March 26, 2014

Ofce of Student Field Experience

SEC 509
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0613

Dear Ofce of Student Field Experience,

I am writing to you on behalf of John Zauche, who is applying for out-of-state or international student teaching.
Its been my pleasure to have John as a student in my undergraduate music education courses and work with him
in a weekend music program for students with disabilities. Ive found John to be a very conscientious person who
is passionate about music education. His interest in all areas of music education and dependability is high and I
have no doubt he carries this through to everything he does.

As a student majoring in music education, John Zauche has continued to evidence high scholastic work and high
standards for music. He has been a member in all the top music groups at the UNI School of Music while also
completing a rigorous degree program in music education. In addition, John has been the president of the
Collegiate chapter of the National Association for Music Education, president of the Collegiate Iowa Bandmasters
Association and an active member in many other music organizations.

John Zauche has taken advantage of multiple music education opportunities while completing his degree. He
enrolled in one of the few music education elective courses offered (Music Classroom Management) and is a
member of an alternative music education course/ensemble that is new this spring (Vernacular Music Ensemble).
In addition, he participates in all music education workshops that are offered on campus. John attends the state
music organization conferences and was even invited to speak at the Iowa Music Educators Association
conference in November 2013.

Beginning in the spring of 2013, the UNI School of Music and Sturgis Youth Theatre sponsored Spectrum Music, a
weekend music program for students on the autism spectrum and their siblings. John Zauche was one of the
founding students to be a part of this project and has been at each session since it began. He also attends
Spectrum Theatre taught by Gretta Berghammer. His roles within Spectrum Music have included planning a
whole instructional session, leading music activities and working one-on-one with children with autism. Mr.
Zauche has a very comforting approach to teaching that is benecial for working with this population. All the
time he has donated to Spectrum Music has been as a volunteer. He has not received any credit or payment for
the many hours he has dedicated to the project.

In closing, John Zauche represents a combination of high music ability and comprehensive approach to music
education. His interest is not just in band; he is interested in music education for everyone. His record of
teaching experience displays a high interest in the teaching profession and Im sure he will be successful at any
student teaching placement. I fully recommend John Zauche for out-of-state or international student teaching.

Sincerely,

Kevin L. Droe, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Music Education