String Area

Overview

The CSU string area seeks to empower students with the knowledge, skills and experience needed for a successful career in music. One-on-one training with artist/scholars, chamber ensemble coaching sessions, rehearsals and concerts with the University Symphony and Sinfonia Orchestras promote the intellectual, creative and artistic growth of each student. We believe that total musicianship involves training the artists of the future to have a breadth of knowledge. Professional musicians today are performers, scholars, educators and active supporters of the cause of music. Our string program guides the aspiring musician towards the fulfillment of these goals.

Spring 2024 Student Recitals / FREE

January 16, 2024 - May 6, 2024 at 12:00 AM
Please join us in celebrating the recital performances of our CSU music students. Student Recitals are FREE and open to the public. Note: Dates, times, and locations are subject to change, please check back to confirm performance details. Friday, February 16, 2024: 5 p.m., Organ Recital Hall, James Scott, Bassoon Friday, March 1, 2024: 5 [...]

Flute Studio Recital / FREE

April 2, 2024 at 7:30 PM
The students of Dr. Ysmael Reyes and Dr. Michelle Stanley present a program of solo, and chamber works for flute in assorted styles and genres.

CSU Marching Band Q&A: Webinar #1

April 3, 2024 at 4:30 PM
We hope you'll join us at our CSU Marching Band Q&A. During the webinar, you will receive an overview of our marching band program, meet marching band faculty and student leadership, find out about the audition process, and have an opportunity to ask questions.  Register here.  

Hansel and Gretel by Engelbert Humperdinck

April 4, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Presented by the Ralph Opera Program With the University Symphony Orchestra The classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale comes to life with the Ralph Opera Program's performance of Engelbert Humperdinck's "Hansel and Gretel". Humperdinck’s sister, Adelheid Wette, wrote the libretto of the Märchenoper or fairy-tale opera Hänsel und Gretel, which is considered a key work of [...]

Hansel and Gretel by Engelbert Humperdinck

April 5, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Presented by the Ralph Opera Program With the University Symphony Orchestra The classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale comes to life with the Ralph Opera Program's performance of Engelbert Humperdinck's "Hansel and Gretel". Humperdinck’s sister, Adelheid Wette, wrote the libretto of the Märchenoper or fairy-tale opera Hänsel und Gretel, which is considered a key work of [...]

North American Baroque Trumpet Conference and Competition

April 6, 2024 at 9:30 AM
2024 North American Baroque Trumpet Competition and Conference at Colorado State University For more information, or to register as a presenter or competitor: NABTCC Schedule of Events: Saturday, April 6 9:30am              Welcome and Opening Remarks Stanley Curtis – Colorado State University                                         Runyan Rehearsal Hall 10:00am            Clinic: TBD Jason Dovel – [...]

Hansel and Gretel by Engelbert Humperdinck

April 6, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Presented by the Ralph Opera Program With the University Symphony Orchestra The classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale comes to life with the Ralph Opera Program's performance of Engelbert Humperdinck's "Hansel and Gretel". Humperdinck’s sister, Adelheid Wette, wrote the libretto of the Märchenoper or fairy-tale opera Hänsel und Gretel, which is considered a key work of [...]

North American Baroque Trumpet Conference and Competition

April 7, 2024 at 9:30 AM
2024 North American Baroque Trumpet Competition and Conference at Colorado State University For more information, or to register as a presenter or competitor: NABTCC Schedule: Saturday, April 6 9:30am Host Welcome, Stanley Curtis, Runyan 10:00am Clinic: Jason Dovel, Runyan 11:00am Clinic: Jared Wallis 'Developing Clarino Sound and Comfort through Vocal Concepts', Runyan 12:00pm to 4:00pm: [...]

Hansel and Gretel by Engelbert Humperdinck

April 7, 2024 at 2:00 PM
Presented by the Ralph Opera Program With the University Symphony Orchestra The classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale comes to life with the Ralph Opera Program's performance of Engelbert Humperdinck's "Hansel and Gretel". Humperdinck’s sister, Adelheid Wette, wrote the libretto of the Märchenoper or fairy-tale opera Hänsel und Gretel, which is considered a key work of [...]

The Meaning of Democracy: a moderated panel

April 8, 2024 at 4:00 PM
Panel discussion on the historical and contemporary meaning(s) of democracy. Moderated by CSU professors Martín Carcasson and David McIvor. Panelists: Dr. Nick Davis (University of Alabama) Kermit Roosevelt, J.D. (University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School) Dr. Rachel Siegmund (University of Denver) LSC Ballroom B  4 – 5:15 pm    *Free and open to the public.  No [...]

Indigenous Governance Traditions: Native Nationhood, Sovereignty, and Democracy 

April 9, 2024 at 11:00 AM
LSC Longs Peak Room 11 am – 1 pm Join us for a discussion of democracy with respect to Indigenous governance practices and barriers to political participation encountered by Native Americans. Featuring Allison Nesswood, Navajo attorney in Boulder, Colo. and member of the Native American Rights Fund, and Jordan Dresser from the Wind River Reservation. [...]

Trombone Studio Recital / FREE

April 9, 2024 at 7:30 PM
An evening of solo and chamber music that highlights the trombone in a variety of musical settings. This recital features undergraduate and graduate students from the Trombone Studio under the guidance and coaching of Dr. Drew Leslie.

Alumni Night Out with the CSU Marching Band

April 10, 2024 at 5:30 PM
CSU alumni are invited to the Iris and Michael Smith Alumni Center for a behind-the-scenes look at the CSU Marching Band. Former drum major and CSU alumna, Kathryn Kennedy, will present the band's history, and marching band director, Dr. Jayme Taylor, will discuss various aspects of the current band, including membership and the game day [...]

Viewing of The Five States of Colorado

April 10, 2024 at 6:30 PM
In 1861, the U.S. Congress carved Colorado’s boundaries representing no river, mountain range, tribe, or language group to enclose five distinct areas that are now Southern Colorado; Western Colorado; the Eastern Plains; the Front Range along the eastern face of the mountains; and Metropolitan Denver. Each of these regions vastly differs in terms of populations, [...]

Democracy at CSU Panels

April 11, 2024 at 11:00 AM
Join us for learning and conversation about a variety of topics related to democracy. Panelists are CSU faculty and staff. Pick one panel each hour. LSC 372-390 11 am – 3:30 pm Choose from one of three panels during each time slot. 11 am – 12:15 pm Engaging Rural Voices in Democracy (LSC 372-374) Democracy [...]

Screening of Join or Die

April 11, 2024 at 5:00 PM
The Lyric Cinema 5 – 7 pm Dr. Robert Putnam coined the phrase “social capital.” This documentary covers the ways in which our country is declining in our social capital because we join organizations less than we used to. Based on Putnam’s book, Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. Reception after film. 6:45 [...]

Lessons and Legacies of the Civil War for American Democracy

April 11, 2024 at 7:00 PM
Lessons and Legacies of the Civil War for American Democracy with Dr. Jeremy Suri Lyric Cinema 7 – 9 pm Dr. Jeremy Suri, author of Civil War By Other Means, will explore the enduring political divisions, racial strife, and insurgent violence that followed from events after Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Exploring this history helps us to understand [...]

Guest Artist Series: Michelle Kesler, Cello, and Scott Holden, Piano

April 11, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Michelle Kesler, cello, and Scott Holden, piano perform several 20th-century sonatas for the instruments, including Ethel Smyth’s Sonata for Cello and Piano in A minor op. 5, Eugene Ysaye’s Sonata for Solo Cello in C minor, op. 28, and Benjamin Britten’s Sonata for Cello and Piano, Op. 65. Dr. Michelle Kesler, associate professor of cello [...]

Jazz Combos Concert

April 11, 2024 at 7:30 PM
The Jazz Combos present an evening of small-group jazz. Directed by Dr. Seth Lewis, Tom Amend, and Sean Sullivan, the combos present a program of jazz standards, great hidden gems, and original music by combo members.

Democracy Expo

April 12, 2024 at 9:00 AM
Visit with on-campus and off-campus organizations who work on different elements of democracy and find out how you can get involved. LSC Never No Summer 9 am – 12:30 pm

Closing Keynote with Robert Putnam: the Erosion of American Democracy and the Upswing

April 12, 2024 at 1:00 PM
LSC University Ballroom 1 – 2 pm Robert Putnam is the retired Malkin Research Professor of Public Policy at Harvard University. He has received numerous awards for his teaching and research, including the National Humanities Medal in 2013. He is the author of 15 books, including Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community, among [...]

Brass Area Chamber Music / FREE

April 12, 2024 at 6:30 PM
Brass Area students are featured in an evening of chamber music in a variety of settings and styles, including brass quintet, trombone quartet, trumpet ensemble, tuba/euphonium quartet and more! The program features students from the studios of Dr. Stanley Curtis, Dr. John McGuire, Dr. Drew Leslie and Prof. Steve Dombrowski.

CSU Trombone Choir Concert / FREE

April 14, 2024 at 4:00 PM
The CSU Trombone Studio presents an evening of music composed and arranged for trombone ensemble, directed by Dr. Drew Leslie. This concert features the CSU Trombone Choir as well as the NoCo Bones, which is a large trombone choir made up of CSU students and area high school trombonists. The varied pieces showcase the beauty [...]

Voice Area Recital / FREE

April 16, 2024 at 7:30 PM
A recital of vocal music by students from the studios of Dr. Nicole Asel, Dr. Tiffany Blake, and Professor John Lindsey.

Wind Symphony Concert: Garden of Dreams

April 19, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Garden of Dreams For its final concert of the season, the CSU Wind Symphony, directed by Dr. Jayme Taylor, sets forth on an epic exploration of music and visual media with a presentation of Julie Giroux’s Symphony No. 6 “The Blue Marble,” and David Maslanka’s A Child’s Garden of Dreams. Immerse yourself in a unique [...]

2024 Clarinet Composers Festival: Mangani Mania!

April 20, 2024 at 8:30 AM
Mangani Mania! A celebration of the clarinet compositions of living composers, this year’s event features the many works of Italian guest artist, Michele Mangani who will be a major part of the celebration. Highlights of the festival include Mangani’s talk on his compositional process and the pieces being performed on the festival concerts. Middle/high school [...]

2024 CSU Marching Band Spring Game Extravaganza

April 20, 2024 at 9:00 AM
Join the CSU Marching Band on Saturday, April 20, 2024 and experience what it’s like to perform with the band during the Green and Gold Football Scrimmage! This event is open to high school juniors, seniors, transfer students, associate degree graduates, and current CSU students who want to see what it's like to be in the CSU Marching Band. Official schedule to be announced.  To register for the 2024 CSU Marching Band Spring Game Extravaganza, click here.

Fall 2024 CSU Color Guard Live Auditions

April 20, 2024 at 10:00 AM
This event is an in-person live audition for anyone interested in joining the Fall 2024 CSU Color Guard. The day will begin with registration, continue with instructional/review time, and finish with the live auditions. Interested individuals who cannot make the live auditions can submit videos instead. All video auditions are due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 19. There is no fee to audition. For details about the CSU Color Guard and to register for auditions, click here.

Saxophone Studio Recital / FREE

April 21, 2024 at 3:00 PM
Students of saxophone professors Peter Sommer and Dr. Dan Goble present a recital of solo and chamber works for saxophone, including classic and contemporary literature featuring a dynamic range of expression and musical interplay.

Virtuoso Series Concert: Faculty Chamber Music

April 22, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Join the CSU Music Faculty for a concert featuring the works of Johannes Brahms, Henri Dutilleux, Melanie Bonis, and Valerie Coleman. The concert includes CSU faculty artists Ron Francois, violin; Margaret Miller, viola; Romina Monsanto, cello; Bryan Wallick, piano; Ysmael Reyes, flute; Cayla Bellamy, bassoon; Megan Lanz, flute; Copper Ferreira, clarinet; Jooyeon Chang, piano; Tiffany [...]

Jazz Ensembles Concert: Guest Artist Jon Gordon, Saxophone

April 23, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Guest Artist Jon Gordon, Saxophone The Jazz Ensembles, under the direction of Wil Swindler and Shilo Stroman, present guest saxophonist and composer Jon Gordon, a distinct voice on the alto saxophone. Mr. Gordon has worked with Maria Schneider, Ron McClure, Clark Terry, Benny Carter, Phil Woods, T.S. Monk, Tana Reid, Bill Mays, The Vanguard orchestra, [...]

Symphonic Band Concert: Song and Dance Part II

April 25, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Song and Dance Part II The Symphonic Band, with guest conductor Dr. Elizabeth Peterson, continues its exploration of song and dance. This concert features Twist by Jodie Blackshaw, American Hymnsong Suite by Dwayne Millburn, and Conga Del Fuego by Arturo Marquez. 

Spring Choir Concert: My Life Flows On in Endless Song

April 26, 2024 at 7:30 PM
My Life Flows On in Endless Song Join the CSU Choral Program for our final performance of 2023-2024 school year! Chamber Choir will perform one of the most popular choral works in the choral repertoire, Vivaldi’s Gloria. They will be collaborating with a chamber orchestra, which will be co-conducted by Dr. James Kim, Director of [...]

CSU Percussion Ensemble Festival Concert

April 27, 2024 at 6:00 PM
With Guest Artist Sandi Rennik Students of the internationally ranked Percussion Ensemble, directed by Dr. Eric Hollenbeck, present the capstone percussion concert of the year, featuring special guest, Sandi Rennick. Ms. Rennick is a percussionist and marimba soloist with extensive performing and teaching experience in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and throughout the U.S. An original [...]

Fall 2024 CSU Drumline Live Auditions

April 28, 2024 at 9:00 AM
This event is an in-person live audition for anyone interested in joining the Fall 2024 CSU Drumline. The day will begin with registration, continue with instructional/review time, and finish with the live auditions. Interested individuals who cannot make the live auditions can submit videos instead. All video auditions are due by 11:59 p.m. on  Friday, April 26. There is no fee to audition.
For details about the CSU Drumline and to register for auditions, click here.

Double Reed Studio Recital / FREE

April 28, 2024 at 3:00 PM
Students of the oboe and bassoon studios perform solo, and ensemble works written from the 1600s to present day. 

String Chamber Music Concert / FREE

April 28, 2024 at 7:30 PM
The string area invites you to attend the spring concert of undergraduate and graduate students performing works from the extensive chamber music canon. String professors include Ron Francois, violin, Margaret Miller, viola, Romina Monsanto, cello, and Dr. Forest Greenough, double bass.

Concert Band Concert: Musical Memories / FREE

April 29, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Musical Memories The Concert Band, directed by Kevin Poelking with guest graduate conductors, James Mepham and Paul Haarala, perform classic pieces and exciting new works of the wind band repertoire that conjure memories of our favorite people and places.

Graduate String Quartet

April 29, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Come join the Graduate Quartet for a program of the only string quartet by Maurice Ravel, and the first of Ludwig van Beethoven's late quartets.  

Concert Orchestra Concert: Ancient Airs and Echoes / FREE

April 30, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Ancient Airs and Echoes With Guest Artist Jenna Moore, Flute The Concert Orchestra's highlights music of late Romantic and Modern composers inspired by melodies of long ago. The orchestra, directed by Dr. Rachel Waddell and joined by wind and brass players from the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, perform Ottorino Respighi's Ancient Airs and [...]

Piano Studio Recital / FREE

May 1, 2024 at 6:00 PM
Students from the piano studio of Bryan Wallick perform selected works from their end of year jury programs.

University Symphony Orchestra Concert: Propulsion!

May 2, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Propulsion! With Guest Artist Quinn Harlow, Percussion This captivating and dynamic concert, directed by Dr. Rachel Waddell, is the perfect way to celebrate the end of the school year and dive into summer. From John Adam's Short Ride in a Fast Machine to Arturo Márquez's Danzón No. 2, these modern pieces are tied together by [...]

World Percussion Ensemble Concert

May 5, 2024 at 6:00 PM
The concert features percussion music from around the globe performed on steel pans by the RamPan Band and the GoldPan Band. The Brazilian Ensemble, Afro Cuban Ensemble, Civil Rope Drum Ensemble, Mexican Marimba Band, and our 1930’s George Hamilton Green Xylophone Ragtime Band join the performance. The percussion area is under the direction of Dr. [...]

CSU Marching Band Q&A: Webinar #2

May 8, 2024 at 4:30 PM
We hope you'll join us at our CSU Marching Band Q&A. During the webinar, you will receive an overview of our marching band program, meet marching band faculty and student leadership, find out about the audition process, and have an opportunity to ask questions.  Registration required.  

2024 Summer Voice Intensive

June 3, 2024 - June 7, 2024 at 12:00 AM
Spend a week honing your craft on the beautiful CSU campus!  Auditioned students will perform a solo in our beautiful Recital Hall. Participants will also take voice lessons with CSU faculty, and participate in workshops, masterclasses, and talkbacks, including 'Conquering the College Audition.'

2024 CSU Jazz Summer Workshop

June 5, 2024 - June 7, 2024 at 12:00 AM
Join CSU Jazz Faculty Wil Swindler, Peter Sommer, Dr. Seth Lewis, and Tom Amend for our second annual CSU Jazz Summer Workshop. The workshop will run 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. each day focusing on small group jazz playing and improvisation. Students will also study Jazz history and listening, Jazz theory, and attend instrument-specific masterclasses. [...]

CSU Marching Band Preseason Virtual Q&A

June 5, 2024 at 4:30 PM
We hope you'll join us at our CSU Marching Band Webinar to talk about Preseason Camp. During the webinar, you will receive an overview of our preseason camp, meet marching band faculty and student leadership, find out more about arriving on campus, and have an opportunity to ask questions. 

2024 CSU Percussion Camp

June 6, 2024 - June 7, 2024 at 12:00 AM
Percussion Camp for high school students includes instruction on how to successfully prepare and audition to become a collegiate music major. The workshop focuses on the four primary percussion instruments: Mallets (2 and 4 mallet), Timpani, Snare Drum, and Drum Set as well as insight on applications, scholarships, equipment, and skills in being a college student.

2024 Colorado Harp Seminar

June 9, 2024 - June 15, 2024 at 12:00 AM
Colorado Harp Seminar is a one-week intensive harp program for high school and undergraduate pedal harpists. Directed by faculty member Kathryn Harms at Colorado State University, it is designed to support, nurture, and inspire excellent musicianship. In addition to private lessons, students will participate in harp ensemble, masterclasses, and workshops on various topics such as [...]

2024 Organ Week

June 9, 2024 - June 14, 2024 at 12:00 AM
Organ Week is designed for high school students interested in expanding (or beginning) their organ study. Led by a faculty of prominent concert and church organists, the program features one-to-one instruction, masterclasses, and recitals on the finest pipe organs in northern Colorado, including CSU’s Casavant organ.

Concert Version: Bye Bye Birdie

July 13, 2024 at 7:00 PM
The CSU Summer Conducting Seminar continues its fun tradition of presenting a delightful concert version of a popular operetta or Broadway musical. The project serves as the master’s thesis for working music educators from around the world who participate in the seminar for three consecutive summers. Bye Bye Birdie music by Charles Strouse and lyrics [...]

2024 International Keyboard Odyssiad® & Festival, U.S.A.

August 3, 2024 - August 10, 2024 at 12:00 AM
The International Keyboard Odyssiad® & Festival, U.S.A., is a weeklong summer piano competition and festival featuring over a dozen guest artists and pianists in daily masterclasses and presentations, matinee concerts, the live Semifinal and Final Rounds of the Olympic-styled Odyssiad® competition, and riveting evening and matinee concerts by internationally renowned pianists, including Van Cliburn winners. Taking place at the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains of Colorado, the International Keyboard Odyssiad® and Festival (IKOF) is designed for pianists of all ages and nationalities, teachers, and the general public who love the piano and its repertoire.

CSU Band Day

September 7, 2024 at 12:00 AM
This fall, the Colorado State Marching Band will be hosting the second annual CSU Band Day in conjunction with CSU Athletics. Join us at the CSU vs Northern Colorado game on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, for this special event!

2024 CSU Honor Band Festival

December 5, 2024 - December 7, 2024 at 12:00 AM
The annual CSU Honor Band Festival brings together the finest high school musicians in the Rocky Mountain Region, selected from hundreds of applicants throughout the western region; the three-day festival takes place at the University Center for the Arts at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. Guest clinicians and conductors enhance the student’s experience, providing invaluable insight and expertise. In addition to rehearsals, students enjoy several concerts given by CSU faculty and student ensembles. The experience is capped off with a performance by the Honor Wind Symphony and the Festival Concert Band in the beautiful, world-class Griffin Concert Hall.

String News

summer festival graphic

Kathryn Harms is harpist for the Central City Opera

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Kathryn Harms will be the Principal Harp of Central City Opera for the coming season. The Colorado State University instructor of music recently accepted a one-year substitute contract for the position. Ms. Harms often appears with the Colorado Symphony, Colorado Spring Philharmonic, and Opera Southwest, and was previously acting principal harpist with the New Mexico […]

Flowers in front of UCA

Viola Professor Margaret Miller was a prolific presenter in 2023

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If you are a viola student or string instructor in the state of Colorado, you’ve most likely interacted with CSU viola professor, Margaret Miller. In 2023, the senior instructor of music coached, adjudicated, and performed at multiple conferences, academies, masterclasses, and camps across the Front Range and beyond. Here are some of Ms. Miller’s recent […]

The Duo Francois FICA21 Promotional Poster

Violin Professor Ron Francois and the Duo Francois travel to Mexico for annual festival

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The Duo Francois – comprised of CSU faculty violinist Ron Francois and pianist Silvana Santinelli – will be featured at the FICA21 festival at the University of Veracruzana in Xalapa, Mexico. The International Camerata 21 Festival (FICA 21) of the Faculty of Music of the Universidad Veracruzana (UV) has been held uninterrupted since 1998. Founded by […]

Artists-in-Residence

Mendelssohn Trio 2021 Promotional Photo

The Mendelssohn Trio: Formed in 1988, the trio is named for cellist Barbara Thiem's great grandfather, Franz von Mendelssohn, a nephew of Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy and an important supporter of artists and musicians in the Berlin of the early 20th century. While performing the standard repertoire of the 18th and 19th centuries the trio has made an effort to introduce its audiences to works by 20th century American and European composers. The members give frequent concerts and work closely with students on chamber music projects.

Duo Francois Promotional Photo

The Duo Francois has been performing at National and International venues since 2008.  This dynamic and versatile duo are known for their interpretations of the classic repertoire and are champions of new compositions in the violin and piano genre.  Several pieces have been composed for the Duo Francois by some of the finest composers of the 21st century.

Their latest CD entitled "Mexico City Blues" featuring three commissioned works earned the Duo a silver medal in both the 'Duo' and 'Emerging Artist' categories at the Global Music Awards and also received regognition by the American Prize in the category of chamber music.

Since 2008, the Duo Francois has also provided masterclasses and lessons, nationally and internationally, to numerous prospective students, and many of these students have pursued graduate work at CSU as a result.

Graduate String Quartet Program

Prerequisites for Admission: Bachelor’s Degree in Music, variety of solo and chamber music repertoire.

Opportunities:

  • Assistance in developing artistic and business-related aspects for a successful quartet career
  • Participation in LEAP courses is encouraged
  • Seminar Topics Include:
    • Outreach Program Development
    • Creative Programming
    • Commissioning New Works
    • Arts Leadership & Administration
    • Chamber Music literature/Pedagogy
    • Supervised Coaching Experience

Students will be Involved in the Following:

  • Daily Rehearsal Time
  • Dedicated ensemble rehearsal space in our new state-of-the-art teaching and performance facility
  • Weekly Coaching

Additional Professional Work Available:

  • Opportunities with four professional symphonies in Northern Colorado
  • Teaching Opportunities
  • Chamber Music Performances

For more information, please contact Margaret Miller.