— Carl Miller will be remembered as a fine man, a friendly fellow with an engaging smile and compelling personality.

His boyish good looks even at age 75, trim figure and zest for life always kept the accumulating years at a respectable distance. He never looked his age.

Carl will be remembered more for the impact he made as a champion of music in its various artistic forms – a journey that covered most of his life.

It would be impossible to estimate the thousands of  people he influenced as a high school music teacher, professional musician, music group leader and choir director at three local churches. His impact upon appreciative audiences benefiting from his enormous talent is beyond measure.

There was also a social side to the Upper Yoder Township man who made room for competitive challenges on the tennis court and golf course as well as enjoying enlightening world travels with his wife Nancy.

During a memorial service at the Westmont Presbyterian Church, where Carl was music director for 20 years, Pastor Douglas Stevens spoke about how careful Carl had been in keeping his music and social involvements totally separate.

Pastor Stevens’ remarks, along with those of Carl’s sister, Jeanne, and sons, Brant and Craig, were informative and entertaining as well as insightful and at times surprising, if not occasionally startling.

The one underlying theme emerging from the comments was Carl’s insistence on “doing it right,” as emphasized over and over by Pastor Stevens.

This passion carried over into all of his activities, whether it was in his work with the choir, helping

young men and women blossom in the 24 high school musicals he directed, to giving private instrumental lessons, to developing a winning tennis game.

If we were to believe his sons, a healthy fear came about as the result of working with their father when not maximizing their full efforts.

The usually mild-mannered, soft-spoken gentleman so well known to his many friends, had no patience for anything less than full 100 percent effort.

In studying the trombone with his father as well as practicing on the tennis court, Craig said his dad did not expect him to be the best but would not tolerate anything less than full commitment

– lessons he found useful in his adult life.

Carl had a hearty laugh and a wonderful sense of humor.

Once, upon returning home from a round of golf, according to Craig, his dad was asked how well he had played.  

His reply: “The game ruined a nice walk.”

Carl, his sister and late brother Ray all pursued music careers – decisions no doubt helped along by their father, who was also a highly successful high school music teacher.

We learned that Carl as a youth first started playing the trombone, interesting to me because our son Dan studied the instrument as a teenager with Carl.  

Funeral services have a special place in my heart. I find them for the most part uplifting, hopeful and inspiring.  

Just as important is the opportunity to be moved by family members rising beyond the stress of the moment to reveal relevant thoughts

and memories of the individual whose life is being celebrated.

The Carl Miller Memorial Service was a classic. And no wonder! It was “directed” by the maestro himself.  

In conversation with Pastor Stevens and family, Carl presented his choice of anthems and sacred hymns he would like performed at his funeral.

His wishes were granted, of course.

Not surprising, were works by John Rutter: “The Lord is My Shepherd” and “Lux Aeterna,” both from Rutter’s Requiem, plus two other Rutter compositions, “For the Beauty of the Earth” and as

a benediction, the haunting “The Lord Bless You and Keep You.”

The Westmont Presbyterian choir long has enjoyed a

reputation of  performing at a standard hard to match in the area. This excellent ensemble possibly attained new heights, augmented by 15 musician friends of Carl, among them Sam Coco and Mike Bodolosky, who had asked and received permission to sing.

Maestro Miller would have been elated.

Adding to the musical feast were performances by Helen Dix, organist; Stephanie Caulder, oboe; Krisen Kane, vocal soloist; and Kristen Santos, piano.

Carl and I shared a friendship forged over a couple of decades trying to chase each other around a tennis court.

Carl was a great competitor and never lost a point because of lack of conditioning. He was all about sportsmanship and a pleasure to play.  

Carl also was delightful company on trips to Three Rivers Stadium to experience first hand the perils of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Carl, a victim of prostate cancer, had much to offer and was looking forward to more distant travels with friends such as Hal Trevenen, another tennis buddy. Still, 75 years is a nice down payment on eternity.

And as Pastor Stevens concluded:

“There are a lot of heavenly choirs to direct.”



Jim Siehl of Schellsburg, formerly of Richland Township, retired in 1991 after 44 years as a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat.

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