WGI mourns the passing of Fred J. Miller, a master showman of the pageantry arts and integral force of the indoor color guard and percussion activity.  A resident of Centerville, Ohio, he was born on March 6, 1932, the son of Orville and Betty Miller.  He passed away yesterday at the age of 80.

A lifetime resident of the Dayton area, Fred graduated from Chaminade High School in 1952 and attended the University of Dayton. He was the Director of Bands at Fairborn High School from 1957 to 1968, eventually serving as Music Supervisor for the district. His theatrical skills were evident by directing ten of the most popular musicals in the district’s history.

Mr. Miller was a founding member of the United States Twirling Association and founded the Miller's Blackhawks Twirling Corps that established a record that is unequalled in the twirling world by winning national championships every year from 1956 through 1968.

The next evolution of the Miller's Blackhawks was to enter the color guard world becoming one of the most memorable and impressive groups of the 80s and 90s. The Blackhawks personified Fred's dedication to excellence, showmanship and sense of family. The guard earned a silver medal in only their second appearance at the world championships in the newly created A Class in 1980.

This was followed by a move into the highest class of completion and receiving the bronze medal in 1985, 1986 and 1989 and a coveted silver medal in 1987 for their memorable “Colors” show. (Text: wgi.org)

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