Antonio Underwood is recommended for the Fulbright Committee by his friend Denise Byrd. Byrd has known Underwood for over 25 years since they were both students, and witnessed his devotion to teaching music and inspiring students. Underwood has a gift for simplifying complex music theory and shares his knowledge gained from composing film scores and playing with great jazz musicians. Byrd believes Underwood would represent the United States well and be a wonderful candidate for students to learn from on the Fulbright program.

1. TO: Fulbright Committee
FROM: Denise Byrd
Date: August 16, 2013
RE: Recommendation for Antonio Underwood
I have known Antonio Underwood for over 25 years. I met him while I was an undergraduate
student at Yale and he was a graduate student in the Music Department.
After graduation, I attended the New York University Graduate Film Program and Antonio
composed film scores for film projects. He worked alongside me and my collaborators to help us
understand the scoring process and to guide us in our use of music and effects.
I also visited his class while he was teaching and witnessed his devotion to his students and his
craft. In my opinion, he truly loves music and sharing his knowledge with others. And his
students appeared to greatly appreciate his ability to nurture and inspire. Antonio has a unique
gift for translating complex music theory into simple concepts anyone can understand. I think
this comes from his genuine love of music coupled with real world experience and historical
perspective. It is unusual to find an academic who has also played with some of the greats in the
business.
In terms of representing the United States, I can only state from my personal opinion that
Antonio Underwood is exemplar citizen, proud and informed about his heritage and how his
craft has played out in American history. He has amazing stories of his moments playing
alongside the great jazz musicians of our time.
Personally, he has been a loyal and honest friend as well as example to follow for me as a writer
and artist who has also taught others my craft.
I think he is a wonderful candidate for the Fulbright and any student would be grateful to know
and learn from him.
Most sincerely,
Denise Byrd