John Niiler, Assistant Orchestra Director at Travis High School, earned his B.S. in Instrumental Music Education from the University of Alabama in May 2023, graduating summa cum laude. In his first year of teaching, Mr. Niiler was named Fort Bend ISD Rookie Teacher of the Year and helped lead all Travis orchestras to superior sweepstakes ratings. 

Mr. Niiler has played with many orchestras across the southeast, including the Brazos Valley, Starkville, and Destin Symphonies. He has played in cello masterclasses for Brinton Averil Smith, Felix Wang, and others. Mr. Niiler was selected as an apprentice for the National Music Festival in 2022 and 2023. Mr. Niiler was also very active in the musical community while in Alabama, teaching private lessons and conducting youth orchestras.

During his free time, Mr. Niiler enjoys working out, drinking pumpkin spice lattes, eating steak, watching football, and listening to real country music.