World-renowned Keith Miller opera singer visits Juan Diego students

International opera singer Keith Miller recently taught Juan Diego Catholic High students lessons, but not specifically aimed at music.

“He taught them more than just music or theory; he taught them life lessons,” Juan Diego choir instructor Brian Manternach said. “He shared with them the choices he’s made, his dreams, his commitments, his hard work, and his sacrifices.”

Miller, who played professional football as a fullback for five years in the XFL and European leagues, made the roster for the Denver Broncos, but was cut. He faced uncertainty: should he continue his football dream or should he begin a career in singing as a bass-baritone? He chose the latter.

“He had a lot of raw skills, grit and determination. He would take small roles or be an understudy to learn,” Manternach said. “He learned how to be his own best advocate and take care of his voice. He made lots of sacrifices. In fact, his wife just had a baby five days before he came here to see us and perform with the Utah Symphony.”

Miller performed “The Childhood of Christ,” Nov. 15-19, with the Utah Symphony. Besides meeting with Juan Diego students beforehand at their school, he met with the 18 students who attended the performance.

Miller regularly performs with the Metropolitan Opera in New York and has had several international performances as well.

“He has a true bass voice and that’s rare in the operatic world,” Manternach said. “He could be easily singing until he’s 60. He taught our students a lot. He’s a good guy with a heart who is living his dreams, yet keeping true to his roots of being raised in a small town as a farm kid in Colorado.”

Draper senior Nina Martinez, who serves as a choir officer, said that Miller shared his passion of music, yet kept his modest, down-to-earth approach.

“He had lots of artistic views to being a performer, but he taught us not to give up our dreams,” Nina said. “He’d listen to performances and make a complete list to practice then he’d take that list and do it again and again until he got it done. He showed us that ‘nothing comes to you without hard work.’”