Incirlik jazz student selected for seminar in Naples

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Valda Wilson
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  A student from Incirlik Air Base was selected to participate in a recent Department of Defense Schools jazz seminar in Naples, Italy.

Amelia Miller, a student at the Incirlik Unit School here, was the only student in Turkey awarded the opportunity to attend the seminar.

She auditioned for a panel of DoDDS music teachers for the chance to attend the seminar and beat out all other competitors for this unique opportunity.

"Whenever I have a talented student like Amelia, I try to encourage auditions and participation in as many upper-level events as possible," said Mr. Lynn Bales, the head of the IUS middle school and high school bands.

Music students from schools throughout DoDDS-Europe participated in the weeklong seminar and performed under the direction of jazz trombone player and musical professor Jiggs Whigham.

This was the 27th year Mr. Whigham has tutored DoDDS students and as the program grows the competition becomes tougher.

"I am extremely proud of her," said her father, Doug Miller, from the 39th Air Base Wing, "It's great to see her musical talents recognized in such a significant forum."

As the only student who was chosen from Incirlik to attend the seminar, Amelia said it was really cool to be surrounded by people who were all there for the same reason and have the same passion and interests.

She plays several different instruments, but prefers the trumpet, and on any given day can be found in the music room at IUS.

Amelia is involved in every performing band IUS offers and is also a teacher's assistant for the beginning band students.

"Amelia has a passion for music," said Mr. Bales, "this drive shows in her commitment to practice and the desire for musicality in everything she does."