Recommendations
... I usually refuse to write
general recommendation letters. There are too many different tasks
in the arts education field, and a blanket recommendation cannot cover
so many different kinds of challenge. I enthusiastically make an
exception in the case of John Bertles because he CAN do it all.
.... I have seen him perform as
a beguiling and provocative musician; I have seen his work as a teacher with
various kinds of audiences; I have studied his written educational material;
I have worked with him as a colleague; I have heard colleagues in many institutions
refer to him as a reliable authority, a star of the New York arts education
field. Indeed, in all the roles I have seen him undertake, I have
never seen him accomplish less than excellent results.
.... John has developed the kind
of authority that only comes with deep experience and well-tempered understandings....
He can light up a classroom or a conference as a musician or teacher;
he can advance a group in planning as a consultant or a facilitator. He
is one of the few individuals I would recommend for almost any arts education
opportunity....
- Eric Booth, Educational Consultant,
Julliard School, Kennedy Center, etc.
.... Mr. Bertles' work is of exceptional quality. He has the
talent necessary to communicate with both faculty and students in a professional,
educational and caring manner. He understands the educational process
of sequential, thematic learning. And he is able to create important
links with music and other areas of the school curriculum....
- Kristin Kuhr, Fmr. Director of Education,
Carnegie Hall
.... The other music teachers and myself were impressed with your study
guide.... The activities you developed I will use again in the future. I
shared your booklet with the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra Education Department
to give them some ideas as they develop study guides for their youth concerts
in the future....
- Carol Ann Casey, Miami Springs Elementary
School
.... The seed for music appreciation has been planted by John Bertles.
I hope we will be able to continue to experience music through the
eyes of such a talented and dedicated musician....
- Maxine Watras, PS 152,
Queens, NYC
....host John Bertles was the most outstanding personality of the series.
His charisma captured the attention of the students and sparked their
interest and anticipation of each performance that came to our school.
His simplification of the different styles of music and his encouragement
for participation from our students gave them a great understanding of
the music.....
- Fred Ellis, PS 10, Brooklyn, NYC
...Attendance seemed to improve on days when Mr. Bertles would visit
because the students were so excited by the innovative creative experiences
he was providing for them...
- Sheila Evers, Asst Principal,
PS 50, Manhattan, NYC
....The concerts have given new life to our school. We all realize
that music can trigger optimal brain stimulation and, at once, awaken our
spirits. The staff and students have benefitted greatly from the
wonderful Mr. Bertles and his well-thought-out explanations and definitions.....
The concerts have enriched the curriculum...
- Jeanette W. Gafni, PS
152, Queens, NYC
....Dear Mr. Bertles: It is my understanding that you were the
creator of the curriculum used in these concerts. Words cannot explain
to you just how much the children at my school enjoyed and learned from
this series.....
- Suzanne Floyd, Music Department
Chair, Toussaint L'Overture School, Miami, FL
....the variety of music, the level of professionalism and the outstanding
commentary of John Bertles, makes this series superior. The children
truly look forward to these concerts. Mr. Bertles clearly explains
all aspects of the music and encourages the children to take risks, laughs
at himself and develops a wonderful rapport with the children. The
success of the program is evident when the children ask me, "When are they
coming back?"....
- Dolores Ferragano, Principal, PS
23, Staten Island, NYC
....the pupils don't mind writing assignments, as long as they are writing
about your shows....
- Nancy Cunningham, PS
152, Queens, NYC