Music - Edward Miller Biography

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Born in 1943 in Astoria, NY, Edward grew up in Bayonne and later Cranford, NJ, where he attended the local high school. At Cranford High, he participated in a number of vocal groups and Music Club. After graduating in 1961, Edward attended Glassboro State College in NJ, where he majored in music education and voice. After graduating in 1965, he pursued his education further at Temple University in Philadelphia.

During his college years, Edward worked with a number of musical groups in the Philadelphia area, including the Men and Boys Choir of St. Marks Episcopal Church, the American Singers, the Oratorio Choir, and the Philadelphia Lyric Opera. He served as bass soloist with the choir of Temple Beth Torah, and also served as assistant manager of the New Jersey All-State Chorus.

Edward worked as music teacher in Vineland and Haddon Heights, NJ before moving to Long Island in 1972, where he began his 25 years of service at the East Rockaway Junior and Senior High Schools. During this time, Edward attended New York University, earning his Master of Arts degree in 1977. Later, he served as choirmaster and organist at St. John's Episcopal Church in New York City, and as music director at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset.

Edward Miller passed away suddenly in December 1997.

The memorial announcement at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock includes these words: "With his kindness, sensitivity, and focus on excellence, Ed reminded us that music is an integral part of the ministry of our congregation. He encouraged, challenged, and cajoled our choir into a harmonious whole, rather than a random collection of individual voices. He loved his work and it showed."

An East Rockaway student wrote:
"Although his death has many of us sadly asking why, Mr. Miller would probably appreciate it if we remember all the good he brought to our lives. The way he miraculously got all of us together, days before the concert, and somehow got the parts right. The way he always told us to 'enunciate' and 'sing properly', no matter how ridiculous we thought it sounded. The way he would get angry and irritated, only to laugh a few seconds later. Mr. Miller touched many and truly was a wonderful man. In this time of mourning I only ask that we continue to bring the world what Mr. Miller brought usÑbeautiful music. It is through the music we perform that Mr. Miller will truly be remembered. That is the way he would have wanted it."