Dr. Joe Miller has been appointed director of choral activities at Westminster Choir College of Rider University, beginning July 1, 2006.

(left to right) President Rozanski, Dr. Joe Miller and Dean Robert Annis

Miller is currently director of choral studies, professor of music and voice area chair at Western Michigan University's School of Music. His previous positions include serving as Director of Choral and Vocal Activities at California State University, Stanislaus from 1994 to 1999, Artistic Director/Conductor of the Stockton Chorale, and Music Director of the Mother Lode Music Festival. He has conducted his choirs in both national and international festivals, and he has served as guest conductor for numerous honors choirs. In addition, he has served as music director at churches in Ohio and Tennessee. He has performed as a solo artist throughout the Midwest and in California, most recently with the Grand Rapids Symphony in Haydn's Lord Nelson Mass.

Miller earned a master's degree and DMA in choral conducting from the College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati. He holds a bachelor's degree in music education and voice from the University of Tennessee.

"This appointment is the culmination of an extensive international search," says Westminster Dean Robert Annis. "He is an outstanding musician with a deep respect for Westminster's traditions and the energy and imagination to carry that tradition forward. He joins an incomparable line of exceptional conductors, beginning with John Finley Williamson and continuing through Joseph Flummerfelt, who have made Westminster what it is today."

"It is an honor to be part of the character and community of Westminster," says Miller. "I am inspired by the students and faculty, and I look forward to being a catalyst as we form a new vision based on the principles of Westminster's rich tradition."