Return of a Master!
The son of Sharon Miller, secretary to and trustee of Harmony Foundation International, and John Miller, twice international champion bass [Grandma’s Boys, 1979, and New Tradition, 1985], Justin grew up surrounded by quality barbershop music and “attended” his first international convention at the age of two. In 2002, when he was 18, he joined both the Barbershop Harmony Society and the Masters of Harmony, and, as a singer, won three gold medals with the chorus (2002, 2005, and 2008). He also served the MOH as a board member-at-large, presentation coordinator, and assistant director. For four years Justin attended Chapman University, earning a Bachelor of Music degree, majoring in both music education (vocal) and performance (conducting). Though primarily a baritone when singing in choruses, while at Chapman he sang tenor and entered the College Quartet Contest and finished fourth three times: with Afternoon Delight in 2005 and 2006, and with the University Vocal Band Express in 2008.
In 2008, Justin also became music director of The Westminster Chorus, with whom, as a singer, he had won the international championship the year before. In 2009, he directed Westminster to the title of “Choir of the World” at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen, Wales. The following year he directed Westminster to its second international chorus championship, garnering the highest score ever achieved by a competing chorus (97.7%), and also became the youngest director in Society history to win a chorus championship. He will continue to direct that chorus, with its diverse repertoire and younger demographic.
Understandably, Justin is extremely active in the Barbershop Harmony Society, where he is a certified Music judge. He has served on the faculty of Harmony University and is a sought-after quartet and chorus coach. Born in Southern California, Justin was raised primarily in Westport, Connecticut, and in 2010 moved back there to be the choral director at his alma mater, Staples High School, and also directed the Big Apple Chorus in Manhattan, NY. However, in the summer of 2012, Justin returned to Southern California to become the associate choir director at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, where, in addition to administrative responsibilities, he will direct the men’s ensemble, the women’s ensemble, and the concert choir. He began directing the Masters of Harmony on August 22, 2012.
After eight consecutive chorus championships under three different directors at the Masters of Harmony, there had been understandable speculation whether the chorus would be able to continue its long-held dedication to musical excellence. With the selection of Justin Miller as the new music director, the past and present have now met to create an even more exciting future for the Masters of Harmony. Welcome back, Justin!
