Necrology
Because Hamilton Remembers
Frederick Munger Miller III '51
Jul. 8, 1928-Aug. 30, 2018
Frederick Munger Miller III ’51, a professional cellist and music teacher of Los Angeles, was born on July 8, 1928, in Utica, N.Y., the son of the former Olga Clemen and Frederick Miller, Jr., ’17, a physician and surgeon. He prepared for college at Utica Free Academy and the Putney School in Putney, Vt.
At Hamilton, Miller majored in English and music, was a member of Delta Upsilon, and enjoyed participating in skiing and the Chamber Orchestra. He continued his music studies by earning a master’s from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y., in 1953, and a doctorate in music in 1970 from the University of Southern California. In between he served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956, where he played with the Army band.
Among the schools where Miller taught music were Syracuse University, Ball State University, University of Northern Colorado, Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, and Rivers School of Music in Weston, Mass. Throughout his teaching career, he emphasized the fundamentals of music and musical performance practices, according to a published obituary.
Miller valued scholarship and craftsmanship. A tinkerer and inventor, he enjoyed stargazing and crafted telescopes, in addition to developing skills as a woodworker and machinist. After his official retirement, he ran a business developing, making, and selling stringed instrument accessories. He also enjoyed reading poetry and history, storytelling, and writing.
For his 50th reunion yearbook, he mused, “On music faculties I often found I was the sole champion of liberal arts education. With the passing years, my zeal for liberal arts education has only increased. Thank you, Hamilton, for implanting my intellectual compass.”
Frederick M. Miller III died on Aug. 30, 2018. He was 90 years old. Predeceased by his wife, the former Jessie Barr, whom he had married in 1954, he is survived by four sons and two grandsons.
Note: Memorial biographies published prior to 2004 will not appear on this list.
Necrology Writer and Contact:
Christopher Wilkinson '68
Email: Chris.Wilkinson@mail.wvu.edu
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