Mr. Jake H. Miller
Graduate Teaching Assistant of Bands and Orchestras

Jake H. Miller is a passionate Graduate Teaching Assistant for Bands and Orchestras at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. Currently pursuing a degree in Instrumental Conducting, Mr. Miller is under the expert guidance of Dr. John Stanley Ross and Dr. Jason Gardner. His role encompasses a diverse array of responsibilities, including assisting with North Carolina’s Band of Distinction, the Marching Mountaineers, and contributing to both the Appalachian Wind Ensemble and the Appalachian Symphony Band. Additionally, he co-directs the Appalachian Concert Band, supports the Appalachian State Basketball Band, and participates actively on the Hayes School of Music Student Advisory Committee and the Graduate Student Government Association. He is also an engaged member of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and the National Band Directors Association (NBA).

Mr. Miller earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the State University of New York at Fredonia, where he studied under Dr. H. Christian Bernhard and tenor trombone with Jonathan Lombardo. At SUNY Fredonia, he was instrumental as the Music and Arts Director for the Fredonia Video Game Orchestra (VGO) and served as the Assistant Conductor of the SUNY Fredonia Trombone Choir. He was actively involved at both the state and local levels in NAfME and the New York State Band Directors Association (NYSBDA), including roles on the executive board and as a Province Representative. His commitment extended to the executive boards of various student organizations, including the Conductors Guild and the Spikeball Club.

Outside of his academic and musical endeavors, Mr. Miller is a passionate sailor and college football enthusiast. From 2021 to 2024, he served as the Sailing Program Director at Moriches Yacht Club, where he expanded the sailing program, established a successful racing team, and fostered a deep appreciation for sailing among participants.

Mr. Miller’s blend of academic excellence, leadership, and personal interests reflects his commitment to both the art of music and the joy of community engagement.

Email: millerjh4@appstate.edu

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/jhmmusic/home

Ms. Marin Kimpton
Graduate Teaching Assistant of Bands and Orchestras

Marin K. Kimpton is a dedicated and passionate musician currently pursuing a Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting at Appalachian State University, where she also serves as a Graduate Assistant. At Appalachian State, Marin works closely with esteemed faculty members Dr. John Stanley Ross and Dr. Jason Gardner. As a Graduate Assistant, she is actively involved with North Carolina’s Band of Distinction, The Marching Mountaineers, and contributes to the Appalachian Wind Ensemble and the Appalachian Symphony Band. Marin also co-directs the Appalachian Concert Band and supports the Appalachian State Basketball Band. Her professional affiliations include the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and the National Band Directors Association (NBA), where she will also mentor undergraduate students in the Hayes School of Music Chapter.

Prior to her current role, Ms. Kimpton served as the Director of Bands at West Side School District, where she worked with young musicians and conducted the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Ensemble, and High School Choir. She also directed athletic bands and co-founded the Franklin County Marching Band. While in Cache Valley, she collaborated with local directors on drill writing and music arrangements for competitive marching bands. She was frequently a guest conductor and clinician for Northern Utah Youth Ensembles (NUYE). Marin was actively involved with the Utah Music Educators Association (UMEA) and the Idaho Music Educators Association (IMEA).

Marin completed her Bachelor of Music Education at Utah State University, studying under Dr. Thomas Rohrer in Conducting, Rehearsal Technique, and Pedagogy; Dr. Lane Weaver in Marching Band Drill Writing; and Dr. Max Matzen in Trumpet Performance. During her undergraduate studies, she contributed to the School of Music in various assisting roles, including Band Librarian, Dean's Office Assistant, and Undergraduate Teaching Fellow in Commercial Composition with Dr. Kevin Olsen.

Marin is deeply committed to fostering growth in others. She embodies this dedication through her relentless pursuit of excellence in the musical arts.

Email:

kimptonmk@appstate.edu

Website: