into an amazing
young man and musician.

When I first met Josue he was volunteering with the program while his younger sister was in
violin class. On meeting him, I was impressed with his willingness to help out with any task that
needed doing as well as how he interacted with his sibling. Observing the two of them together
just confirmed my perception of his as a caring, gentle, and loving person that put others
before himself.

Shortly after he started volunteering he began working with me on the euphonium and then
switched to the tuba. Within the four years I have known him he progressed from the beginning
group to the most advanced. His exponential growth on his instrument is due to his
commitment and hard work. Josue has true grit, he never gives up, and is always pushing
himself to be better. Whenever I show up to YOLA he is already there practicing his tuba,
working diligently on the passages that gave him trouble the day before. He is constantly
looking to better himself and is proactive in finding solutions and people that can help him
develop the skills he needs.

Josue works hard in everything he does: he wakes up early to help his family out with their
business, goes to school all day, and then commits his after school time to being a part of
YOLA. He often doesnt get home until 8 pm at night but he always has a smile on his face and
a warm hug or handshake for everyone he comes across.

Josue has always been someone I can depend on both in and out of the classroom. He is a
quiet leader, that shows rather than tells others what they should be doing. His gentle and kind
demeanor has always helped calm those around him and guide them to make good choices.
Josue is always willing to go out of his way to help others; over the years there have been
countless times that I have asked Josue to take care of someone else in our brass section that
is a younger or not as mature. Sometimes it is as simple as making new copies of their music
or as involved as being a peer chaperone on a field trip. No matter how big or small Josue is
always willing to step up the the plate.

Josue is a caring, driven, helpful, and generous young man and any program would be lucky to
have him. Please contact me at jadesrosier@gmail.com or 860.573.8758 if you have any
questions that I can answer for you.

Sincerely,

Jackie DesRosier

YOLA Assistant Conductor and Brass Teaching Artist