LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Courtney Neidhardt was nominated anonymously.

Positive classroom environments begin with building relationships. Before students can learn, they need to feel safe and cared for. Ms. Neidhardt teaches middle school band, which, in itself, relies on students working together to be successful; therefore, creating a positive environment is a crucial element to their success. She teaches her students from the beginning that the band room is a safe place to make mistakes because that is truly the only way to learn to play music! They celebrate every student's progress at their own pace, and students learn to work together for the group's success.

Her students need new music for the library. Many of the pieces they currently have are outdated, missing parts, or do not fit the needs of their growing program. With new music in the library, students will be playing modern music by living composers who write in a way that meets students where they are in their musical development, while keeping their interest with incredible creativity.

Career Accomplishments

• Paulding County Honor Band Guest Clinician - 2025
• Arts Enrichment Grant Recipient - 2021, 2022, 2023