By Eliza Rohda ‘26

York University is thrilled to announce Mr. Lester Ray Miller III ‘00 as the new director of the York University Singers (formerly the concert choir). Following the news of Dr. Clark Roush’s retirement, Roush will pass the baton to Miller, who will officially begin working as the choir’s director in the upcoming fall semester. 

 

Having served as associate professor of music and director of Celebration Singers for the last three years, Miller is no stranger to YU’s music department. The son of Dr. Ray and Gail Miller, he was the first YU graduate to earn a music education degree. He brings 24 years of experience in music education, and is excited to direct the program Roush spent four decades building. 

 

“I am prepared and ecstatic,” Miller said of the transition. “The biggest change will be the students having a different way of learning, and that may cause anxiety, but I have been through this before and I am ready to work with students to make the transition smooth. I also know these students from having been on campus the past few years, so they have familiarity with me." 

 

As Miller looks forward to the future of the University Singers, he plans to broaden the choir’s repertoire and to “explore different avenues and open up different types of music.” 

 

“I'm excited for the opportunity to shape the group. I believe that our future will be filled with opportunities for growth and outreach for the university.” Miller said.