Whenever I have a bad moment and think that college is too difficult or exhausting, I stop and think, “Why am I doing this?” I take a second or so to reflect. Then it all comes back to me and I am reminded of that teacher that pushed me above and beyond all that I could imagine. He helped me to see what was inside me. He pushed me to become the best that I could. He also showed me that popularity is not what matters, but how you treat others. The teacher that inspired me to become an educator is not your typical run of the mill upright and proper English teacher or methodical Calculus instructor. Mr. Gary Miller was my choral teacher throughout my studies at Vero Beach High School. The strict man that we fondly referred to as “The Troll” went above and beyond a music teacher’s responsibilities to teach our class the importance of consideration and acceptance. He made everyone feel as though they belonged to the group. We accomplished much in our vocal studies alongside receiving lessons on integrity and sympathy.
Mr. Miller taught 9th through 12th grade chorus, music theory, and various ensembles. The choral and theory classes were required of him to teach during the school day. After school, however, he volunteered his time and efforts to put together a state-known (if not nationally known) ensemble. I am proud to say I was a part of that small group of upperclassmen.
It was during his lengthy lectures that he inspired our group of 100+ students to put forth our best effort at whatever we decided to do in life. During each year he required us to write a paper. My freshman year the topic of the paper was “My career plans and how I will accomplish them.” Everyone had to write this paper whether we were going into music studies, biology, nursing, etc. His choice of topic showed me that he really cared about our futures and whether we really thought we could achieve these goals. Throughout the remaining four years he reminded us that in order to succeed at anything you must have a goal. It could be as small as getting an ‘A’ on a chemistry exam or becoming a state Senator.
His outlook on life was very contagious. My love of music started when I was six, but he brought out a new meaning in music. Through his teaching he showed me that it is very possible to turn a passion into a career. I soon came to the realization that I could not live a day without music in my life. I wanted to have my very own choir to direct. I want to show people that there is so much to music. It goes farther than pop culture. It goes farther than a swaggering blues line. It goes farther than a bump and grind rap beat. It contains history, emotion, and art, among a host of different ideas. “The Troll” taught me all of that. Music is infinite. Everything he ever showed me about music is summed up in something that Walt Whitman once said; “'Do I contradict myself? Very well, I contradict myself. I am vast. I contain multitudes.” To Gary, music contains multitudes.
Music has so become a part of my life that it defines who I am. I wish that there were words to express the appreciation I have for Mr. Miller. His ability to teach and keep an entire high school group on the edge of their seats (literally) is awe-inspiring.
While he was extremely strict in the classroom setting, he was also a kind person. At the end of each year an awards banquet was held. Every year he gave gag awards next to state and local awards for excellence in musicianship. Every year, misty eyed, he would say his fair wells to each exiting senior. They, in return, would smile through their tears, hugging him goodbye.
He has since moved from the public setting to that of a charter school. He is given more freedom to give and receive priceless lessons in the classroom and to take a closer focus on the vocal integrity in a smaller situation. No matter where he is, he is undoubtedly still exciting students with music.
can only hope to become this sort of educator. I truly believe that if more teachers were as fervent and impassioned in their field, then we would have quite a knowledgeable and enthusiastic group ready to furnish our students. It is a certain strictness mixed with this enthusiasm that certainly made him a successful instructor and mentor for many. One day I hope to be the teacher that a student looks back at and remembers. There is more to teaching than a lesson plan and standardized tests. There are valuable skills to be learned from firm interaction and flexible reactions. Teachers have such a great impact on their students. Mr. Miller knows this. I know this. One day I desire to have the same positive impact on a life.
-- Rachel Watson, Florida Atlantic University