Bill Millner began studying the accordion at age 10. He attended the renowned High School of Music and Art in N.Y. City. He and holds a B.A. and M.A. in Music Education from Queens College, N.Y. and an M.A. in Music Administration from Columbia University.
During the Korean War, Bill served in the U.S. Army as pianist and arranger in a Special Services Company, and as a trombonist in a post band. Bill was Director of Music and the High School Band Director at New Hyde Park, Long Island for 33 years, where his bands consistently received top ratings at N.Y. State competitions. During his teaching career, Bill also played accordion professionally at various functions, on cruise ships, and 44 years at summer resorts. Bill currently plays tuba in several local concert bands and continues with his accordion performances.
Taking early retirement in 1983, Bill and his wife Dorothy, moved to Florida, realizing their dream of living in Paradise! Bill assumed Directorship of the Venice Concert Band in 1996 and built the band from what was basically a social club into an outstanding 80-piece band, passing the baton in 2016 to Bob Miller.
Bill was also actively involved in promoting a much needed venue for music performing groups in Venice, resulting in the building of the magnificent Venice Performing Arts Center where the Venice Concert Band, the Venice Symphony and the Venice Chorale perform regularly.
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