A Teaching Recommendation from Jim Koch, Band Director for 20+ years At Brazowood HS (indisputably one of the best band programs in Texas):


February 22, 2001

Dear Music Director:

I have been asked to write a letter of recommendation by Matt Swihart and I am delighted to do so. I have known Matt for about three years and in that time I have grown to have a tremendous amount of respect for him and find it easy to write someone else about his many good qualities.

Matt taught trumpet three years for us at Brazoswood High School and carried about 50 students during that time. He taught beginners all the way up to college bound music major seniors. Matt made a tremendous impact on our program. Each year we had more trumpets make T.M.E.A. All-Region Band than any other school. That was certainly significant considering the competition of schools in T.M.E.A. Region 17 with over 125 students competing on trumpet! We had many students advance to All-Area and one even made 2nd chair in our All-State Band!

Frankly, Matt is one of the best teachers I have ever had contact with! He fires so much information at the students, and all of it is good. He is patient with his students, but at the same time he is very demanding. We would listen in to some of his lessons and simply be amazed at the great instruction that was going on. All our trumpet students got a lot better!

I really appreciated the way Matt treated the students in a very professional way. All of our students responded well to his teaching and demeanor. None of his students ever dropped - they simply loved him! He was able to reach all levels and abilities of students. It seemed everyone was learning and happy with what Matt was offering.

I should also mention that Matt was good about showing up to contests, tryouts and concerts to support his students in all their endeavors. It really showed that he cares. Not many private teachers show the interest in their students as Matt does.

Our band program is fairly large with over 300 in high school band. While Matt was teaching trumpet for us, we won the U.I.L. State Wind Ensemble contest twice. I attribute this to Matt and the rest of our private lesson staff. As anyone who is reading this knows, having good trumpets is extremely important to a band program and Matt is someone who can really make a difference. He would be an excellent choice for your program!

Sincerely,
Jim Koch
Director of Bands, Brazoswood High School
(979) 266 8943

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