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letter of recommendation
August 2007 
Letter of Wreck-O-Mend-Nation for Friend
Posted on May 2nd, 2007
by 
Doctor Jones
Doctor Jones
To Whom It May Concern:
I’ve had the distinct privilege of working with Edward Kawakami for nearly a decade. As a freelance musician in the greater Los Angeles area, I’ve played under Ed’s direction in several different orchestral settings, from operas and musicals to chamber groups and expanded instrumentation works for large orchestra. As wonderful as he is as a flute player, his real calling is to conduct. His musicianship and ability to focus the group’s energy comes through in every setting.
Ed is everything I want in a conductor. He excels in everything from bringing out the passion of the music to the more practical matters of managing a demanding rehearsal schedule. He’s dynamic, energetic, emotionally evocative, and has a passion for music and musicians. He’s demanding without being rude and condescending; he’s entertaining and has a talent for bringing all the disparate voices of the orchestra together to create an exciting experience for all involved, from musician to audience. He is intelligent and has a wonderful ear for interpreting music. His enthusiasm for music is contagious, bringing all musicians together into his vision of the music; he always has a clear view of what he desires and how to give that vision to the group. He has an impeccable sense of timing and his understanding of the intricacies of the synergy of voices is astounding.
He instantly elevates any group that he conducts. He’s precise and fluid. He brings groups together and holds their attention with his personality and charisma. He has a wonderful sense of humor, is articulate and personable, and represents himself and anyone with whom he’s associated with confidence and grace. Ed brings energy and vibrancy to a group. Musicians of all ages know a good conductor instantly and will know what a tremendous conductor Edward Kawakami is from the first downbeat.
I’ve witnessed his influence first hand with the CSUN Youth Orchestras. The growth, both in number of participants and quality of musicianship, is truly remarkable. Ed is loved by the young musicians which speaks well of the universality of his good natured rapport. I’m especially enthusiastic about his work with the youth orchestras because their experience today, regardless of whether or not they pursue a career in music, will help shape the future of classical music. It serves classical music and musicians of all ages to give the youth a positive, inspirational experience as they will likely become patrons and active enthusiasts of the arts as they become adults. I know from conversations that Ed is mindful of this simple fact.
I highly recommend him for any post where you want to see the organization thrive. Allow him to come in and bring the group up to the high standards he demands.
Sincerely,
Mark Jones
French Horn
I’ve had the distinct privilege of working with Edward Kawakami for nearly a decade. As a freelance musician in the greater Los Angeles area, I’ve played under Ed’s direction in several different orchestral settings, from operas and musicals to chamber groups and expanded instrumentation works for large orchestra. As wonderful as he is as a flute player, his real calling is to conduct. His musicianship and ability to focus the group’s energy comes through in every setting.
Ed is everything I want in a conductor. He excels in everything from bringing out the passion of the music to the more practical matters of managing a demanding rehearsal schedule. He’s dynamic, energetic, emotionally evocative, and has a passion for music and musicians. He’s demanding without being rude and condescending; he’s entertaining and has a talent for bringing all the disparate voices of the orchestra together to create an exciting experience for all involved, from musician to audience. He is intelligent and has a wonderful ear for interpreting music. His enthusiasm for music is contagious, bringing all musicians together into his vision of the music; he always has a clear view of what he desires and how to give that vision to the group. He has an impeccable sense of timing and his understanding of the intricacies of the synergy of voices is astounding.
He instantly elevates any group that he conducts. He’s precise and fluid. He brings groups together and holds their attention with his personality and charisma. He has a wonderful sense of humor, is articulate and personable, and represents himself and anyone with whom he’s associated with confidence and grace. Ed brings energy and vibrancy to a group. Musicians of all ages know a good conductor instantly and will know what a tremendous conductor Edward Kawakami is from the first downbeat.
I’ve witnessed his influence first hand with the CSUN Youth Orchestras. The growth, both in number of participants and quality of musicianship, is truly remarkable. Ed is loved by the young musicians which speaks well of the universality of his good natured rapport. I’m especially enthusiastic about his work with the youth orchestras because their experience today, regardless of whether or not they pursue a career in music, will help shape the future of classical music. It serves classical music and musicians of all ages to give the youth a positive, inspirational experience as they will likely become patrons and active enthusiasts of the arts as they become adults. I know from conversations that Ed is mindful of this simple fact.
I highly recommend him for any post where you want to see the organization thrive. Allow him to come in and bring the group up to the high standards he demands.
Sincerely,
Mark Jones
French Horn
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