"The most impactful thing that I learned from Mr. Hamilton is the importance of forming connections in the workplace, and I was lucky to witness the trust and respect that he fostered in everyone he encountered during the six weeks we worked together.... His strength of leadership and commitment to understanding those around him made our camp office a much brighter place. Mr. Hamilton invested time and energy into his camp connections (with students, teen apprentices, teachers, and Levine staff), and all of us benefited from his hard work.
In addition to the value he places on connections, he is also the most dynamic leader and mentor I have ever worked with. On top of answering my own music theory and career questions, he was able to jump in as guitar teacher when our teacher came down with Covid, and accompanied a teen apprentice on piano during the "Staff Talent Show" he created for the last day of camp! He brought in educational tools and experience from his elementary music education position at Westlawn Elementary to help out camp teachers. Campers always looked forward to story time with Mr. Jon! I also saw in action his incredible ability to calm down even the most wired-out campers by taking the time to sit with them and help them understand their feelings. Mr. Hamilton successfully brought all of these great qualities to make camp a warm and welcoming place."
Sarah Russell-Hunter
William & Mary '23
B.S. Allied Health & B.A. Music
In addition to the value he places on connections, he is also the most dynamic leader and mentor I have ever worked with. On top of answering my own music theory and career questions, he was able to jump in as guitar teacher when our teacher came down with Covid, and accompanied a teen apprentice on piano during the "Staff Talent Show" he created for the last day of camp! He brought in educational tools and experience from his elementary music education position at Westlawn Elementary to help out camp teachers. Campers always looked forward to story time with Mr. Jon! I also saw in action his incredible ability to calm down even the most wired-out campers by taking the time to sit with them and help them understand their feelings. Mr. Hamilton successfully brought all of these great qualities to make camp a warm and welcoming place."
Sarah Russell-Hunter
William & Mary '23
B.S. Allied Health & B.A. Music
"As an educator, director, and parent, I've witnessed first-hand Jon's maturity, quick-wittedness and team oriented cooperation which is truly uncharacteristic of other choristers and section leaders. Jon, regularly and without prompting, demonstrates a clear understanding of the needs of the team outside of what simply happens on stage. In this regard, Jon can always be counted on to take initiative and volunteer to help with 'behind the scenes' details associated with ...making our organization successful.
He clearly has a love for developing young people and their passion for music and learning, as well as the background to support his assured success. I have no doubt whatsoever of his ability to engender a high level of respect and trust from colleagues, administrators, students ad families, as he has with me and the other members of the [Alexandria] Singers, who hold him in very high regard!"
Bill Collosimo
Founder & Artistic Director
Choral Foundation of Northern Virginia
He clearly has a love for developing young people and their passion for music and learning, as well as the background to support his assured success. I have no doubt whatsoever of his ability to engender a high level of respect and trust from colleagues, administrators, students ad families, as he has with me and the other members of the [Alexandria] Singers, who hold him in very high regard!"
Bill Collosimo
Founder & Artistic Director
Choral Foundation of Northern Virginia
"Jonathan is an outstanding music educator, vocalist, pianist, and jazz enthusiast. He helped our team create lessons that are relevant and provide global connections for our K-6th grade program. He brings a great deal of professional knowledge to keep the music program engaging, stimulating, with real world applications for students to investigate. He is a team player who listens, communicates, shares the workload, and is flexible working with ideas shared by colleagues. In a co-teaching scenario he’s been such a pleasure to work with and has made our team the very best!
He truly cares about educating and taking care of the whole child, each and every one of them. This past year he served as a mentor to a pair of brothers who were really struggling at school, with peers, and at home. The impact Jonathan had on these two boys have been tremendous. He brings excitement and professional musical experiences that create a fun and safe learning environment. He is passionate about music and strives to ensure that every student is successful in contributing to the music making process. His choral techniques, community building activities, student feedback, and vocal pedagogy helped produce a top quality choral group and more importantly a caring community."
Carla Okouchi
Music Educator & FEA Vice President
Fairfax County Public Schools
He truly cares about educating and taking care of the whole child, each and every one of them. This past year he served as a mentor to a pair of brothers who were really struggling at school, with peers, and at home. The impact Jonathan had on these two boys have been tremendous. He brings excitement and professional musical experiences that create a fun and safe learning environment. He is passionate about music and strives to ensure that every student is successful in contributing to the music making process. His choral techniques, community building activities, student feedback, and vocal pedagogy helped produce a top quality choral group and more importantly a caring community."
Carla Okouchi
Music Educator & FEA Vice President
Fairfax County Public Schools
"I’ve personally witnessed his caring disposition and professional conduct. Jon works collaboratively with his colleagues and has helped develop our music program. During the development of our music programs, whenever we discuss educational issues, I have always found him to be the professional, listening to others opinions with interest, offering suggestions, and demonstrating a sincere willingness to try new strategies. Jon has really shaped our music department. He also has a great reputation amongst our staff and student body. His professionalism is a well-balanced blend of competence, experience, and flexibility."
Phillip A. Gernovich
Secondary Principal
Erie First Christian Academy
Phillip A. Gernovich
Secondary Principal
Erie First Christian Academy
"The students were excited to enter the classroom with Mr. Hamilton teaching and eager to learn whatever he presented. Mr. Hamilton went above and beyond his teaching responsibilities while at Fairview Elementary school and demonstrated every characteristic and quality of an excellent educator. The connections he made while at Fairview Elementary School inspired students and staff alike with his musicality and professionalism which made him well respected and loved."
Miss Julie Rossetti
Elementary Music Teacher
Fairview School District
Miss Julie Rossetti
Elementary Music Teacher
Fairview School District
"I have known Jonathan for numerous years and most recently in his role as a Men’s Director for our summer camping program at Pine Springs Camp. I can honestly say that Jonathan is one of the kindest, most thoughtful and talented summer staff that I have supervised. I have worked extensively with college students in various capacities and Jonathan stands out as one of a few that displays a strong ability to analyze and assess various situations with the end goal of improving community standards in a summer camping environment.
Another aspect that stands about Jonathan is his ability to solve problems and issues in wise and creative ways. In his role Jonathan supervised the men counselors and other staff during the summer. He displayed very strong leadership skills and proved that he sought to be a caring and competent leader. He thinks through issues clearly and does not react emotionally when confronted with a dilemma or problem. He is wise about offering advice and most importantly when to ask for guidance. The summer program can be quite physically and emotionally draining and yet Jonathan thrived when he was in a position that demanded focus and energy.
Jonathan impresses me with his desire to serve and care for others in all that he does. He exhibits a compassionate spirit and is motivated by helping those who have specific needs. His servant leadership qualities stand out amongst his peers. One of Jonathan’s most obvious talents is his music ability. Having him on staff was invaluable in this regard. He is very creative and gifted yet is humble and self-effacing.
I greatly appreciated how Jonathan displayed flexibility and adaptability in his role at camp. He has a great passion to appropriately address the issue of racial reconciliation. He was the only minority on staff and yet he held a key leadership position. He quickly gained the respect of the entire staff. Jonathan has the unique ability to “get along” with everyone and challenges others to reach outside of their comfort zone to grow in their understanding of diversity issues. I highly regard and evaluate on whether an employee posses good relational skills and Jonathan truly excelled in reaching out, caring for and challenging those he supervised."
Gregory A. Davis
Executive Director
Pine Springs Camp
Another aspect that stands about Jonathan is his ability to solve problems and issues in wise and creative ways. In his role Jonathan supervised the men counselors and other staff during the summer. He displayed very strong leadership skills and proved that he sought to be a caring and competent leader. He thinks through issues clearly and does not react emotionally when confronted with a dilemma or problem. He is wise about offering advice and most importantly when to ask for guidance. The summer program can be quite physically and emotionally draining and yet Jonathan thrived when he was in a position that demanded focus and energy.
Jonathan impresses me with his desire to serve and care for others in all that he does. He exhibits a compassionate spirit and is motivated by helping those who have specific needs. His servant leadership qualities stand out amongst his peers. One of Jonathan’s most obvious talents is his music ability. Having him on staff was invaluable in this regard. He is very creative and gifted yet is humble and self-effacing.
I greatly appreciated how Jonathan displayed flexibility and adaptability in his role at camp. He has a great passion to appropriately address the issue of racial reconciliation. He was the only minority on staff and yet he held a key leadership position. He quickly gained the respect of the entire staff. Jonathan has the unique ability to “get along” with everyone and challenges others to reach outside of their comfort zone to grow in their understanding of diversity issues. I highly regard and evaluate on whether an employee posses good relational skills and Jonathan truly excelled in reaching out, caring for and challenging those he supervised."
Gregory A. Davis
Executive Director
Pine Springs Camp
