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Wesley J. Watkins, IV, Ph.D. (Music Education)
Oakland

To Whom It May Concern:

Mr. Patri first showed his teaching potential in the early 90s, when he was a faculty member at the University High School Summerbridge Program. His penchant and fervor for connecting with the hearts and minds of students became immediately apparent. He has since blossomed into a refined musician, which I believe is a reflection of who he is as a person. Mr. Patri has both a profound understanding of his art form, as well as its importance and potential for transforming lives. He is the kind of impassioned artist and human being that I believe we need in the field of arts education, because not only is he an exquisite musician, he has the ability to impart the value of this skill to students.

In addition to his passion for teaching and evident skill at his craft, one can expect Mr. Patri to comport himself in a professional manner, both in his dealings with administration and with students. This has obvious merit in a substitute pool where teachers are needed on short notice: one can expect Mr. Patri to be on time and to fulfill his duties as requested. What is more, I feel his professionalism is a vital trait to have in any classroom, for we must present to our children models of whom we desire them to be. I have no doubts Mr. Patri will be a shining example to students, and an asset to any school where he might be needed.

Chris Wright:
When we arrived at the facility, the kids were all in the room ready for the show. The boys on one side of the room and girls on the other (only 4 of them). They were not very responsive as I was introducing Micha and the mood was quiet and sullen.

Micha is very laid back and immediately gains the trust of the teenage crowd. He started by playing his drum and telling an African folk tale called The Half Boy. As soon as the drum beat started all faces were looking at Micha and listening attentively. After the story he asked the kids what they thought the story meant and what they thought the moral was. Many hands were raised and the kids were willing to share their ideas.

Micha next told the story of The Dalai Llama and The Kung Fu Master. It was a fascinating story with a very cool drumbeat that the kids seemed to really like. They asked a lot of questions about the story, about Micha's drums and about how he came to know these stories.

Next Micha brought out all kinds of instruments for the kids to play; washboards, plastic buckets, shakers, pipes, whistles, pots and pans, etc. Everyone had a lot of fun and it was a good time to pound out some feelings and learn about rhythm and percussion.

All too soon it was time for us to go. It was a good night and a nice break in what must be a very scary and stressful time for teens at Juvenile Hall.

Carolyn Gauthier, Producer
Bread & Roses
Corte Madera
www.breadandroses.org

Pyeng Threadgill (Performer and Composer)
May 25, 2007

To Whom It May Concern,

It is really a pleasure when you hire a musician and he or she gives you more than what you expected. When the player has good ideas to contribute, is open to criticism, willing to laugh, willing to come to extra rehearsals to strengthen new material, and genuinely enjoys playing your music, you know you've come upon a good thing. In this regard I feel I am continually blessed when it comes to the musicians that have played with and for me. Micha Patri is one of those musicians. When I look for a musician I expect they will be technically proficient or have their own special 'something.' The reason that I write this letter of recommendation for Mr. Patri is because he is both of these things. Although Micha and I have known each other since college it really was not until the past two years that I got to know his true character. He is a committed musician and artist with a great sense of humor that often masks how serious he is about studying music. Like most artists, Micha makes a daily decision to pursue music in all its permutations. After several months of working together I remember Micha started to strengthen his singing voice in a steadfast manner. As a lead singer it was incredibly convenient and inspiring to have a drummer who also sang. In a year and a half I heard a dramatic improvement and growth in his singing voice that truly impressed me.

You can see in Micha's demeanor that he has chosen this particular art form. I emphasize the word 'chosen' over another because we all know art is a frustrating, challenging skill which often makes one question one's "self," one's talent, and the world around. Making the music "quest" a daily commitment is like asking to be completely unraveled. To choose this vulnerability is a courageous position. I think that Micha invites this challenge, which makes him a very serious player. I think he would be a great asset to any ensemble. He is professional, interested and wants to do what it takes to make the music better and create a harmonious feeling among the members of the group. Micha has influenced the way I see and hear my own music and ensemble. As a result of his wonderful talent as a percussionist (and drummer), I am adding a percussionist to my group now.

If there is anything you further require, please do not hesitate to ask.

Kind Regards,

Pyeng Threadgill
Vocalist/composer
http://www.pyeng.com
& Teacher of the Alexander Technique
http://www.oftheairstudios.com

Daniel Maya (Performer and Composer)
3/19/2007

Mr. Patri has been working as a percussionist in my group for over a year, playing events in the finest hotels in San Francisco, and in the most prestigious wineries in Napa and Sonoma. He is a consummate professional in his work habits and demeanor. As a player, his rhythm and timing are impeccable, his musical instincts first rate. His accompaniment is tasteful and appropriate and his solos are well constructed, carefully developed, melodic and, above all, musical.

He demonstrates an obvious affinity for Brazilian rhythms. I do not forsee any difficulties in the areas of adaptation, improvisation, or in working with other creative people. Mr. Patri has demonstrated a congenial personality and graceful presence under some trying professional situations, and an ability to get along with many diverse characters.

Sincerely,

Daniel Maya