Letter of Recommendation (Neeraj Jain, Troy High School, Class of 2012)

 Oct 28, 2011

Albert Wu 

12 Kelsey

Irvine CA 92618

(949)413-7484

To: New York University Office of Admissions

Innovative. Dynamic. Engaging. Imaginative. A true problem solver...and always devoted.

And that captures the essence of Mr. Neeraj Jain in a nutshell. I cannot think of a better way to begin my letter of recommendation for Mr. Neeraj Jain than to talk about his character and talents as a filmmaker and booking agent. And in doing so, reveal his impact to my organization, the Irvine Young Concert Artists, a nonprofit youth orchestra founded in 2005. As Neeraj Jain’s orchestra director for the past five years, it is my great pleasure to recommend him to your attention for NYU’s 2012-2013 school year.

Neeraj Jain first joined the violin section of IYCA five years ago. At that time, he was a spirited young man full of dreams and ideas, eager to learn, and meet new students. He was inquisitive, curious, and always mindful of how things worked. We spoke about everything, and I taught him everything I knew about running an orchestra. We spoke about conductors, tours, and performance styles: he was curious about my world even though he had the Spielberg zest for making films. Every week, he emails me movie soundtracks to listen, pop artists with their new releases on my facebook, and almost always, a flash drive with massive amounts of music for me to download. All film soundtracks by the leading composers of our age. And always with the question: So, what do you honestly think? Neeraj always wanted the truth. Armed with a video camera, he is always ready to capture a moment.

Without a doubt, Neeraj is drawn to music and more importantly, to the causes IYCA supported. He believes in our causes and brought his unique voice to each performance. While there are dozens of prizewinning violinists each year obsessed with bragging rights, Neeraj’s violin sang to a different tune. Interested in meeting people who evoked change, Neeraj’s musical journeys away from the concert halls are impressive. To date, Neeraj Jain has performed for Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senator John Edwards, Governor John Edwards, Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, Congresswoman Judy Chu, Congressman Dennis Kucinich, Senator Lou Correa, Senator Art Torres, Senator Joe Dunn, and their respective political campaigns. His involvement with supporting political campaigns in his hometown of Irvine -- for Mayors Beth Krom and Sukhee Kang – resulted to performing in multiple city hall concerts, all of which were televised. Neeraj is young man with purpose, and he chose excellent role models who also took time to nurture him with ideas. In the realm of politics and fundraisers, I’ve seen very few students with this level of devotion to a cause and to performing. Year after year, Neeraj is ready to play at every fundraiser IYCA is invited to. As a teacher, it is rare to see a student who is so passionate about using his music to help fundraise for a cause on a local, county, state, and national level.

Fast-forward now to August 2011. I get a call from Neeraj asking me if I would call the booking agent for pop singer Clara Chung. Just days earlier, he had met this manager by luck and in their dialogue, mentioned that Ms. Chung and IYCA should collaborate. I agreed and immediately sent Ms. Chung’s manager an email. A few days later, I get a call back and it was the kind of news every musician hopes for: a recording contract in Hollywood!

A youtube sensation, Clara Chung is a major draw to teenagers nationwide. Her concerts are always sold-out and Neeraj knew her appeal. Proposing a collaboration between Ms. Chung and IYCA took vision, planning, and heart. Hollywood operates on budgets and deadlines, and having worked with producers and movie directors, Neeraj knew how to sell an idea. And he did it Hollywood style.

While Neeraj would speak to me nostalgically about his NYU summer internship (2011), it is really this collaboration he choreographed which I think is magical and deserves notice from any admissions officer. Few high school students can do what Neeraj did. A professional musician who has recorded and worked in film sessions, I know what it takes to ‘break into’ Hollywood let alone collaborate with pop artists. While it is not uncommon to propose collaborations in the world of cinema and pop music, it is rare to see this take flight from a seventeen-year-old. Neeraj is charismatic, friendly, and full of ideas. He speaks comfortably to adults, something which I think appeals to producers. And that is because he always asking the right questions. It is no wonder Hollywood producers listen to him and his answers. For me, he is a booking agent, manager, and producer in the making. His love to work with others is infectious, and the admiration shared by so many younger students in the orchestra goes without saying. Never shy to make a call, Neeraj is always networking. In time, he will know everyone in this business.

At age seventeen, Neeraj has produced several short films, all of which I have watched and admired. He is a natural storyteller, capable of capturing the life of a snake-charmer in a simple documentary. But it is his ability to push the boundaries of the arts which I think NYU will find to be interesting. Read his essays. Watch his movies. There is a beauty to how he sees life.

 

A year ago, I joked with Neeraj at a fundraiser concert I would love a personal invite to the Academy Awards when he is awarded one day. In 2011, I am proud to say Neeraj will do more than win an Oscar.

It is with great pride I recommend Neeraj Jain to your attention, a young man distinguished already by his work in film and with IYCA. His compassion towards others is unmistakable, his ability to link the classical to the pop world ground-breaking, and his desire to see others succeed truly rare. The recording contract he negotiated in Clara Chung’s upcoming album will take place at Paramount studios (in Hollywood). Be sure to check for it online. It will be the first of many albums Neeraj will help produce for IYCA. And yes, no youth orchestra has ever been invited to record in Paramount studios. 

While so many hope and dream, Neeraj does: he knows how to create reality. He is hungry to learn and possesses the conviction to power through any obstacle. With so much drive, Neeraj will excel in the world of cinema. For five years, I’ve had the privelege to nurture a strong musical voice within Neeraj. His impact to my nonprofit is monumental. I am hopeful that NYU will recognize such a talent and nurture it with more ideas.

Neeraj Jain is outstanding, accomplished, and has already shaped the world. He will make an impact in life and at NYU. It is with great honor that I recommend Neeraj Jain to your attention. He will be an excellent addition to New York University.

Yours Truly,

Albert Wu

Executive Director, Irvine Young Concert Artists

Former Violin Professor, Vanguard University & Orange Coast College

Former First Violinist of Pacific Symphony Orchestra, Opera Pacific

Letter of Recommendation (Margaret Wang, University High School, Class of 2010)

Dec 18, 2009

Albert Wu 

12 Kelsey

Irvine CA 92618

(949)413-7484

To: Princeton University School of Music and Admissions

As Margaret Wang’s private viola teacher and orchestra director for the past six years, it is my great pleasure to recommend Ms. Margaret Wang to Princeton University for the 2010-2011 school year.

As a violist, Margaret is a dedicated and fully committed musician. She plays with a refined sensitivity, warmth, and strong musical instincts. Whether she is performing solo repertoire or orchestral excerpts, Margaret is always focused. Her position as Principal Violist in many orchestras shows her standard of excellence, and this has set her apart from other violists.

Margaret’s work ethic is admirable. As a teacher, it is rare to see students so incredibly self-motivated, organized, and focused on the task at hand. Always planning for another competition, audition, or concert, Margaret is the consummate artist and leader.

From 2004 to 2009, Margaret Wang was appointed Principal Violist in the Irvine Young Concert Artists. One of her legacies for my orchestra is how helped expand the viola section roster. Four years ago, IYCA had two viola students. Four years later, IYCA now has sixteen viola students, due in large to Margaret’s involvement. She is a much sought after violist, recruited by UCI Professor Jerzy Kosmala and Junior Chamber Music Director Susan Boettger every year to be their scholarship recipient.

In 2005, Margaret was featured on Fox TV in the “NFL on Fox: Christmas Special,” broadcast live to 120 million viewers. Conducted by Mischa Lakirovich and Terry Bradshaw, it was a highlight in her high school career.

An accomplished violist, Margaret has served as Assistant and Principal Violist in many orchestras. Every year, we reschedule our lessons due to her work in the All District, All Southern, All State, and the All National Honors Orchestra “Orchestra America.” She is Principal Violist at her school, in the Irvine Young Concert Artists and performs solo concerti several times every year. Irvine Mayor Beth Krom knows her by first name, as do many Irvine politicians. She stands out amongst the sea of musicians in Irvine, most of which lack involvement in what they do.

In the past five years, Margaret’s began her love affair with political fundraisers, international relations, and national charities – all through her viola, in performances. Since 2004, Margaret Wang has performed over ten times in Irvine’s City Hall for it’s meetings, special events (State of the City Meeting), re-election events, fundraisers, and campaign events. In 2006 and 2008, Margaret volunteered her time for Mayor Beth Krom in her campaign for mayor. In 2009, Margaret performed for the Orange County District Attorney, UCI Professor and Dean of the Law School Erwin Chemerinsky, by special invitation.

Margaret’s involvement and impact on political events in Orange County is unique for a high school student. It earned notice from her school and from Irvine Mayor Beth Krom. There are many highlights. In 2007, Margaret was a featured soloist at the Disneyland Hotel for Senator John Edwards. In this concert, she also performed for Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, Senator Lou Correa, Senator Art Torres, Senator Joe Dunn, Congressman Dennis Kucinich, California Attorney General Jerry Brown (now running for California Governor), State Assemblyman Jose Solorio, Tony Mendoza, and Lt. Governor John Garamendi.

In June 2007, Margaret Wang performed again as soloist for a fundraiser in Newport Beach for the Democratic Party of Orange County. Present in the audience were former President Bill Clinton White House Advisor, Senator Hillary Clinton’s 2008 Chief Campaign Manager, as well as TV personality Arianna Huffington, actresses Dame Judi Dench and Beth Broderick. Since July 2009, Margaret Wang has been involved with Beth Krom’s run for Congress.

The list does not end there. Through her viola, Margaret Wang’s interest with charity work often leads her to work with some of the most respected national charities such as the Daniel Pearl Foundation, Team Kids, Colin Powell’s America’s Promise Foundation in Washington D.C., the Relay for Life (American Cancer Society), the Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) Heroes With Heart Awards, Western Youth Services, the Irvine Prevention Coalition, the Irvine Fun Fair, Sandy Segestrom’s Festival of Children, the OC Natural History Museum Annual Fundraiser, and the OC United Way. An active performer in Orange County as well, Margaret Wang has been invited to perform at the Mission Viejo City Council meetings, the Richard Nixon Library, and the Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza.

In 2004, Margaret’s participation in a gala fundraiser concert helped raise over $4000 for Hurricane Katrina victims. In 2007, she performed and helped raised thousands for victims and firefighters of the Orange County fires. As Margaret’s teacher, it is my belief that music has the power to educate, enlighten, and enrich lives but also to aid those in need. Margaret’s belief with this vision proves how she is able to impact lives locally as well as internationally.

Unlike most musicians who join orchestras for social reasons, Margaret Wang performs an average of thirty times yearly, often as soloist. She is a deeply committed and passionate musician.

Margaret is worldy in her ambitions, and she is interested in activities that cultivate a connection with the younger students. In 2007 and 2008, Margaret’s impact on my youth orchestra grew as she developed the Irvine Young Junior Artists Mentorship Program.

In Irvine, there is a music program, in the public schools, for students who are in fifth and sixth grades. There are, however, no music classes for those who are younger than age ten. IYJA was created to address some of these problems, and how Margaret helped stimulate interest to play viola at an early age is admirable and worthy of your attention.

What impresses me most about Margaret is that she has a vision in life. Margaret often speaks about her dreams to be a teacher. This was her dream in seventh grade. Throughout high school, she began to exercise this interest. Every Saturday, Margaret would devote about five hours to my two orchestras. In the morning, for two hours, Margaret would arrive with the younger students (ages 8 to 13). She would sit side-by-side with a young viola student, rehearse with them, and perform with them. For two years Margaret gave her time to music and to the younger students. During that time, the viola section in the younger orchestra gave birth and grew, and I give Margaret full credit to this.

Always generous to give her time away, Margaret’s work is appreciated by parents and myself. She is a role model and leads by example. Her involvement with IYJA in those two years gave birth to the IYCA Mentorship Program, which now has inspired others to the world of “teaching.” For Margaret, teaching was giving, and she gave unconditionally.

Margaret is the most active student I have taught in the past ten years. We often have to reschedule lessons because of her schedule -- she is a varsity athelete in two sports, a participant in five orchestras a year, the President of KIWINS, Principal violist in IYCA, and on the Student Council at her school. Every activity forementioned shows her consistency, deep commitment, and reveals her tenacity. Very few students are this ambitious, have done it all in high school, and want more. And this is what impresses me most about Margaret: a strong musical conviction and hunger for more.

For six years, I’ve had the rare opportunity to nurture a strong musical voice within Margaret Wang. She is driven and everything she does impacts her peers and teachers. Because she always maintained her studies in her private lessons and orchestral repertoire with me, Margaret has had more opportunities than most of my other students when it comes to performing. I am hopeful that Princeton University will recognize such a talent and nurture it with more ideas.

In the realm of classical music, and as Margaret Wang’s viola teacher, I highly recommend her to your attention, as I believe Margaret will be an excellent addition to Princeton University.

Yours Truly,

Albert Wu

Executive Director, Irvine Young Concert Artists

Former Violin Professor, Vanguard University & Orange Coast College

Former First Violinist of Pacific Symphony Orchestra, Opera Pacific

Letter of Recommendation (Jennifer Glinzak, Chapman University, Class of 2010)

Jan 15, 2011

Albert Wu 

12 Kelsey

Irvine, CA 92618

(949)413-7484

To: American University Music Department & Admissions Committee

Devoted. Passionate. Dedicated. Prepared. Self-motivated. Problem-solver. Caring. Punctual. Mature. Meticulous. Mindful. She is Irreplaceable.

These are just a few superlatives I’d use to describe Jennifer Glinzak for you, currently serving as my Assistant Conductor for the 2010-11 season for not just one but two of my nonprofit youth orchestras: IYJA (Irvine Young Junior Artists) and IYCA (Irvine Young Concert Artists.)

I first met and heard about Jennifer Glinzak through my Music Director Dean Anderson in September 2010. IYCA was searching for an Assistant Conductor who could do it all: guest conduct, conduct international tours, conduct on a moment’s notice, work on grants, fundraise, recruiting, as well as being the personnel manager. Maestro Anderson and myself felt whoever was hired needed to have lots of experience with youth orchestras, handling younger kids, great rehearsal etiquette, and the ability to add to what is missing in our orchestra. Like any great organization, we were looking for a great addition to our team. Jennifer Glinzak was all those things, and more.

It’s rare for one person to have such an impact upon an organization in short a period of time. Ms. Glinzak began her position as Assistant Conductor in October 2010. She adjudicated auditions with myself and our music director, offering not only advice about where to place the student but also insight on how other youth orchestras failed to often showcase the talented students. She understood IYCA’s vision of promoting emerging artists in solo concerti, and always students to rotate during rehearsals, to overcome nervousness as a soloist, and to be serious about music-making. She commanded each rehearsal with humor and authority, always encouraging the young musicians.

Ms. Glinzak is a truly devoted musician and human being. She arrives to rehearsals early and is the last to leave. When she arrives before I do, she is there to set up chairs and stands for the rehearsal, something I asked her not to do since it was my job. To this day, she still insists it is no trouble. When she is the last to leave it is because she chooses to. She leaves late because she talks to the young high school students about their futures. No topic is off limits for her, no question too inappropriate. She tackled topics early on with IYCA members such as life as a musician, double majoring in college, going against what your parents preach, the reality of college life, life after college, life after graduate school, her dreams, the student’s dreams, as well as their personal problems which often prevent them from reaching their full potential. The students are drawn to her because she is always honest. Nothing is exaggerated or sugar-coated to disguise the truth. She offers something that the students do not get at their schools in her honesty. In my six years of directing IYCA, I have never seen a conductor connect with students on this friendship basis as Ms. Glinzak does. Her magic is her blunt honesty and directness, all extensions of her compassion. She seeks to understand everything she does. And not just everything but everyone. No musician is invisible to her. Anyone can ask her about anything. I’ve often sat with Ms. Glinzak just to listen to this wonderful dialogue between students and conductor to learn more about life, our world, and most importantly, our young students. Young artists need guidance, and often, this is guidance involves inspiration away from a rehearsal as we all know. Ms. Glinzak is such an inspirational figure.

A rehearsal is not just a rehearsal for Ms. Glinzak. It is a time to share her experiences, her opinions, and her thoughts with our IYCA family. She is giving of her time, and for me, her style of teaching is the ideal of teaching. Her stories and analogies are memorable, well-thought out, and deeply moving. Infused with her deep desire to see those around her succeed, Ms. Glinzak’s style of conducting is a rare phenomenon these days where most conductor do not share. She is very motherly to every member of IYCA, courteous to the parents, and warm to everyone who auditions. I recommend you watch her rehearse for a few minutes any ensemble and see how inspired you yourself will be. You get a glimpse of her heart and soul, not just her demeanor and her stage presence as a conductor.

On the podium, Ms. Glinzak is always prepared. Score in hand, she is the true maestro: commanding, clear, and authoritative. She knows everyone by name, notices when someone is not trying hard enough, or those who leave early or arrive late. She never makes a scene but calculates on how to fix every problem that arises differently. She is kind as she is demanding, and the students not only take her seriously but play their best for her. While many conductor abuse this power, Jennifer Glinzak uses her presence to keep a rehearsal very organized and productive. Every rehearsal has a flow and Ms. Glinzak gets more than the job done.

Jennifer Glinzak is a versatile musician. She is a first-rate conductor, able to fill-in for any rehearsal. This is another rare trait for conductors. In the past six months, she has substituted for my two music directors at least a dozen times, often at the last minute, without any time to adequately study the score. Her nerves are never shaken, and she is able to always ready to run a rehearsal without trepidation or hesitation. She knows how orchestras work, what does not work, and more important, what her role is to make every rehearsal work. This insight from years of devotion as a caring musician herself shows in her versatility. While some conductors work best with younger kids and others with older students, Jennifer Glinzak is able to work with students of any age. Like a seasoned chamber musician, Ms. Glinzak knows how to rehearse and how to related to people. A valuable trait not only as a conductor but for someone who has dreams of Arts Administration.

Jennifer Glinzak’s ability to manage is superb. Her impact on my organization in the past five months will be missed next season. While most organizations have individuals who only respond to commands, Ms. Glinzak does more than she is asked to do. She is mature, artistic, sensitive, and a visionary. When I first met her, it became clear to me immediately she was a musician of purpose. She spoke of her dreams of working for the National Endowment for the Arts, her work with young musicians from other youth orchestras, and what she could offer to help the IYCA organization. Ms. Glinzak had a thourough understanding of recruitment, as well as grant writing for upcoming international tours. She was aware of IYCA’s invite in 2008 to the Beijing Olympics, and she concurred the role of politicians in classical music was vital. We discussed my dreams, and she gave me the encouragement and confidence needed to execute them

While most people glorify and try to relive their pasts by speaking of what they’ve done during interviews, Ms. Glinzak stood out to me because she spoke of her future, her dreams. She had a lot, all well thought out, formulated, realistic, and all with a purpose, an impact. I was impressed! Dreamers shape the world. They are the risk-takers, the ones who leave the unforgettable moments in young people, and in the realm of classical music, they are leaders who we must trust so the arts thrive. Jennifer Glinzak is such a visionary. Her work in arts administration will be a labor of love, with relevance to the young people. Her nurturing work with IYCA in just a few months demonstrates to me an individual with dreams and a true understanding about the arts – of musicians, old and young, about what is needed, what works, what does not. Jennifer Glinzak is a wordly individual interested in seeing those around her succeed. On the podium, it is true the music. After rehearsals, it is through inspiration worlds to young artists. And as an arts administrator, with her fundraising talents, her grant writing skills, and her vision to work with legislators in increased funding from Washington. The world needs visionaries like Ms. Glinzak, one who is not afraid of risks and dare to dream. If her presence in arts administration will mirror her work with my nonprofit organization, the arts in America are in good hands!

In the six years as Founder and Executive Director of IYCA, I have worked with many internationally renowned guest conductors. I have never recommended anyone with such depth and detail as I have today with Jennifer Glinzak. She is more than a conductor to me. An asset to any organization, it is my great honor and pleasure to recommend Jennifer Glinzak to your attention. As a former IU Alumni (MM,1999), I know she will be an excellent addition to American University in the 2011-12 school year. You will not find a more suitable, a more convicted individual with dreams and passion as Ms. Glinzak.

Yours Truly,

Albert Wu

Executive Director, Irvine Young Concert Artists

Former Violin Professor, Vanguard University & Orange Coast College

Former First Violinist of Pacific Symphony Orchestra, Opera Pacific