Bunnell’s Music Teacher, Mr. Jim Miller, has been named the 2023 Stratford Teacher of the Year! At the conclusion of the Spring Concert, the Superintendent, Teacher of the Year Committee members, Band Parents, BHS Alumni, family, and friends surprised Mr. Miller with a formal recognition and celebration of his 36 years of service to Bunnell High School. The band played a special musical piece in his honor.
Mr. Miller has 39 years of experience as a public educator, 36 of which have been at Bunnell. His students have gained incredible life experiences from their participation in Mr. Miller’s music program including performing at such incredible national events as the Hollywood Christmas Parade, the Tournament of Roses Parade, parades at Disney World and Disneyland, and playing the National Anthem at games for the New York Mets, in addition to local events such as the Viki Soto 5K and the town’s yearly Memorial Day parades. He has led the BHS Marching Band to numerous honors including being named Connecticut State Champions 17 times since 1986. Under his leadership, the Indoor Drumline has been State or National Champions every year since 2004. Many of Mr. Miller’s students have gone on to their own careers as performers, composers, and music educators, following his example. This past fall, Mr. Miller served as consultant and musical arranger for the Disney film Chang Can Dunk, which used Bunnell shooting locations and our students in their production.
In addition to being a Bunnell teacher, Mr. Miller is also a Bunnell parent. His children, Kirk and Michaela, are BHS graduates.
Mr. Miller was nominated for this award by the president of the Bunnell High School Band Parents Organization.