February 25th 2014

To Whom It May Concern, I am pleased to offer this recommendation on behalf of Donna Axton. My first introduction with Donna was at a concert the Sierra Nevada College Choir was performing at. I was astounded with the conducting ability of Donna. She was not only conducting the choir AND a quartet, but was also playing piano at the same time. This skill alone made me want to be a part of whatever Donna was involved in. I was a bit nervous when I joined the Sierra Nevada College Choir but the kind and joyful spirit of Donna made initiation very smooth and easy. Shes always laughing, making each class fun and interesting. Shes a walking musical encyclopedia! I enjoy all the music history snippets she throws in with pieces were practicing. Ive learned to look at musical compositions a little differently because of that. I have full confidence in her direction of the choir. She is able to fine tune each group as well as individuals within a section. When practicing separate singing parts Donna is able to read, and play, 3 different staff lines simultaneously plus listen to the multiple singing parts catching when a mistake is made right away. Beyond her conducting abilities, her skills as a musician are just as astounding, both in recitals and in the classroom. Donna has a unique gift of knowing the abilities of her students, whether they know it or not! Shes increased my own skills as a singer through direct teaching, encouragement and, most importantly, confidence in me. Ive learned that if she asks me to do something it must be because she believes I can do it, not because Ive done it before. I would not hesitate to recommend Donna Axton for any position involving music, and I encourage your favorable consideration of her application. Sincerely,

Lorelei van Peborgh, Alto, Sierra Nevada College Choir

8098 Steelhead Ave. , PO Box 787 Kings Beach, CA 96143 530 546 7236 | loreleilisa@sbcglobal.net |