Berklee College of Music
February 1 1, 1999
To Whom It May Concern:
Mr. Valeriy Galaktionov has asked me to write a letter of recommendation on his behalf; I am happy to comply.
In my role as Associate Vice President for International Programs at Berklee College of Music in Boston, the world's largest school of contemporary music, I oversee all international operations, including leading tours, clinics and auditions at far-flung venues and overseeing the Berklee International Network, an infrastructure made up of 13 schools and conservatories of music throughout the world.
It is in that capacity that I first encountered Valeriy Galaktionov in Athens, in November of 1994. Mr. Galaktionov impressed me and others with a wide range of musical skills: performance ability, an unusual style, an advanced command of the piano, and a wide knowledge of various musical genres. He was equally at home in Pop, Jazz and Classical music styles, which is indeed rare. He possesses a strong work ethic and a true dedication to music.
It is my belief that Valeriy Galaktionov's skills and personal qualities leave him well prepared for almost any creative endeavor he might wish to undertake, and it is with great pleasure that I offer my recommendation.
Sincerely,
Larry Monro
Associate Vice President for International Programs
.
T H E
OHIO STATE
UNIVERSITY
December 1, 1998
To Whom It May Concern:
School of Music Music Performance Areas
Weigel Hall
1866 College Road Columbus, OH 43210-1170
Phone 614-292-2300
FAX 614-292-1102
I am writing to you in behalf of Mr. Valeri Galaktionov, who desires to become
a citizen of the United States. I am pleased to have met Mr. Galaktionov, a highly
talented pianist, who has the potential to become a serious musical artist. In my
capacity as Professor of Music and Director of Jazz Studies at The Ohio State University,
I come into contact with a large number of musicians on a very frequent basis.
One of my most pleasant encounters came about when I met Valeri. He was introduced to me by a fellow musician, and Valeri indicated that he wanted to live here where he would have the best opportunity to study and become gainfully employed as a musician. After several conversations, I was convinced of his seriousness and invited him to my studio at the university so that I could hear him play the piano.
I was in for a real treat. When he performed in front of me and another university music professor, we were both astonished at his maturity of musical conception, his solid technique, and his generously musical interpretations. Often when I hear auditions, I miss hearing a strong sense of musicality, but Valeri displayed a level of performance that represented high quality musicianship. I hope that he can stay here for a long time, because he has the potential to be an outstanding artist if he can stay here, study, and continue to grow musically.
In order to accomplish his goals, he will need to become a citizen of the United States. I am honored to state that he is an excellent musician already with much promise, and I expect that he is fully capable of doing outstanding work. I would like to see him have that opportunity, thus, I am pleased to recommend that he be considered for citizenship in the United States.
Sincerely,
Dr. William T. McDaniel
Professor
CAPITAL
UNIVERSITY
February 16, 1999
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to you on behalf of Mr. Valeri Galaktionov, who desires to become a citizen of the United States. I am pleased to have met Mr. Galakitionov, a highly talented pianist, who has the potential to become a serious musical artist. In my capacity as Professor of Music at the Conservatory of Music Capital University and as Artistic Director of The Columbus Jazz Orchestra, I come in contact with a large number of musicians on a very frequent basis.
I have heard Mr. Galaktionov perform professionally as a jazz artist on the piano and his improvisation skills are excellent. Improvisation on any instrument takes a very special knowledge of harmony, musical form and the talent to think and play within the boundaries of each piece, he has that knowledge.
Mr. Galaktionov has indicated that he wants to live here where he would have the best opportunity to study and become gainfully employed as a musician.
In order to accomplish his goals, he has made known his wish to become a citizen. I am pleased to recommend him and believe that he should be given every consideration to become a citizen of the United States.
Sincerely.
!
Dr. Ray Eubanks
Professor/Artistic Director of The Columbus Jazz Orchestra
Conservatory of Music
Columbus, Ohio 43209-2394 � 1614) 236-6411
DAVE POWERS
5170 BOTSFORD DRIVE
COLUMBUS, OH 43232
(614) 866 - 9599
(614)
866 - 3305 fax
To whom it may concern,
November 17, 1998
I am writing to you on behalf of Mr. Valeri Galaktionov. My name is Dave Powers, and I am a full-time musician. I'm a pianist, a keyboardist and a vocalist in the Columbus, Ohio,area. Besides playing in Columbus, I also travel nationally and internationally. I' ve been playing professionally for 20 years. Some of the well-known musicians that I have been associated with and have performed with include: pianist, composer and entertainer Steve Allen; jazz guitarists George Benson, (the late) Eric Gale and Wilbert Longmire; latin jazz trumpeter Arturo Sandoval; jazz saxophonists Kenny Blake, George Braith, (the late) Rusty Bryant, Frank Foster, David Murray and Arnold Sterling; pianist and composer Bob Dorough; organist Jack McDuff; jazz vibist (the late) Johnny Lytle; bassists Roger Hines (Ray Charles,Diane Schuur) and Doug Richeson (Tony Bennett,Phil Collins); vocalist Julius LaRosa, and pop groups The Drifters and the Marnzelettes. I also work with the Jazz Arts Group of Columbus, OH.
I have known Valeri Galaktionov for 2 years, and have found his talent to be exceptional. His musical ability is an important asset to the music community. Val is a hard working musician, always striving to make the best artistic efforts in his playing. He always maintains a busy performing and teaching schedule. I would highly recommend him in booking engagements.
Please consider my letter of recommendation for Val's citizenship to the United States of America. The high standards and the quality of life in this country are unparallelled in any other nation. I'm honored and proud to be a citizen of the USA, and I would like the same opportunity for my friend, Valeri Galaktionov. Thank you for your considerationy
Sincerely,
Dave Powers
Dynasty DenCom Production
Mary Schottenstein
P O. Box 09847
Columbus,
Ohio 43209
United States
Phone 614-236-1974
Email [email protected]
DecemberO6, 1998
To Whom It May Concern,
I'm pleased to tell you about Val Galaktionov, whom we have had under our management for over a year.
Originally from Russia, this young man has already shown great promise here in America. He has an extensive educational background in Music. His first love is Classical Music in which he takes original pieces and rearranges them into his own unique styling. His instrument of choice is the piano, however, he plays the keyboards quite well.
Even though he has been in America for a short period of time, he has begun to make a name for himself. Though his English may be rough around the edges, one language that he has no trouble portraying and understanding well is the language of music. Along with Classical, he also performs Jazz and Pop Songs.
At present, along with performing, he also is a music director and teaches music. He has a likable personality and is dedicated to his music. I feel he has a great opportunity to make a mark in the music industry here.
He will soon be working on a project with another of our artists. We feel that not only will he have a place in the United States, but he will have a place in the music industry.
We hope to be able to utilize his talents even more in the near future.
For more information on Val, please visit our website, where he is listed along with other artists under our management at the following link:
http://www.dynasty-dencom.com/artists.htm
Regards,
Mary Schottenstein
Dynasty DenCom Productions
90.5FM
WCBE
540 Jack Gibbs B1ud.
Columbus, Ohio 43215
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Fax:
614 365.506
January 21, 1999
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing on behalf of Valeri Galaktionov. Val has advised me that he is apply for United States citizenship. I am the host of Blue Collar, a weekly radio show that is and for over ten years has been broadcast on WCBE in Columbus. Blue Collar is a music program devoted to blues music. Over the years, I have been fortunate to meet, interview and listen to the best musicians in the United States. For what its worth, I am also an attorney licensed to practice and who has practiced in the state and federal courts in Ohio and Michigan for nearly 20 years.
In 1998, I met Val while he was performing as the keyboard player for the Terra City Blues Band. I've had the pleasure of listening to his work on a number of occasions. Most recently, Val and the Terra City Blues Band performed live on Blue Collar. In February, I will be appearing with Val and the band at the Borders' book store in Columbus as part of an evening devoted to an appreciation of the blues.
Val is a gifted musician. He brings a feeling for the blues that only the more experienced musicians (born and raised in the United States) can display. It is apparent from his playing that he has studied and has a developed a true love for this Amerizan art form.
While I have only known Val a brief time, I look forward to working with him and listening to his performances in the future. I would recommend that Val be considered for United States citizenship. I know he will make a positive contribution to the culture of our country. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me.
Very truly yours,
Steven Alexsy
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