Gary Miller (conductor)
Encyclopedia
Gary Miller is an American conductor
, gay activist, and educator. Raised in York, Pennsylvania
, he graduated from Lebanon Valley College
with a Bachelor of Music Education and from the University of Michigan
with a Master of Music
in choral conducting. In August 1980 he played an instrumental role in founding the New York City Gay Men's Chorus
(NYGMC). He served as the NYGMC's first director from 1980 to 1998. He later returned as director for one season in 2005. During his tenure the chorus notably became the first gay musical ensemble to receive a recording contract. He also commissioned 40 new choral works by numerous notable American composers. Under his baton, the chorus performed more than 50 concerts in Carnegie Hall and completed three European tours.
Under Miller's leadership the NYGMC operated not only as a musical ensemble but as a political and social organization. In a 2005 interview in The New York Times
Miller said of the chorus, "As gay men we wanted to make music for the education and enrichment of the community. It was to be equal parts music, social and political." In 1984 the chorus performed at the Eastern Division Conference of the American Choral Directors Association
(ACDA). It was the first time that the ACDA had featured a gay chorus at one of its conventions. The ACDA had initially refused to allow the chorus to use the word gay in their printed program; a decision which prompted Miller to file a successful lawsuit against the organization with the backing of the American Civil Liberties Union
. He also led the chorus in several AIDS
benefits which helped raise awareness of the disease as well as bring in funding for medical research.
Miller currently teaches at the Ethical Culture Fieldston School
in New York City.
Conducting
Conducting is the art of directing a musical performance by way of visible gestures. The primary duties of the conductor are to unify performers, set the tempo, execute clear preparations and beats, and to listen critically and shape the sound of the ensemble...
, gay activist, and educator. Raised in York, Pennsylvania
York, Pennsylvania
York, known as the White Rose City , is a city located in York County, Pennsylvania, United States which is in the South Central region of the state. The population within the city limits was 43,718 at the 2010 census, which was a 7.0% increase from the 2000 count of 40,862...
, he graduated from Lebanon Valley College
Lebanon Valley College
Lebanon Valley College is a small, liberal arts higher education institution situated in the heart of Annville in Lebanon County, east of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.-History:...
with a Bachelor of Music Education and from the University of Michigan
University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the United States. It is the state's oldest university and the flagship campus of the University of Michigan...
with a Master of Music
Master of Music
The Master of Music is the first graduate degree in Music awarded by universities and music conservatories. The M.Mus. combines advanced studies in an applied area of specialization with graduate-level academic study in subjects such as music history, music theory, or music pedagogy...
in choral conducting. In August 1980 he played an instrumental role in founding the New York City Gay Men's Chorus
New York City Gay Men's Chorus
The New York City Gay Men's Chorus is a choral organization in New York City that has been presenting an annual concert season for more than three decades.-History:...
(NYGMC). He served as the NYGMC's first director from 1980 to 1998. He later returned as director for one season in 2005. During his tenure the chorus notably became the first gay musical ensemble to receive a recording contract. He also commissioned 40 new choral works by numerous notable American composers. Under his baton, the chorus performed more than 50 concerts in Carnegie Hall and completed three European tours.
Under Miller's leadership the NYGMC operated not only as a musical ensemble but as a political and social organization. In a 2005 interview in The New York Times
The New York Times
The New York Times is an American daily newspaper founded and continuously published in New York City since 1851. The New York Times has won 106 Pulitzer Prizes, the most of any news organization...
Miller said of the chorus, "As gay men we wanted to make music for the education and enrichment of the community. It was to be equal parts music, social and political." In 1984 the chorus performed at the Eastern Division Conference of the American Choral Directors Association
American Choral Directors Association
The American Choral Directors Association , headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is a non-profit organization with the stated purpose of promoting excellence in the field of choral music...
(ACDA). It was the first time that the ACDA had featured a gay chorus at one of its conventions. The ACDA had initially refused to allow the chorus to use the word gay in their printed program; a decision which prompted Miller to file a successful lawsuit against the organization with the backing of the American Civil Liberties Union
American Civil Liberties Union
The American Civil Liberties Union is a U.S. non-profit organization whose stated mission is "to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States." It works through litigation, legislation, and...
. He also led the chorus in several AIDS
AIDS
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is a disease of the human immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus...
benefits which helped raise awareness of the disease as well as bring in funding for medical research.
Miller currently teaches at the Ethical Culture Fieldston School
Ethical Culture Fieldston School
The Ethical Culture Fieldston School, known as "Fieldston", is a private "independent" school in New York City and a member of the Ivy Preparatory School League. It has about 1600 students and a staff of 400 people , led by Dr. Damian J...
in New York City.