James R. Miller III ’81 (theory and composition, trombone) was nominated to the Louisiana Association of Jazz Educators Hall of Fame. Miller held the position of director of bands at Catholic High School in Baton Rouge from 1984 to 2004. During that time, his jazz, marching, and symphonic bands consistently received superior ratings in festivals throughout the South. He currently teaches and directs at St. Joan of Arc Catholic School in LaPlace. As a professional trombonist, he has performed with Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis Jr., Doc Severinson, Mel Torme, and Ella Fitzgerald.
Active as a clinician and adjudicator, Miller is a member of the Louisiana Music Educators Association and the Louisiana Bandmasters Association and has served as president of the Louisiana Chapter of the International Association of Jazz Educators.