VONDIS KASDEN MILLER 1935-2003
Vondis Miller devoted his life to sharing the joys of making music with young people. He believed that making music together is wonderful for the minds as well as the hearts of students. And he lived his beliefs till the last day of his life.
Vondis was born in Portland, Oregon. He inherited and actively shared the passions of his parents, both of whom are deceased. His father, also Vondis Miller, managed a national forest. His mother, Katherine Kienholz Miller, was a school English and Music teacher. At the time of his death, Vondis Miller resided in Tucson, AZ.
After completing his Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Oregon (1957), Vondis began two years of active service at Fort Knox, KY, as a commissioned officer (First Lieutenant) with the U.S. Army. Later, he returned to the University of Oregon for both Master and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees.
Vondis taught band, at the secondary level, in Oregon Pu blic Schools, taught sessionally at the University of Oregon, and toured Europe with several musical groups (1970 & 1972). Vondis Miller was named one of the "Ten Most Outstanding Young Men of America" by the JAYCEES.
In 1975, Vondis Miller began teaching at the University of Lethbridge, in Alberta, Canada. There, he laid the foundations for what has grown to become an excellent University band and music education program. He also was instrumental in starting several important province-wide band programs for young people.
Vondis then joined the faculty at the University of Calgary, where he was Head of Music Education and Director of Bands. He founded the University of Calgary"s award-winning, international Conducting Diploma Programme. Vondis was the President of Alberta Band Association and served as a member of the Board of Directors of the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE).
In 1989, Vondis Miller both became the Dean of the School of Fine Arts at the University of Lethbridge and President of the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles. As a Dean, Vondis not only was responsible for one of Canada"s major art collections, he helped the School of Fine Arts dramatically increase in size and in financial stability.
During his tenure as President of WASBE, Vondis helped keep the organization focused on performance of quality music literature and on building of vital communication networks between members.
Vondis was also a member of the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra for many years.
In his role as guest conductor and conducting coach, Vondis Miller traveled throughout North America and to South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. He was on the Board of Directors for the Western International Band Conference for over twenty years.
During his "university years," Vondis" greatest pride was in helping future music educators, professional band directors and university professors get a healthy start in their careers. He modeled a gentle, caring leadership approach, yet one in which musical expectations were high.
The many successes of his former students was probably that in which he took the most pride. W e cherish our memories of Vondis" deeply caring spirt, and of his crazy with and joyous verve for life. He was living proof against the old adage that "you can"t teach an old dog new tricks:" Vondis made a point of learning a new trick every day!
In their "retirement," Vondis and his wife, Linda developed a large music program at Hohokam Middle School, in Tucson, AZ. (Everyone kidded them about having "failed retirement.")
There they worked with a unique blend of Pascua Yaqui Tribe students and students from Latino immigrant families. On the day before he died, Vondis was happily and busily helping and challenging his students.
Vondis Miller is survived by his loving wife and partner in life"s adventures, Linda Pimentel, his beloved daughters and step daughters Vicki Miller (Spokane, WA) and Julie (and Daryl) White (Lethbridge AB), Sylvia Pimentel (Sahuarita, AZ) and Patricia Krause (Vancouver, WA).
He dearly loved his grandchildren, Shaylee Suitts, Sheri Miller, Jesse and Derek Krause and Dashiell Riley. Vondis will be sadly missed by his brother Roger (and Karen) Miller (Portland, Oregon), his sister Nola (and Chris) Kathopolis (Ashland, Oregon), his former wife Joanne Miller (Lethbridge, AB), his mother-in-law, Bobbie Lorren (Tucson, AZ), his brothers-in-law Robert (and Johnnie)(Chattanooga, TN) and Mike (and Marie) Lorren (Indianapolis, IN) and his nieces and nephews. Vondis" loving commitment to our family enriched our lives made our world a happier place.