Musician, Artist visits Wayland-Cohocton

Wayland-Cohocton has been fortunate over recent years to welcome numerous artists to its campus during March, designated as Music in Our Schools Month. This year was no exception with the two-time Grammy-winner Bill Miller, a Native American who bridges the gaps between performing and visual arts, between contemporary artists and his native culture.

During his two-day visit, Mr. Miller performed in assemblies for students, inviting some on stage to join in the fun and sometimes providing back-up rhythm to his own performances. Children were introduced to some beautiful flute music and were invited to sing-along for many performances. With songs like This Land is My Land and Geronimo’s Cadillac, the kids joined in clapping and singing. In all of the assemblies, Mr. Miller answered questions from the students, prepared in advance and selected from a bucket.

“We’ve all been taught the word tolerance,” Mr. Miller said to the elementary students. “I tolerate rain, snow and cold wind, but we shouldn’t tolerate people, we should love and appreciate one another everyday.” He emphasized to the students to do more than just “put up with” one another", but to really understand and celebrate what makes us all unique.”

Obviously gifted and recognized for his musical talents, Mr. Miller is also an incredible painter. Having previously participated in such projects as the Trail of Painted Ponies, Mr. Miller shared his experience and knowledge with art students. Meeting in the LGI Mr. Miller worked from a sketch, and while sharing his experiences with the students, began applying color. Although the time was much to short to finish the piece, Mr. Miller had a frank discussion with the high schoolers about technique and process; and what it means to be an artist, to live as an artist and to grow in your art.

Music and business students were invited to a session in which Mr. Miller shared practical experiences and information about the business side of the arts. Married for thirty years, and having had five children, Mr. Miller was aware of what it takes to support a family while working as artist. This practical experience and knowledge of the industry was an excellent opportunity for students to hear what it is like, without all glitz that sometimes accompanies the business in the media.

“You can’t play video games everyday of your life, all the time and expect to wake up an artist,” said Mr. Miller. “It is something you do everyday. That is part of your life, everyday.” He talked about it taking many years to truly understand your craft and to know enough about life and your art to have mastered the experience. He also told the kids that you are what you do everyday and that will turn make you who you are to become.

All throughout the campus, activities were inspired by the visit. The high school gourmet class prepared a Native-American inspired meal of harvest squash and sunflower soup, Navajo bread, braised beef, vegetables and potatoes served over a wild rice pilaf, followed by a blackberry cobbler with sweet cream. Artwork was displayed around campus highlight the Native-American influences in students’ studies.

Friday night featured a concert given by Mr. Miller for the community featuring a wonderful performance that had the entire audience wishing for more. Mr. Miller performed beautiful American Indian inspired pieces, played his flutes and shared his love of blues with the eager listeners. There were sing-alongs to American favorites by Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan. Once again Mr. Miller called youngsters to perform on stage with him providing the rhythm back-up to his acoustic guitar. However, certainly a most beautiful moment was when the Select Chorus under the direction of George Standish and accompanied by Brenda Richey joined Mr. Miller for a performance of Colors of The Wind, a song from the Disney movie Pocahontas, which features Mr. Miller on the flute. While the chorus sang the words, Mr. Miller accompanied them for what was certainly a most beautiful performance – and a delight to everyone in the audience.

Certainly these visits punctuate the year with exciting learning opportunities as well as the chance to meet some dynamic individuals. Many people had a hand in making the visit possible, but certainly the Richey family, including Brenda and Lee, have made great use of their own professional connections to benefit the Wayland-Cohocton community and have truly provided some unique experiences for all.

For more information about Mr. Miller go to www.billmiller.net