School Outreach

Letters of Recommendation

Bob Athayde is the Director of Music Education at Stanley Middle School and founder of the Lafayette Summer Music Jazz Workshop. He is a well-known public school maverick for the arts and has created a model music program. He is also a pianist, arranger, and bandleader who continues to perform with his group Surefire.

Recommendation (complete):

"For the second year, Michael Smolens brought a FABULOUS jazz and world music program to Stanley Middle School. The musicians in his "earPlay Jazzquintet" were able to keep the attention of over 400 students (not an easy task!) by tuning into the needs of our students— answering their questions, describing many of the two-dozen instruments they play, and introducing the various styles in which the music was composed.

The music that they played, plus the history that they shared, not only connected with the audience, but also directed everyone to cultures with whom we are not particularly familiar. These cultures— West African, Brazilian, Egyptian, North Indian— were highlighted musically along with the contributions of mainstream jazz and contemporary classical styles. A standout moment was when a guest artist recited a suite of beautiful 15th-century Middle Eastern poetry, while performing stage magic, all to a wonderfully imaginative musical score.

As the world gets increasingly smaller, from a cultural standpoint, the "earPlay Jazzquintet" is helping to foster greater understanding while heightening students' aesthetic awareness and creativity. I would highly recommend Michael Smolens and the "earPlay Jazzquintet" to any school who wants to enrich their students' and faculty's lives."

Recommendation (complete letter)

Doug Goodkin is a master teacher and teacher trainer,
multi-instrumentalist, composer and author of five books
on music education, including the revolutionary
"Now's the Time: Teaching Jazz to All Ages"
which incorporates the Orff Schulwerk system.

Recommendation (excerpt):

"Michael returned twice to my [teacher training] Jazz Course to present his ensembles, and was enthusiastically received both times. His recent show also includes a mesmerizing blend of music, poetry, and [stage] magic.

The greatest strength of his presentation is the quality of the music itself. The group consists of extremely talented musicians playing a wide variety of intriguing instruments in an equally wide variety of styles.

Michael and all of his musicians are articulate about their instruments, the styles they play, the cultural background that informs the pieces, and the very process of playing together. This makes for an engaging and informative experience for children and adults alike.

In an educational climate in which many children have little or no contact with the arts, experiences like this can open doors for a child and change his or her life. I give [them] my strongest recommendation."

Recommendation (complete letter)

Helen Dilworth, Ed.D. is an instructor at both City College of San Francisco and the College of Marin. She also is a touring artist and has toureed with S.F. Symphony and Ballet, plus several orchestras, ensembles, and opera companies.

Recommendation (excerpt):

"Since I've adjudicated many artistic competitions, such as The Califorinia Arts Council and Grants To Touring Artists, I can compare Michael Smolens and 'The Mirabai Ensemble' to the best in California. They are wonderful performers, highly educational, marvelously entertaining, and make beautiful music over an awesome range of styles"

Recommendation (complete letter)

Brenda Chinn is the Director of the Concert Lecture Series and chair of Vocal Studies at City College of San Francisco.

Recommendation (excerpt):

"Bravo! That was a spectacular performance. Thank you all for an evening of unique music and vocal improvisation. Our City College audience thoroughly enjoyed the entire program--the perfect showcase of your extraordinary talent. The workshop of the presentation was equally fine."

Recommendation (complete letter)