We are absolutely chuffed to have the immediate past Director of the Westminster Chorus, Justin Miller in house to coach us as we kick off our ramp-up to International competition in Louisville, Kentucky.
The son of John Miller, twice international champion bass [Grandma’s Boys, 1979, and New Tradition, 1985], Justin Miller grew up surrounded by quality barbershop music and “attended” his first international convention at the age of two. In at age 18 in 2002, 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.
Justin earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Chapman University, majoring in both music education (vocal) and performance (conducting). Though he now sings the baritone part, Justin competed as a tenor in three College Quartet Contests, finishing fourth three times with Afternoon Delight (2005 and 2006) and University Vocal Band Express (2008).
Justin joined The Westminster Chorus in 2007, winning the international championship on the risers before taking over as musical director in 2008. He directed Westminster to the title of “Choir of the World” at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen, Wales before leading Westminster in its second international chorus championship in 2010, garnering the highest score ever achieved by a competing chorus (97.7%). This victory earned him the title of youngest director in Society history to win a chorus championship.
Justin is a certified Music judge in the Barbershop Harmony Society, has served on the faculty of Harmony University, and is a sought-after quartet and chorus coach. He served as choral director at his alma mater, Staples High School, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, directed the Big Apple Chorus in Manhattan, New York, and now teaches at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, where he is also the Associate Choral Director. In addition to directing Westminster, Justin has directed the Masters of Harmony chorus since 2012. He led the chorus to a second-place silver medal and garnering the second highest score in MOH history at the 2014 International contest.