April 6,2002

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Halah Darwazeh and I’m a student and member of the Symphonic Band at El Camino High School located in South San Francisco, California.
I recently took a 1930s band music course at a local community college in which the music of George Gershwin was focused on. Playing his music has spawned an awakening in me and I’ve become increasingly interested in the life and legacy surrounding Gershwin.
I have been given the assignment of writing a term paper for my U.S History Honors course. We were told by our instructor to choose any topic that dealt with happenings of the nineteenth century. To satisfy my desire to learn more about the musical genius of Gershwin, I have chosen to research him for my project.
I wish to conduct an interview with someone who has knowledge of Gershwin’s work in hopes of gaining a more in-depth understanding of his musical influence.
I would greatly appreciate your help in answering the following questions:
1. Which work would you say best reflects the magnitude of Gerswin’s genius?

2. In your opinion, did George Gershwin’s compositions have a major impact on the musical world? If so, in which respects?

3. How was the majority of Gershwin’s work received by the public in his time?

4. Are there any modern applications of Gershwin’s musical styles?

Please send any responses to me at HALAH_D@yahoo.com. Thank you for your time.

Cordially,
Halah Darwazeh