Wednesday, May 28, 2003
|
Wednesday, May 28, 2003 |
Wind Ensemble welcomes new band directorBy MICHAEL
BOYLAN
John Miller was approached to conduct the Peachtree Wind Ensemble by accident, but after working with the group since January it is apparent to the members of the ensemble that he deserves to be there. The wind ensemble lost long time conductor Bob Lancette to illness last year and Mariano Pancetti, the group's interim conductor, to an increasingly busy schedule as a faculty member at West Georgia College. Group members tried to track down John Miller, a man who assisted with the group for a number of years under Lancette. "One day I got a phone call asking for John Miller the band director," said Miller. "I said, yes, but not the one you're looking for." Miller told the man about his background, which included being the band director for the Navy when he was stationed in Pensacola, Fla., as well as time as a music educator. Eventually, Miller was asked to take over drecting duties and the results have been harmonious. Currently, the Peachtree Wind Ensemble has 35 members, but it is rare that all members are under one roof rehearsing at the same time. The group meets every Monday night at 7 p.m. at the Fayette Family YMCA. They have recently performed at the Peachtree City Memorial Day activities, the Old Courthouse Art Show and the Armed Forces Tribute at Stonewall Village. This summer they will play the Peachtree City Fourth of July show as well as a show at a local assisted living facility and perhaps some picnic concerts at local parks. "This is an incredibly talented group," said Miller. "There is an incredible reservoir of talent on the Southside." Miller should be a good judge of talent. He got his bachelor's degree in voice at MacMurray College in illinois and played french horn and baritone in the college band. He got his master's degree in music at Southern Methodist University. In the Navy, he conducted a band of 40 people and then taught music for a year after his stint in the service. For the next 30 years Miller played music in a volunteer capacity with churches. Miller was also a DJ for a classical music station through college and has also spent time as a news anchor and music director for Channel 3 in Pensacola. Miller has lived in Fayette County for 20 years with his wife, Mistene, and daughter, Kathy. While the wind ensemble plays a lot of military and Americana music, Miller hopes to introduce some new songs to the repertoire, including more pieces that are written specifically for wind ensembles instead of pieces that have been adapated for wind ensembles. The group is open to anyone that has played a wind instrument and Miller's goal is to see the group's numbers increase to over 50 people. "I would recommend the group to advanced high school band students who want to keep their skills sharp over the summer, as well as to school band directors to keep their hands-on skills sharp by being part of an ensemble," said Miller. "Everyone is welcome, from ex-pros to people who will never be pros." Miller also stated that the group is in desperate need of percussionists. "I would like to see four, strong music reading percussionists because now we have parts of pieces that are not being performed." Other things Miller would like to see happen under his watch are the obtaining of a portable band shell, a calendar of events on the group's Web site and a Web site. "I'm seeking someone who can help us get a Web site going." Miller stated that "it has been a joy and a challenge following in the steps of Bob Lancette." Miller would like to make the band as good as possible with limited rehearsal times, adding, "And I think that can be pretty darn good." Audiences can judge for themselves July 4 when the wind ensemble performs before the Peachtree City fireworks. For more information on the Peachtree Wind Ensemble, phone 770-964-7047.
|
||