Albert Miller

From College of Fine Arts and Communications

"Albert Miller, whose full name is Ernest Ludwig Adelbert Muller, was born on July 13, 1875, in Vargula, near Erfurt, Germany. His parents were Carl F. and Johanna Ward Muller. He received his early musical training in his home town, joining the army when he was eighteen. After service as a violinist and trumpeter, he was released and took at position in Dresden. There he accepted the gospel. There too he met Elsa Muller (ame last name as her husband), who later became his wife, and Robert Sauer, who succeeded him as director of bands at BYU.

"Following his arrival in Utah in December 1899 to perform temple ordinances, he was invited by Anthony C. Lund to assist in teaching music at BY Academy, and on the strength of this position, sent for Elsa. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on January 2, 1901, and settled in Provo, where he organized the first BY Academy band and orchestra.

"Their children are Hilda; Karl Albert, a former staff member of the BYU Physical Plant; and Alberta, born soon after her father’s untimely death on January 31, 1906.

"He sacrificed considerable to make a band and orchestra possible, giving private lessons on all instruments, many lessons being free of charge. However, thr groups were exposed to three orchestras and four bands during the next few years, performing not only in Provo but throughout the state.

"He also opened his home to Robert Sauer, assisting him in his adjustment to a new environment. Albert numbered among his students many important musicians. Despite his early death he realized three ambitions: he performed temple work for his ancestors, he had a wife, a home, and children; and he assisted in the development of excellent musicians. His life was one of service in his profession and to the Church and the community.

"The Albert Miller Orchestra Room, located in E-250 in the HFAC, is designed for the rehearsal of orchestra, chamber orchestra, band, and instrumental groups of all kinds, it also is used for instrumental workshop classes and for large lectures.

"This room, two stories high and 67 feet by 44 feet, is designed with nonparallel side walls and ceiling. It is provided with superior stereophonic sound equipment. It is soundproofed to adjacent areas (Special Program, 24)."

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