Julius Augustus Miller, II passed away on November 11, 2017. Julius has known Cynthia Aleta (Barts) Miller since 1948, and made her his bride in 1960.
Julius had played the viola since eleven years of age, and decided to pursue a career in classical music. Following graduation from M&A, he graduated with a BA from Ithaca College and became a member of the Kappa Gamma Psi fraternity.
He received a Master’s degree from Manhattan School of Music, where he translated a biography of composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart from French to English. He earned a second Master’s degree in musicology from Rutgers University in the mid 1960s. From here, he began a 30 year career in music performance and teaching.
He went on tour across America with vocal jazz artist Nat King Cole. For twelve years he performed with the Symphony of the New World, the first racially integrated symphony in the United States, under the conductor Leopold Stokowski, and earned the position of librarian. During that time, he also performed in the orchestra for the Broadway musical 1776.
He continued his career in New Jersey, as an assistant professor at Stockton State College (currently Stockton University), and as an orchestra member at Resorts and Bally’s for performers such as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr, and Tony Bennett. Julius played in many locations including Sing Sing Correctional Facility, the Palace Cathedral for Reverend Ike’s religious service, and at the Apollo Theater for James Brown. He finished his music career teaching in New York City Public Schools, performing at the Church of St. Mark and All Saints, and playing small events.
Julius is survived by his beloved wife, Cynthia Aleta (Barts) Miller; their daughter, Celestine (Miller) Jeffreys; her husband, Derek Jeffreys and their sons, Zachariah Jeffreys and Caleb Jeffreys. Julius was preceded in death by his parents Leon A Miller and Gladys Helana (Dillard) Miller. A memorial service will take place on Friday, November 24, 2017 at 1 pm at the Church of St. Mark and All Saints, 429 S. Pitney Road, Galloway, New Jersey.