10 May 2020

Ms. Rodkey Rodkey

To Whom It May Concern:

It is with great pleasure that I write on behalf of Ms. Krystina Rodkey, who I have known since the summer of 2015.
In my capacity as Director of Bands at Susquehanna University (SU) and as Director/Founder of the High School Wind
Ensemble Institute, I have gotten to know her quite well. Ms. Rodkey has played in ensembles under my direction and
has also taken several of my courses. In addition, I have served as her employer and as her academic advisor.

Ms. Rodkey is an excellent musician. She has worked very hard on her craft and the results have been evident in her
solo and ensemble performances. She has also made a significant contribution to our band program at SU. Not only has
she served as an excellent model for other players in the ensemble, but as principal she has also been an excellent section
leader in both the University Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble. Ms. Rodkey took great effort to organize and lead
horn sectionals.

Ms. Rodkey is a fine teacher with a great deal of potential. I had the privilege of observing her several times during her
student teaching placement at Danville High School here in Pennsylvania. Her rehearsals were well organized and
efficient. She was able to earn the respect of the students, who worked hard for her in rehearsal and performance. What
was most impressive was that she was able to absorb feedback from her cooperating teacher and from myself and make
consistent improvement. In addition, she did an excellent job teaching their music theory course. These lessons, like
her rehearsals, were well planned and efficiently and effectively implemented.

Ms. Rodkey has exceptional leadership and organizational skills. She joined the University Band Staff during her
freshman year and was subsequently promoted to Band Staff Manager, which is a position of considerable responsibility.
It includes managing the rest of the staff, which consists of 3-5 other students. In addition, these students are responsible
for the day to day operations of our band program. The Band Staff also helps with the organization of the Honors Band
Festival in which 120-140 high school students visit our campus for 3 days of music making. She was also hired as a
counselor for the High School Wind Ensemble Institute. She and 4 other University music education majors provided
pastoral care and supervision to the 40 high school students attending our 7-day residential music camp. In both of these
positions, Ms. Rodkey did exemplary work. She has also distinguished herself as President of collegiate chapter of the
National Association of Music Educators here at Susquehanna University.

Ms. Rodkey is a fine and thoughtful person. She has an excellent work ethic and a curious mind. She will make a
profound contribution to any school district smart enough to hire her. I recommend her without hesitation.

Sincerely,

Eric L. Hinton • PhD, HonFRBC

Associate Professor of Music/Director of Bands