Meet Mr. Miller

Hello, and welcome to Columbiana Bands! My name is Charles “Chas” Miller, and I have had the privilege of serving as the Director of Instrumental Music for the Columbiana Exempted Village School District since August 2015.

I began my time in Columbiana as the director of the Columbiana High School Marching Band. Over the years, that role has grown to include the high school concert band, jazz ensemble, and pep band, along with our band ensembles for students in grades 5–7. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is having the opportunity to support students throughout their musical journey—from their first notes in fifth grade to their final performances as high school seniors.

For the past five years, I have also had the opportunity to serve as a musical theatre director. During that time, I have directed productions of Beauty and the Beast, Anastasia, Anything Goes, and Newsies. Each production offers students another place to discover their talents, take creative risks, and experience what can happen when a group of people works toward something greater than themselves.

I am a proud graduate of Youngstown State University’s Dana School of Music, where I earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education with an emphasis in trumpet performance. While at YSU, I studied with Dr. Christopher Krummel and participated in master classes with trumpet artists Allen Vizzutti and Sean Jones. Those experiences helped shape not only the musician I became, but also the educator I wanted to be.

In October 2019, I earned a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Salem University. That experience continues to influence how I approach student leadership, program development, and the responsibility of creating a safe, supportive, and high-quality learning environment. I am also an active member of the Ohio Music Education Association.

One of the most memorable chapters in my own musical journey has been performing with The Band Directors Marching Band through the Saluting America’s Band Directors project. I had the honor of performing in the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the 2026 Rose Parade alongside music educators from across the country. Both experiences served as powerful reminders of the lasting impact music educators can have on their students, schools, and communities.

Whether we are in the classroom, on the concert stage, under the Friday-night lights, or preparing for a musical, I believe music education is about far more than learning notes and rhythms. It is about helping students discover what they are capable of, find a place where they belong, and grow—not only as musicians, but as people. I am grateful to share that work with the students, families, and community of Columbiana.