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Award |
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July 3, 2006
Dear Roger,
For 18+ years I had the distinct pleasure of working closely with Ray Miller while I served as the Coordinator of the Scarlet & Cream Singers for the University of Nebraska Alumni Association. Watching Ray teach and inspire young student-musicians was truly a delight for me.
Ray was a perfect role model in teaching his students to love all musical styles. It was remarkable watching Ray impart feeling and emotion into the lyrics of various musical “genres”. The Scarlet & Cream Singers rose to a level of national distinction under Ray’s direction. He was a firm but fair task-master, always demanding the very, very best of each and every performer. I remember many evenings sitting with Ray at the back of an auditorium watching him critique a performance. He would have his clip board in hand making notes on how to improve the show, change the choreography, or move the order of the medleys. Many of Ray’s former students continue to perform today and this is a great tribute to any teacher. These young men and women still turn to Ray for advice and guidance.
Music is and always has been a major facet of Ray’s life. He continued to perform for several years as part of the Jackson Berkey Chorale in Omaha. As he and Carol travel throughout the world, I quite often get a call from Ray telling me about a wonderful show they saw, the music they heard, the excellence of the performers or the costuming. Ray loves to share his musical library with his past students, and I, too, have often been fortunate to be the recipient of a favorite CD. He is truly an example of someone who lives his passion and shares it with so many others. Those of us who were touched by Ray have certainly been blessed. He is very proud of his Scarlet & Cream “kids”, and they know how much he cared for them and continues to follow their careers.
I can think of no one more deserving of being recognized than Ray Miller. Not just for his 30 years as the Director of the Scarlet & Cream Singers, but as a man who has made a truly significant difference in the lives of so many young adults.
Sincerely,
Barbara J. Wright-Chollet
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
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Award Recommendation Letter by Vernon Forbes
c-d-miller@neb.rr.com
