Dr.

Ann Cravero, Associate Prof. of Voice; Director of Opera

2507 University Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50265 Phone: 515.271.3847 Fax: 515-271-2558 E-Mail: Ann.Cravero@drake.edu ---DRAKE UNIVERSITY---

Date: December 2, 2012 Re: Mary Jane Morgan, BME, Musical Theater Minor Drake University To Whom It May Concern: I am happy to have the opportunity to write a letter of recommendation on behalf of Mary Jane Morgan. Mary Jane Morgan, a senior BME/Musical Theater Minor at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa participated in the Drake University Opera Theater, which I am the director, for three years. Mary Jane sang in the opera choruses of The Elixir of Love and The Magic Flute, and portrayed a convincing and well-sung comprimario role in Wards The Crucible. Mary Jane always maintained a positive attitude during rehearsals. She accepted each role, whether chorus or otherwise, with excitement and the willingness to learn and grow as a singer and actor. Mary Jane also volunteered her time and expertise by organizing and serving as the make-up artist for the Drake Opera Theater in 2011 and 2012. It should be noted that Mary Jane also sang with Drake Choir and Chamber Choir under the direction of Dr. Aimee Beckmann-Collier, and was chosen to be the alto section leader in 2008-2009. In addition to the Opera Theater, I had the privilege of working with Mary Jane as her primary voice teacher for four years. With dedication to her instrument and studies, Mary Jane has made significant vocal and dramatic improvement that has been resulted in important professional opportunities. Most recently, Mary Jane served as an intern for the Heartland Youth Choir Clive, IA (2011-2012) where she taught musical skills (reading, singing technique, rhythm) and directed two performances to Chante and Chantemus choruses. Mary Jane also gained valuable teaching experience conducting the Carol Childrens Choir at First United Methodist Church in Lexington, NE (2007-2008). Finally, Mary Jane, a go-getter, saw a need for high school students to gain fundamental singing and movement skills in her hometown of Lexington. She took it upon herself to organize and direct a multi-day vocal clinic for Lexington High School Students where she and other college students to taught the participants proper singing technique. The vision resulted in a program called Summer Rhapsody, 2010. Mary Jane hopes to continue the program in the future. Mary Jane is also a versatile singer that can easily move through the genres of both classical singing and musical theater. Not only did she complete the requirements of the BME degree in voice, she also worked extremely hard over the past four years to complete the musical theater minor. With this secondary degree, Mary Jane completed Acting I & II, and movement and dance classes, for example, which have contributed greatly to her overall stage presentation. This additional training and foundation in musical theater will be invaluable as a future music educator. As a former public school teacher, I am certain Ms. Mary Jane Morgan would make a wonderful colleague and an outstanding and creative music educator. Thank you for your consideration of this strong candidate. Sincerely, Dr. Ann Cravero