Schaumburg honors retiring high school band director

Schaumburg High School's retiring band director Kevin Miller will be honored Monday with a composition dedicated to him by friend and former classmate Richard Adams at the school's Band Awards Concert.

Though much of Miller's 33-year teaching career was at Schaumburg High School, he and Adams attended Conant High School in Hoffman Estates and were members of the Conant Cougar Marching Band, wind ensemble and jazz band in the mid- to late-'70s.

"Even back then, both of us knew music was a career path for us," Adams said. "I've watched Kevin work with students over the years, and have admired him for his dedication to developing young musical minds. It is this admiration that inspired me to compose an original composition in dedication to his final concert as director of music at Schaumburg High School."

Adams lives in Nashville, and his music has been featured in the documentaries, "The Battle of Nashville" and "The Land of the Setting Sun," as well as the independent film, "America's Heroes."

Miller said he's uncertain of what life will be like after his teaching career ends June 6, but he's looking forward to becoming a grandfather right around the same time.

Miller was honored with a proclamation by the Schaumburg village board Tuesday naming the day of the concert Kevin Miller Day in the village. The concert takes place at 7 p.m. Monday in the main gymnasium of the school, located at 1100 W. Schaumburg Road.

After the proclamation was read, Miller was surprised with a performance by the Schaumburg High School marching band's drum line.