GDYO definitely prepared me well for the rigorous orchestral program at Rice!
Megan Miller has a Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance and Music History from Rice University and a Master of Music in Viola Performance from Rice University. Mrs. Miller has performed at Carnegie Hall as a part of the Shepherd School Symphony Orchestra. She was a violist in the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra and did substitute work for the Abilene Philharmonic, the New World Symphony, and the Mercury Chamber Orchestra. Mrs. Miller currently performs in the Clear Lake Symphony. She is the music director at St. Mary Catholic School in League City and Adjunct Strings Instructor at College of the Mainland. She previously taught at the St. Constantine School and Strake Jesuit College Preparatory.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE GDYO EXPERIENCE OR MEMORY? DO YOU FEEL THAT GDYO HAD AN IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?
My favorite GDYO memory: going on the European Tour – Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic! I loved all the venues we played in, rehearsing our music to such a high level, and all the fun experiences of being a tourist! GDYO definitely prepared me well for the rigorous orchestral program at Rice!
TELL US ABOUT WHAT YOU’VE BEEN UP TO SINCE GRADUATING FROM GDYO.
I attended Rice and earned a Bachelors and Masters in music. During grad school, I was also a violist in the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra and did substitute work for the Abilene Philharmonic, the New World Symphony, and Mercury Chamber Orchestra. Soon after grad school, I got married and took a music director job at a local Catholic school and opened a private-lesson studio. I’ve also been freelancing and performing with the Clear Lake Symphony. I recently started my adjunct strings instructor job at College of the Mainland!
WHAT LIFE ACHIEVEMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF SO FAR AND WHY?
The things I’m most proud of are my family, my students’ growth, and creating new performance opportunities! I love being able to share my knowledge and experience with others and help them create beauty!
TELL US ABOUT SOME OF YOUR PERSONAL AND/OR PROFESSIONAL GOALS FOR THE FUTURE.
I’d like to grow my program at College of the Mainland, and introduce more high-level sacred music at my Catholic School Program, particularly for the choir!
WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
My high school private lesson teacher, Mr. Houston has always been a great inspiration to me to strive for excellence. I’m also inspired by my parents’ love and support of me!
ANY HOBBIES, FUN FACTS, OR LIFE HIGHLIGHTS OUTSIDE YOUR CAREER YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?
Chasing around my toddler!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO CURRENT STUDENTS?
Practice diligently in middle school and high school, even when you don’t feel like it – it creates discipline and perseverance. Scales and the metronome are your friends. Listen to recordings of the pieces you are learning. Recognize and appreciate sacrifices that your family makes for you!
THANK YOU MEGAN FOR STEPPING INTO GDYO’S ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT!
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW WOULD BE INTERESTED IN SHARING THE ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT OR WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE GDYO ALUMNI ASSOCIATION,
CONTACT CHARILYNE ROJAS AT CHARILYNE@GDYO.ORG.
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