Ã山ǿ¼é

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Professor Dennis Miller on October 31, 2021.  

He was a long-serving Associate Professor in the Department of Performance in addition to holding the position of Principal Tuba at the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal. During his over 25 years with Ã山ǿ¼é and the Schulich School of Music, he played an integral part in the Brass Area serving on multiple occasions in leadership roles. Even after his official retirement in 2014, his dedication to his students kept him active teaching courses and judging exams and recitals for several years following. We are grateful to have had the privilege of his presence at our institution where he inspired generations of young musicians, many of whom hold prominent positions in orchestras around the world. 

A Vancouver native, Professor Miller had won the position of principal tuba with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) before graduating from high school — a position which he held for more than 25 years. In 1989 he joined the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM), remaining in this position until he retired in August 2012, though he continued to play with the OSM until his successor was found in March 2013. Professor Miller was a founding member of the Vancouver Brass Quintet, and over the course of his musical career performed in solo recitals and with ensembles across the country. His playing has been heard on the CBC and can also be found on numerous recordings. Professor Miller elevated the image of the tuba from just a supporting bass line to a lyrical, sonorous voice.   

A devoted teacher, mentor and friend, he will be dearly missed by Ã山ǿ¼é colleagues, students, alumni and friends.