Interview #2

Ms. Carly Miller is a passionate and experienced music educator, currently in her third year teaching at Day Creek Intermediate, Golden Elementary, and Lightfoot Elementary in the ESD district. Her musical journey began in the 5th grade and continued through middle school, high school, and college, where she specialized in Bassoon and Percussion. She holds an Associate of Music degree from Riverside City College and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from California State University, Fullerton. Ms. Miller is currently pursuing her Master of Music Education at Adams State University. She has performed with prestigious groups such as Southland Wind Symphony, Pomona Concert Band, CSUF Wind Symphony, RCC Marching Tigers, Vessel Indoor Percussion, and The Academy Drum & Bugle Corps.

Miller talks about how being "your most authentic self" is at the heart of how music can transform lives. She shares that band class has become a vital haven for students-sometimes the only reason they come to school-where they escape bullying and stress, and where she creates an environment free of judgment. Reflecting on her own experience in middle school, when band provided a unique space to be herself and learn to play the bassoon, she explains that music allows individuals to express what words cannot, urging her students to "be dram with these dynamics" to channel their emotions through performance. While acknowledging challenges such as limited parental support and resource constraints like insufficient space and instruments, Miller maintains that there is "music for everything," showing music's power to nurture emotional growth, build confidence, and offer long-term benefits as students evolve from shy beginnings to expressive, resilient individuals.