This letter provides a strong recommendation for Tony Underwood. It describes him as an immensely talented composer, musician, and educator, with a gift for teaching. As a teacher, he was able to successfully develop plans and implement them to teach students of varied abilities. He was also an excellent tuba player and integral member of the Grammy-winning McCoy Tyner Big Band. The letter further commends Mr. Underwood's professional management skills and ability to be an effective leader, based on the author's experience working with him. He is highly recommended without reservation.

1. Douglas E. Harris
222 Williamson Ave.
Hillside, NJ 07205
January 16,2013
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is intended to serve as a recommendation for Tony Underwood.
Knowing Tony for over twenty years will make it difficult to encapsulate his
accomplishments in such a brief letter. Mr. Underwood is an immensely talented
composer, musician and educator who possess the gift of teaching. I was always
impressed by his depth of musical knowledge both academically as well as his high
standards of performance. His former students continue to give thanks for his
influences on their lives and continue to reach out to him well into adulthood. He
has taught students of varied musical interests and abilities. However, in the
classroom, he has proven to be a take-charge person who is able to successfully
develop plans and implement them.
As a tuba player, he was the foundation of the Grammy Award winner "McCoy Tyner
Big Band" who recorded three records and won two Grammy awards. He proved
that he is an excellent musician and able to maintain high standards each time he
performed.
As a former New York City Department of Education Arts Administrator and
professional musician, I had the opportunity to' work with Mr. Underwood and
observe his professional management skills and his ability to be an effective leader.
He is an effective communicator and is extremely dedicated and committed to his
work as an educator, musician and composer. I highly recommend Mr. Underwood
without reservation.
If you have any further questions with regard to his background or qualifications,
please do not hesitate to contact me via phone (201/306-0087) or bye-mail
(DHarris541@aol.com).
Sincerely,
Douglas E. Harris
Retired NYCEducator