RIDGEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL BANDS

627 East Ridgewood Avenue

Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450
John W. Luckenbill III, Associate Director of Bands
Director, RHS Marching Band
Phone: 201-670-2800 ext 20744
e-mail: jluckenbill@ridgewood.k12.nj.us

May 27, 2015

To Whom It May Concern:
It is my pleasure to write this letter of recommendation on behalf of Will Ebbels. I am currently the Associate Director of
Bands and Marching Band Director at Ridgewood High School. I have known Will for the past four years with his work
with our Marching Band, in which hes been a visual instructor since 2008.
Will has been an invaluable staff member for the Ridgewood High School Marching Band program. Having marched The
Cadets Drum Corps for 3 years, Will has been able to incorporate that experience directly to the marching band field.
Connecting drum corps and high school marching band is not always an easy task. He has designed an entire visual
technique program for our band, and has fully implemented it each season. Will always considers how certain exercises
and teaching methods will translate to our program from drum corps and how our students will learn those exercises most
effectively. Hes always been creative and thoughtful with how and when he teaches new concepts to the students. I am
most impressed by his exceptional rapport with the students. While being respectful to everyone he is instructing, he also
understands how to command the students respect. Will always creates an environment where each student feels he or
she can approach him for guidance whenever the need arises.
Wills responsibilities with the marching band have been that of a visual instructor, as well as running music sectionals.
Will has been very successful in adapting to a variety of situations that I have presented him with. Will has been involved
in our marching band show planning, off-season rehearsals, and is always there when he needs to be. Will is very
knowledgeable and passionate about his craft, and I fully trust him with running efficient and effective visual or music
rehearsals. Will has immersed himself in our marching band program. I expect him to do the same in any position that he
holds in the future.
When I first came to Ridgewood four years ago, Will was one of the instructors, because of his knowledge of the program
and traditions, which helped me transition in to the program successfully. Will is a wonderful collaborator, a thoughtful
colleague, and he holds his students to the same high standards to which he holds himself. He injects energy, passion,
discipline, pride, and respect into our marching band program. He is constantly striving to become a better educator,
which is clear in how he handles himself on a daily basis. Without reservation, I wholeheartedly recommend Will Ebbels
for your available teaching position for he would be a quality addition to your teaching staff.
Sincerely,

John W. Luckenbill III

Associate Director of Bands
Director, RHS Marching Band