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 Courtney’s 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 Courtney’s 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