A Special Award of
The John Philip Sousa Foundation
Rodney Miller has taught in public schools in Ohio for 34 years. He retired in 2024 after spending two years as director of bands and professor of music education at Heidelberg University. Rodney is also known for portraying John Philip Sousa across the United States and conducting Sousa Concerts with various College, Semi-professional and community bands, as well as professional orchestras. In his time at St. Henry High School, Perrysburg High School, and Beachwood High School, his ensembles received superior ratings each year.
Miller received his Bachelor of Music Education from The Ohio State University and his Master of Music from Cleveland State University.
Rodney was a Quarter-finalist for Outstanding Music Educator Grammy Foundation Award twice, received the National Band Association Citation of Excellence, and was named an Honored Educator on multiple occasions in his county. Miller has also conducted “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. in addition, he has served the Ohio Music Education Association as District 2 President for three different terms.
- The Bandworld Legion of Honor was established in 1989 to honor, over the course of a year, eight of the finest band directors in our business.
- Recipients have taught for at least fifteen years, have maintained a very high-quality concert band program, and have contributed significantly to the profession through dedication to bands and band music.
- Each is honored at the annual Sousa Foundation awards ceremony during the Midwest Band Clinic in Chicago, Illinois.
- Chairman of the Legion of Honor Committee is Terry Austin, Virginia Commonwealth University.
When asked what factors do you consider most important in shaping your career, Rodney states, “My students have always had the most influence on the teacher that I strived to be. They have shaped my career by allowing me to share the love of music with them, yet instill a sense of “family” within the band. Having a place that my students wanted to learn and felt comfortable coming to was important. In the end, the students were my first priority and always served as how I shaped my career.”
His professional philosophy is, “I believe that every student, regardless of ability, should have the opportunity to become a life long learner and lover of music in a safe and educationally friendly environment. These students can then go on and help spread the love of music just as my mentors have done for me.”
