In Memoriam: Brent F. Miller, former ACDA division leader

Brent F. Miller

 

Long-time ACDA leader Brent F. Miller passed away on January 4, 2010 after a short illness. He was a graduate of Rutgers University and Trenton State College, with a Bachelor degree in music education and a Master degree in choral conducting. While at Rutgers, he was a member of the Kirkpatrick Chapel Choir, the Rutgers University Choir and Glee Club, and was conductor of the combined Air Force and Army ROTC Cadet Chorus. He studied conducting with a number of teachers, including Robert Shaw and John Rutter.

 

He was the founding conductor of the Hunterdon Choral Union (NJ), and was preparing a concert for their 25th anniversary celebration in April, 2010.  Prior to his time with the Choral Union, he  conducted the Middlesex County Chorale and the Philomusica Chamber Choir. A resident of Annandale, New Jersey, he taught public school music for 38 years and was organist-choirmaster at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Somerville, New Jersey for 37 years. In addition, he chaired the Music Commission of the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey and also served as music chair for "Voices for Charity" in Hunterdon County.

 

Brent was the President of ACDA’s Eastern Division from 2006-2008, and was the editor of “Canticum Novum,” the New Jersey ACDA newsletter. He was elected to two terms as state president of New Jersey ACDA, and was active in convention planning at state, division and national levels. In addition, Brent was a member of the Association of Anglican Musicians, the American Guild of Organists, The Chorister’s Guild, Chorus America, and Music Educators National Conference.

 

The life of Brent Miller was honored by his many friends and colleagues at a memorial service on Saturday, January 23, at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Somerville.  A joint concert performed by the Hunterdon Symphony and Choral Union on Saturday, April 24 will be dedicated to his memory, and a memorial fund has been established in his name. Contributions can be mailed to Hunterdon Musical Arts, P.O. Box 44, Flemington, NJ 08822.