Former Huskie Marching Band drum major Bryan Miller, ’89, brings his accomplished career as a music educator, military band conductor, professional orchestra conductor, and trumpet artist to serve on the NIU Marching Band Alumni Council (MBAC).
As a lieutenant colonel, Miller served as commander and conductor of the Air National Guard Band of the Midwest, the 566th Air Force Band for 25 years. He has performed at Mount Rushmore, Rockefeller Center Plaza, and Independence Hall to audiences of honor, including, Apollo Astronauts, the Tuskegee Airmen, and American and foreign Heads of State. He led missions for two Southwest Asia and Africa deployments and performed at funeral memorial honors for President Ronald Reagan.
“It is an honor to be able to serve our nation,” said Miller. “I had the privilege of playing a part in many meaningful military and civic events, and the joy of working with tremendously dedicated professionals. The training I received at NIU played a significant role in my success serving in this capacity.”
Miller joined the MBAC to raise awareness and support for the Huskie Marching Band and help facilitate the annual alumni marching band Homecoming activities.
“NIU regularly invited me back to be involved with School of Music events throughout my career, so it was an easy decision for me to get involved with the Marching Band Alumni Council,” he said. “Homecoming activities are a major undertaking. Despite this, the time commitment has been reasonable because all of us serving also have family and career obligations. The people are great, and it’s been fun reconnecting with alumni and NIU.”
NIU gave Miller the foundation for his success.
Miller grew up without the means to attend college but was fortunate to receive a generous full scholarship, which made it possible for him to attend NIU to study music education. He credits the incredible training and opportunities from School of Music faculty, such as professors Stephen Squires, Charles (Tim) Blickhan, Ron Modell, Carl Roskott, Frank Bibb, and others, for changing his life and leading him to a great career.
Bryan Miller, ’89, Marching Band Alumni Council Member, stands with Victor E. at Homecoming (Photo: Bryan Miller)
“I loved my time at NIU!” said Miller. “I was fortunate to be there during a special time for the School of Music because there were so many opportunities available for us. While there, I benefitted not only from incredible professors, but also from outstanding classmates. Serving four years as drum major for the Huskie Marching Band and participating in the NIU Jazz Ensemble, Philharmonic Orchestra and Wind Ensemble were all highlights that helped me throughout my career.”
Miller recently retired from his role as music chair for the national award-winning Leyden High Schools in Franklin Park and Northlake, Illinois, from 1994-2024. He also had affiliations with or held positions at Elmhurst University, VanderCook College of Music, North Central College, and the National Association for Music Education’s National Council of Music Program Leaders. Today, he serves as a visiting associate professor and director of music education for North Central College, supervises music education student teachers for NIU and leads the Naperville Youth Symphony Orchestra’s Brass Choir.
As founder and artistic director of the Chicagoland Educators Orchestra, Miller has guest-conducted numerous ensembles, including the United States Air Force Band, Wheaton Municipal Band and the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, of which he is an alumnus. Proudly playing the trumpet under Maestro Daniel Barenboim, he performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Lyric Opera brass sections for the Arnold Jacobs Memorial tribute concert at the Chicago Symphony Center. Miller is also a founding member of the Pete Ellman Big Band, a well-known 18-piece band performing jazz classics throughout Chicagoland.
Gearing up for NIU’s 117th Homecoming October 13-20, Miller is excited to welcome back Huskie Marching Band alumni to participate in Homecoming activities.
“Alumni returning to DeKalb for Homecoming will enjoy seeing the marching band flourish under Dr. Thomas Bough’s leadership, and I’m looking forward to the ‘Fill the Field’ event because this year will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the NIU Show Band and the enduring impact of its founder and director, Michael Th. Embry,” Miller said. “Not only does the council entertain at Homecoming, but fellow alumni and council members are also involved in providing opportunities to current Huskie Marching Band students through mentorship and scholarship assistance throughout the year.”
