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
