April 3, 2015

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing this letter for Mr. David Appelman.
My name is Eric Berger, and I am the Director of Bands at Bedford Middle School in Bedford, IN. My
students and I had the privilege of Mr. David Appelman student teaching at Bedford Middle School
during the 2015 Spring Semester. Mr. Appelman made a positive impact on our program and our growth
as a band department.
I personally believe a successful music educator needs to be knowledgeable and dedicated, while being
patient, positive, and kind. Mr. Appelman demonstrated all these attributes during his time at BMS.
Mr. Appelman comes from a family of educators. He has a lifetime of musical experience and
accomplishments. He played professionally for years and is a published arranger and composer. These
experiences along with owning and maintaining a lesson studio add great depth to his knowledge. His
experience has been earned through years of hard work and perseverance.
Kindness and patience are Mr. Appelmans strongest attributes. Each day and opportunity was
approached and accomplished with this kindness and patience directed toward our students and staff.
BMS has nearly 300 band students and a demanding class load. Mr. Appelmans patience and kindness
surpassed every test and every situation. He took a genuine interest in our students and it showed in his
teaching and demeanor.
Mr. Appelman worked hard to improve as a teacher and colleague throughout his months in Bedford.
He took the initiative to rent an apartment close to school to be a part of our community and our
extended program. His eagerness to improve was evident in his lesson preparation and classroom
management. He immersed himself in our program and became an integral part of our growth as a
department.
I feel Mr. Appelman will work hard and be dedicated to any position offered to him. His kindness and
patience would be welcomed by his students, faculty, and music parents.

Sincerely,

Eric Berger, Director of Bands