Recommendation_Courtney-General
- 1. Folly Quarter Middle School Band Program Andrew B. Spang, Director of Bands March 2016 To Whom It May Concern: It is my pleasure to write on behalf of Courtney Niles, who is applying for a music position in your school system. I have known Courtney for over a decade as she has participated in the Encore Community Orchestra and Band, where I have served as Music Director of the Philharmonic Orchestra (advanced orchestra) and the Band during the Summer Music Camp. I have seen Courtney grow and develop as a musician and a delightful young woman, succeeding at an extremely high level in every endeavor she has set her mind to. She has done an outstanding job at Lebanon Valley College as a Music Education major, served as faculty and as the Head Staff Assistant for two years of the Encore Summer Music Camp, and while performing in choral and instrumental ensembles under my baton. Courtney simply glows when surrounded by music, and never seems more alive then when she works with young musicians. Courtney has been a leader musically in the ensembles that I have conducted, earning positions in honor ensembles within her high school and in the county, and while at college. Furthermore, she is willing to learn and perform on instruments needed for the success of the ensemble, demonstrating an admirable eprit de corps to work with and for others that has seerved her well as a music educator. Her success at auditions and in honor ensembles is demonstrative of her outstanding work ethic and problem solving abilities. Her work ethic is further exemplified by her success in gymnastics, sports, cheerleading, photography and graphic design. I am confident that you find the fruits of this work ethic in abundance in whatever capacity she is employed. Courtney is a well-rounded, socially outgoing, and multi-talented young lady who has a wealth of experiences upon which to draw as she moves on to this next stage in her career. I would like to draw special attention to Courtneys ability to connect with young students. As you know, this is not always an ability that can be taught. But Courtney easily forms genuine bonds with students, is able to draw out their best efforts, help them overcome their fears and anxieties, and inspires their best efforts. I believe that you will find this a core strength in Courtneys teaching toolkit. I am happy to give Courtney Niles my sincere recommendation, and I would be pleased to call Courtney my colleague. If I can provide any further insight, please do not hesitate to contact me by any of the means listed below. Sincerely, Andrew B. Spang, Director of Bands Folly Quarter Middle School 13500 Triadelphia Road Ellicott City, MD 21042 W: 410-313-1506, x. 3115 M: 410-596-2280 W: andrew_spang@hcpss.org H: andrew@lyricbrass.com