Ryan Pongras is a 2001 graduate of West Chester University with a BS in Music Education. He maintains a large private studio and many of his private students have been members of the District, Region, All State and All East Bands and Orchestras. Neidhardt performs as a member of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Symphony Orchestra, the Montgomery County Concert Band, where he is also the Director, the Tubafores Tuba Quartet, and does additional freelance work in the Philadelphia area.

He is a member of Phi Beta Mu Honorary Bandmaster Fraternity, a recipient of the “Citation of Excellence” award from the National Band Association, an Honorary Lifetime member of “Tri-M” the National Music Honor Society, and is listed in “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers”. He has served as All State Chair, hosted the All State Band as well as All State auditions and served as Chair of the State Adjudication Festivals. Neidhardt is immediate Past President of PMEA having formerly served as President of District 11 PMEA. Neidhardt previously taught music in the Souderton and Lower Merion School Districts before retiring in July 2005 from Methacton. Throughout the years, his bands at both Lower Merion and Methacton have performed and received awards at state conferences, local events, festivals and competitions. He is the former band director at Arcola Intermediate School and served as Music Department chairperson for the Methacton School District. Neidhardt is a graduate of Duquesne University and received his Master’s Degree from Penn State University.

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