January 15, 2019 To Whom It May Concern:

Music has the ability to inspire, educate, motivate, and bring people to new heights of emotional awareness and understanding. For all of these reasons, music performance and education is the passion of my life. Music has taught me to have determination, commitment, and a hard work ethic in every aspect of my life. It is through music performance and education that I am able to inspire these qualities in others. In my professional career, I have taught both high school and college bands. I am currently serving as the Assistant Director of University Bands at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Yet before holding any of these positions, I had the honor of serving bands as an active member of the Eta Omicron chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Since then, I have served as a chapter sponsor at two different universities in different districts, and I was initiated as an honorary into Tau Beta Sigma. At the last National Convention, I was gifted a Life Membership into Kappa Kappa Psi. While I am able to continue serving bands both personally and professionally, I believe it is incredibly important for all members of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma to have the opportunity to perform musically and serve bands throughout their entire lives. These beliefs, as well as the knowledge, skills, and qualities I have acquired professionally, qualify me to be a candidate for and to continue serving on the Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association Board of Directors.

In addition to my professional qualifications as a college band director, I have served on the AABOD for the past two years. As a band director and a brother, it has always been important to me to encourage lifelong participation in music for my students and alumni. Therefore, when I joined the board, I wanted to bring those goals to the forefront of my service. Initially, I was named the Outreach Director which allowed me to focus on connecting our alumni brothers with community bands and alumni bands. Due to some departures from the board, I have spent the majority of the past two years as the Musicianship Director but with much of the same focus. It has been the perfect role for a college band director that is able to communicate with many different constituents such as alumni brothers, university band directors, and others in the larger band community. One organization that we have partnered with is the Association of Concert Bands which promotes community bands across the country. Since we have common goals, the AABOD and the ACB have been contributing articles to each other’s publications, promoting resources on each other’s websites, and most recently I met with two of their board members in person at the Midwest Band & Orchestra Clinic to discuss future plans and goals. Another exciting upcoming program for the AABOD is the Max Mitchell Grant Program which is encouraging Local Alumni Associations to contribute grant money to assist musicians traveling to perform with the National Intercollegiate Band at National Convention. I formulated essay prompts for those auditioning for the ensemble to submit in consideration for grant money, and I will be forming a Musicianship Committee to help in evaluating the grant essays. I am proud of what I have contributed to the AABOD in the past two years, but I also feel like the work has just begun. As I have built relationships with alumni and other organizations in this role, I look forward to continuing on the board in any director capacity. It has been and would continue to be an honor to be selected to serve on the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

The application materials I have provided include a professional curriculum vitae, a fraternal resume, a statement of candidacy, a biographical statement, a head shot, and letters of recommendation. If there is any additional information I can provide or questions I can answer, please contact me through email ([email protected]). I look forward to the prospect of continuing to serve on the Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association Board of Directors for the next biennium.

AEA,

Erin Colleen Cooper Statement of Candidacy Erin Colleen Cooper

As a current member of the Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association Board of Directors, I am proud of all the board has accomplished in the current biennium, and I have many ideas and recommendations for the upcoming board that will be installed at our centennial. The focus of the AABOD should always be on keeping alumni brothers engaged in the fraternity. Engagement could be evident in many forms whether that be through continued membership, forming and maintaining Local Alumni Associations, providing quality programming at District and National Conventions, communicating through social media, honoring through traditions and awards, outreach and mentorship, or participation in community and alumni bands. While the latter has been my passion in this biennium, the current board has worked well together in promoting the goals of each director which has helped us all be successful and serve our constituents. Some recommendations for the future board would include initiatives we have discussed but not yet implemented such as a Composition Competition as a companion to our current Solo Competition, expanding the Max Mitchell Grant Program to include more donations and more awards, and continued collaboration with the Association of Concert Bands and create new relationships with the National Alumni Bands Association and other similar organizations. There have been alumni brothers I have met at conventions that have not only wanted to form Local Alumni Associations but also start new community bands. Through my own experiences playing in community bands and our new relationship with the Association with Concert Bands, the AABOD could certainly aid our alumni in achieving such goals. There are so many initiatives that have been successful for the current board, and I would look forward to continuing that trend with the board in the next biennium. As previously discussed, there are many current initiatives as Musicianship Director that I would love to be able to continue. However, the needs of every board are different, so I would feel confident serving in any of the director roles that might be needed. As a band director, I have a great deal of experience with recruiting much like our annual membership drives. At the Texas Music Educators Association Convention and the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, I have encouraged many alumni that have been interested in forming Local Alumni Associations. As far as programming for conventions is concerned, I have organized many festivals and events in my professional career and am extremely organized in administrative roles. Social media presence is incredibly helpful for the board to communicate with constituents, and I have done the same with my students and alumni in the bands I have directed. Awards are not only considered by that committee, but our new Musicianship Committee will be awarding grants. Finally, outreach is the area in which I began the biennium and feel quite comfortable. Therefore, I could see myself serving on the board in any director capacity, and it would certainly be an honor to be selected to serve. A native of Maryland, Erin Colleen Cooper is currently serving as the new Assistant Director of University Bands at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In this role, Dr. Cooper assists with the Marching Tar Heels and directs the Women’s Basketball Pep Band. She also directs the Symphony Band and teaches music education courses.

Prior to arriving in Chapel Hill, Dr. Cooper taught at Central Connecticut State University, the , and Southeastern Oklahoma State University. During these appointments, she directed the marching bands, pep bands, and concert bands as well as taught graduate and undergraduate courses in music education, conducting, wind literature, techniques, and flute pedagogy. Cooper earned her Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Conducting with a secondary concentration in Flute Performance from the . While there, she also served as Assistant Conductor of the Tuscaloosa Youth Orchestra. Dr. Cooper also enjoyed a career as a public high school teacher for five years in both Florida and Maryland. She received her Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting Performance degree from the University of Delaware and her Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree (Magna Cum Laude) from James Madison University.

Since 2002, Dr. Cooper has spent her summers teaching at the George N. Parks Drum Major Academy. She travels around the country each summer teaching marching, conducting, and leadership skills to high school students. Dr. Cooper has professional affiliations with the College Band Directors National Association, National Association for Music Education, Pi Kappa Lambda (National Honor Society for Musicians), honorary membership in Tau Beta Sigma (National Honorary Band Service Sorority), and is a Life Member of Kappa Kappa Psi (National Honorary Band Service Fraternity) for which she serves as the Musicianship Director on the National Alumni Association Board of Directors. In addition to her musical pursuits, Erin is passionate about coffee, the beach, reading, cooking, Pilates, and cuddling with her cats, Rhett Butler and Lily.

Erin Colleen Cooper

3743 SW Durham Drive, Apt. 101, Durham, NC 27707 Phone: 301-213-3949 Email: [email protected]

NATIONAL LEADERSHIP Alumni Association Board of Directors (July 2017-present) Musicianship Director (October 2017-present) Outreach Director (July 2017-October 2017)

MEMBERSHIPS Life Member, Kappa Kappa Psi (July 2017-present) Eta Omicron, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

Honorary, Tau Beta Sigma (March 2017-present) Zeta Omega, University of Missouri

Active Brother, Kappa Kappa Psi (April 2002-May 2005) Eta Omicron, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

CHAPTER SPONSOR University of Missouri (2016-2017) Eta Upsilon Chapter

Southeastern Oklahoma State University (2015-2016) Eta Nu Chapter

SELECTED CONVENTIONS & WORKSHOPS

Midwest Band & Orchestra Clinic, Chicago, IL (December 2018) Represented Kappa Kappa Psi and AABOD at convention booth. Met alumni brothers interested in forming Local Alumni Associations and joining community bands. Collaborated with board members of Association of Concert Bands on future goals.

Texas Music Educators Association Convention, San Antonio, TX (February 2018) Represented Kappa Kappa Psi and AABOD at convention booth. Solicited alumni membership to those visiting the booth.

National Convention, Orlando, FL (July 2017) Assisted with National Intercollegiate Band seating auditions. Adjudicated the Solo Competition. Started term on Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Area Workshop, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK (2016) Hosted and coordinated venue with the Eta Nu Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi.

National Convention, Lexington, KY (July 2005) Served as Chapter Delegate on the Nominations Committee.

National Convention, Norfolk, VA (July 2003) First Time Attendee.

Northeast District Convention, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA (March 2003) Hosted convention as a member of the Eta Omicron Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi. Served as Chair of the Registration Committee.

Erin Colleen Cooper

3743 SW Durham Drive, Apt. 101, Durham, NC 27707 Phone: 301-213-3949 Email: [email protected]

EDUCATION

University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL (May 2015) Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Conducting (4.0 GPA) Secondary Concentration in Flute Performance

University of Delaware, Newark, DE (May 2009) Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting Performance (3.95 GPA)

James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA (May 2005) Bachelor of Music in Music Education, Magna Cum Laude (3.79 GPA)

PROFESSIONAL TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Assistant Director of University Bands, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC (2018-present) Assist with the direction of the Marching TarHeels. Teach entire musical program to the marching band. Conduct Symphony Band throughout the academic year. Instruct Music Education courses such as Instrumental Methods. Direct the Women’s Basketball Pep Band at all home games and at tournaments.

Staff Member & Manager, George N. Parks Drum Major Academy (2002-present) Instruct students in the areas of conducting, marching, commands, and leadership skills. Teach weeklong academies at locations across the country. Coordinate and manage staff members in all aspects of instruction and logistics.

Interim Director of Bands, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT (2017-2018) Directed the Blue Devil Marching Band. Wrote drill and taught entire visual and musical program to the marching band. Graduate Coordinator for the Music Department including advising all graduate music students. Conducted Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band throughout the academic year. Instructed Music Education courses such as First Year Experience, Advanced Instrumental Conducting, Instrumental Methods, and Woodwind Methods. Mentored student teachers through the instruction of Student Teaching Seminar. Served on music department committees including Assessment, Graduate, Space & Facilities, Student Standing, and Concert, Publicity, and Recruiting. Represented the music department at Graduate Studies meetings for the entire university as well as served on the Graduate Curriculum Subcommittee. Directed the Blue Devil Pep Band at all home games for men’s and women’s basketball. Assisted with hosting annual Lydian Festival providing adjudication for high school ensembles. Advised several undergraduate music education majors throughout the academic year. Supervised and observed student teachers as needed. Instructed graduate music education courses such as Current Issues in Music Education. Organized and supervised student recitals as the Student Recital Coordinator. Served as sponsor for the National Association for Music Education Collegiate chapter.

Interim Director of Athletic Bands, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO (2016-2017) Directed the 250+ member Marching Mizzou. Wrote drill and taught entire visual and musical program to the marching band. Managed seven graduate teaching assistants and one additional staff member for the marching band. Hosted annual Marching Mizzou events including Band Day for 1100 high school students, a BOA style band competition Champion of Champions, Alumni Band, and the Homecoming Parade. Directed the Mini Mizzou Pep Band for volleyball, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball teams as well as at other university and community events. Coordinated travel plans and conducted pep band for away SEC football games as well as for post-season games such as NCAA Sweet Sixteen Women’s Volleyball Tournament, SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament, SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament, and NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. Conducted the MU Symphonic Band in Fall Semester and the MU Wind Ensemble in Spring Semester. Guest conducted the Wind Ensemble in the Fall Semester and traveled with them on tour for recruiting. Instructed Music Education courses such as Marching Band Techniques. Taught private lessons for graduate conducting students. Served on Master’s and PhD candidate committees for oral exams, comprehensive exams, and dissertation defenses. Assisted with conducting, organizing, and hosting the annual MU All-Juniors Honor Band. Served as sponsor for Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Service Fraternity. Served on Pi Kappa Lambda (National Honor Music Society) Committee for the School of Music. Initiated as an honorary member into Tau Beta Sigma, National Honorary Band Service Sorority.

Interim Director of Bands, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK (2015-2016) Directed the Spirit of Southeastern Marching Band. Wrote drill and taught entire visual and musical program to the marching band. Managed four additional staff members of the marching band. Directed the Southeastern Symphonic Winds throughout the academic year. Instructed Music Education courses in Marching Band Techniques, Advanced Instrumental Conducting, and Wind Band Literature. Assisted with student conductors of the University Concert Band. Managed the instrumental area including three other full-time faculty and four adjunct faculty. Directed the Spirit of Southeastern Basketball Pep Band. Recruited actively throughout Oklahoma and Texas offering scholarship auditions on and off campus. Directed pit orchestra for annual musical theatre production. Served as sponsor for Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Service Fraternity. Instructed and created curriculum for Graduate Music Education courses in Instrumental Conducting and Wind Band Literature.

Applied Flute Instructor, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK (2015-2016) Instructed flute majors and non-majors in one of largest instrumental studios in the department. Taught a weekly studio class on technique, repertoire, and performance topics. Coached collaboratively with faculty pianist for flute majors preparing for performances. Presented a studio recital at the end of each semester. Performed a full recital annually as well as performed on faculty showcases throughout the year.

Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of Alabama Bands, Tuscaloosa, AL (2012-2015) Assisted with all aspects of the Million Dollar Band including instruction of piccolo section and Drum Majors, pep bands for away football games, and organization of trips to the National Championship at the Orange Bowl as well as two trips to the Sugar Bowl. Served as Visual Tech for Million Dollar Band including the teaching of the fundamental visual marching program to all members, writing and teaching drill, and coordinating visuals. Conducted Men’s Basketball Pep Band at all home games. Coordinated travel plans and conducted pep band at Men’s Basketball SEC and NIT tournaments. Assisted with conducting pep bands for Women’s Basketball, Gymnastics, and Volleyball. Conducted Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Chamber Winds, and Flute Choir. Performed with Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band on flute and piccolo. Served as Teaching Assistant for Advanced Undergraduate Conducting Course. Taught private conducting lessons and flute lessons. Organized and maintain music library and music needs for all band ensembles. Assisted with annual Honor Band and Crimson Camp events. Instructor, Fundamentals of Conducting, University of Alabama (2013-2015) Taught course in conducting for all undergraduate music majors. Created and organized syllabus as well as all required teaching materials. Instructed private lessons and independent studies for other undergraduate students.

Assistant Conductor, Tuscaloosa Youth Orchestra, Tuscaloosa, AL (2013-2015) Rehearsed winds and percussion of the orchestra on wind literature. Coordinated rehearsals and performances with Orchestra Conductor and Administrator. Conducted performances with winds and percussion on orchestra concerts.

Director of Bands, Cypress Lake Center for the Arts, Fort Myers, FL (2009-2012) Directed Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Winds, Jazz Ensemble, and the Marching Pride. Wrote and taught drill and visual effects to Marching Pride. Received Superior and Excellent Ratings at all Music Performance Assessments. Taught within Center for the Arts for which students must audition. Instructed three sections of Music Theory I, a requirement for all music majors in the Center. Hosted All-County Bands as well as Concert Band Music Performance Assessment. Recruited, rehearsed, and conducted Pit Orchestra for musicals.

Graduate Assistant, University of Delaware Marching Band, Newark, DE (2007-2009) Assisted with all aspects of the Marching Band including recruiting, rehearsing, and drill-writing. Organized trips for 300-member band to locations such as Annapolis, MD, Chattanooga, TN, Amherst, MA, and Washington, D.C. for the 2008 Presidential Inaugural Parade. Assisted with all aspects of UD Basketball Pep Band including rehearsing and conducting. Rehearsed Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band and conducted at each ensemble performance. Performed with Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra as principal flute. Instructed Flute Methods course for Music Education undergraduates.

Band & Orchestra Director, Paint Branch High School, Burtonsville, MD (2005-2007) Instructed Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Concert Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, Guitar. Created and instructed high school’s first Jazz Ensemble. Directed Competitive and Award-Winning Marching Band. Received Excellent Ratings at Montgomery County Band & Orchestra Festivals. Hosted annual two-day Montgomery County Solo & Ensemble Festival. Recruited, rehearsed, and conducted Pit Orchestra for musicals.

Handbell Choirs Director, Grace United Methodist, Gaithersburg, MD (2007- 2008) Directed two Handbell Choirs, adult and youth, in weekly rehearsals and monthly performances. Collaborated with Music Director, Music Coordinator, and Parish Staff. Presented youth workshops about handbells and church music for potential recruiting.

Music Director, Seneca Valley High School, Germantown, MD (1999-2000, 2006-2007) Recruited, rehearsed, and conducted Pit Orchestra for Musicals A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (2000), The Sound of Music (2007), and Alumni Production of Oklahoma! (2006).

Intern Handbell Director, Asbury United Methodist, Harrisonburg, VA (2004- 2005) Recruited, rehearsed, and conducted advanced college ringers. Consulted weekly with Church Music Director on music selection and rehearsal techniques. Performed at AGEHR Area III Festival in Hampton, VA.

Student Teacher, North Fork Middle School, Quicksburg, VA (2005) Cooperatively taught Band & Orchestra Grades 6-8 and instructed private lessons. Directed introductory instrument lessons to fifth grade students at feeder school. Accompanied numerous students on piano for Solo & Ensemble Festival.

Student Teacher, Western Albemarle High School, Crozet, VA (2005) Instructed Jazz Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Brass Ensemble, and Saxophone Ensemble. Created, recruited, and instructed Flute Ensemble. Instructed and choreographed for Mixed Choir and Women’s Choir. Cast spring musical, Oliver, and cooperatively rehearsed cast members.

RESEARCH

Doctoral Dissertation, University of Alabama (Defense, March 2015) “A Survey of Select Graduate Wind Conducting Programs in American Colleges & Universities: A Comparative Analysis of Plans of Study, Performance Requirements, and the Pedagogy of Wind Conducting” The subject of this study were fifteen U.S. colleges and universities that maintain wind conducting curricula for both the Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees. Three main elements of these graduate programs were investigated: graduate plans of study at each school; the amount of podium and performance time allotted for each conducting student; and the pedagogical approaches to the teaching of graduate conducting students. The results of this comparative analysis provide valuable information to prospective graduate students, conducting professors, and graduate music schools by synthesizing the ideal graduate wind conducting program..

Lecture Recital, University of Alabama (November 2014) “A Woman Ahead of Her Time: The Life and Career of Ruth Gipps” Presentation on the twentieth-century British composer-conductor, Ruth Gipps. Known for forging the path for women in the field of music that had been previously dominated by men especially in the areas of composing and conducting, Gipps formed her own ensembles of prominent female musicians to provide herself with conducting opportunities. A performance of Gipps’ work for double woodwind quintet, Seascapes, followed the lecture and was performed by all female music majors much like Gipps’ own ensemble, the Portia Wind Ensemble.

CONVENTION PRESENTATIONS

Presenter, Kappa Kappa Psi Conventions (2018-present) “Making the Most of the Month of Musicianship”, “Diversity in Our Bands and Fraternity”, Reading Bands Available to offer the above workshops on musical programming and chapter growth for members of National Honorary Band Fraternity.

Demonstrator, Midwest Band & Orchestra Clinic (December 2015) “But Flute Was My Worst Instrument in Methods Class: Tips for Improving the Musicians in the Front Row” Assisted with and performed in a clinic presented by Dr. Diane Boyd Schultz (University of Alabama) on flute methods.

GUEST CONDUCTING ENGAGEMENTS

Marshall University High School Honor Band Festival (February 2019) Guest conductor for one of four auditioned high school honor bands.

Tri-State Band Symposium, Northern Kentucky University (January 2019) Guest conductor for top ensemble at honor band event.

Potomac Valley Youth Orchestra, Gaithersburg, MD (May 2017) Guest conductor for two rehearsals and concert performance with the Philharmonia Orchestra.

University of Missouri All-Juniors Honor Band (February 2017) Hosted two-day on campus event for 75 local high school juniors. Co-directed and rehearsed the Honor Band along with the Interim Director of Bands. Presented a full MU Wind Ensemble concert at the Honor Band performance.

Edison State College Concert Band, Fort Myers, FL (April 2010) Guest conductor throughout the Spring semester and at concert performance at what is now Florida SouthWestern State College.

CLINICS Connecticut Schools (2017-2018) Bristol Eastern High School, Bristol, CT Newington High School, Newington, CT

Missouri Schools (2016-2017) Battle High School, Columbia, MO Rock Bridge High School, Columbia, MO Wydown Middle School, Clayton, MO

Oklahoma High Schools (2015-2016) Atoka High School Durant High School Kingston High School McAlester High School Ringling High School

Texas High Schools (2015-2016) Denison High School Pottsboro High School Prosper High School Sherman High School Van Alstyne High School Whitesboro High School

ADJUDICATION Clinician, Lydian Festival, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT (March 2018) Offered workshops to concert band ensembles after stage performances.

Drum Major Judge, Tri-State Marching Festival, Marshall University, Huntington, WV (October 2016) Served as the only judge for the Drum Major caption providing written feedback and commentary.

Adjudicator, Power Band Classic Invitational, Hot Springs, Arkansas (October 2015) Served as Individual Music Performance Judge for Preliminary Competition and Music General Effect Judge for Finals Competition.

SYMPOSIUMS & GRANTS West Chester University Conducting Symposium (2014) Studied conducting for a week with Mallory Thompson of Northwestern University and Paula Crider of the University of Texas.

CBDNA Conducting Study Grant (2008) Selected by the College Band Directors National Association’s Committee on Gender and Ethnic Issues to receive tuition to a summer symposium on conducting.

Ithaca College Wind Conducting Symposium (2008) Attended through CBDNA Grant to study conducting for a week with Richard Floyd of the University of Texas at Austin and Stephen Peterson of Ithaca College.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS Kappa Kappa Psi, Life Member, National Honorary Band Service Fraternity Serve on Board of Directors for National Alumni Association as Musicianship Director. (2017-present)

National Association for Music Educators. College Band Directors National Association. North Carolina Music Educators Association. Pi Kappa Lambda, National Honor Music Society. Tau Beta Sigma, Honorary Member, National Honorary Band Service Sorority.

January 14th, 2019

To Whom It May Concern:

It is my pleasure to recommend Dr. Erin Cooper for continued service on the Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association Board of Directors. I was fortunate to have Dr. Cooper as my colleague at Southeastern Oklahoma State University during the 2015-2016 academic year. We worked on several projects together, including a faculty recital, a joint-production of Theater at Southeastern’s Young Frankenstein, and Carmina Burana featuring the Symphonic Winds and the Symphonic Choir. I coached and collaborated with her applied flute students in jury and recital preparation, and I was also the collaborative pianist for the Graduate Conducting course in which she co-taught.

As a collaborative pianist for the Graduate Conducting class, Dr. Cooper was able to directly pin point areas of concern for each student. She worked with them diligently and offered a balance of praise and constructive criticism, encouraging each student to perform at their highest level, and diligently working with their individual set of skills and challenges.

While at SE, Dr. Cooper successfully recruited and built positive relationships with band directors in the regional schools, community members, and faculty from other colleges on campus. By the end of the academic year, there was an exponential increase of incoming freshman in the band program. She was very active in the larger musical community, attending conferences and participating in other professional organizations as well as departmental committees.

Dr. Erin Cooper is a passionate and committed conductor and leader. She has very high standards and holds her students accountable to their musical commitments. She has a vested interest in each of her students and builds positive relationships with each individual. Erin is always enthusiastic about new opportunities and has a contagious eagerness to dive into new projects. She was collegial, a supportive pillar in our musical arts community, very generous with her time, quick to answer messages, and was at every concert of the season. At Southeastern Oklahoma State University, she wore many different hats with confidence and poise. It is a privilege and honor to recommend her to continue her service on the Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Sincerely,

Kate Stubbs, D.M.A.

Instructor, Collaborative Piano

425 W. University Blvd.

Durant, OK 74701

937-726-5085 (cell)

The University of North Carolina Bands Music Department/CB #3320/106 Hill Hall Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3320 (919) 962-5695 www.uncbands.org

January 15, 2019

To Whom It May Concern:

It is with great pleasure that I write in support of Erin Cooper and her candidacy application for the Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Erin joined the band staff at UNC in August 2018 and serves as Assistant Director of Bands. She co- teaches the marching and pep bands with me and she conducts our second concert band, the UNC Symphony Band. She also teaches a music education methods course in the Music Department and is involved in all outreach efforts sponsored by the UNC Bands. She quickly established herself and has developed a great rapport with the students that is based on respect, trust, and appreciation of her cheerful disposition.

Erin has been involved with Kappa Kappa Psi since her undergraduate days at James Madison University and is currently completing her first term on the AABOD. As the Musicianship Director she has been involved with the Solo Competition and the NIB sponsorship program, as well as all other endeavors the board pursues. She remains passionate about the purpose and values of the organization and portrays these values to our students daily. She is a great resource for our chapter and all brothers with which she comes in contact. She regularly speaks about her involvement with the AABOD and I can tell it is something that she is committed to doing and a responsibility she takes very seriously.

In my brief association with Erin, I have found her to be reliable, detail oriented, and a team player. She is comfortable taking the lead on projects when necessary and equally comfortable fulfilling a support role. She interacts well with constituents and is quick to evaluate a situation and react accordingly. She seems comfortable in any setting and is confident without being arrogant. I trust her judgement and feel comfortable having her represent our program. Her musical and teaching skills are very advanced and certainly, go far beyond what our position will require of her.

I recommend Erin to you without reservation. If I can provide any further information, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey Fuchs Director of University Bands [email protected]