CONDUCTOR/ MUSICAL DIRECTOR

Conducts for Ruthie Foster Big Band Live at the Paramount Theater, the recording of which was nominated for the 2021 Grammys - Best Contemporary Blues

Conducts for Ruthie Foster Big Band Live at the Paramount Theater, the recording of which was nominated for the 2021 Grammys - Best Contemporary Blues

 
Usually playing the role of Musical Director puts me out in front of an ensemble, or on the other side of the studio glass. In the case of Times Ten, however, I do air traffic control from my Tenor Sax chair. Photo by Gary Hook, who also did great shots for the inside of our “Flying Blind” CD.

Usually playing the role of Musical Director puts me out in front of an ensemble, or on the other side of the studio glass. In the case of Times Ten, however, I do air traffic control from my Tenor Sax chair. Photo by Gary Hook, who also did great shots for the inside of our “Flying Blind” CD.

 
From the audience's point of view, on an unforgettable summer night conducting the premiere performance of the Backyard Symphony — a 50-piece pops orchestra. For this special occasion, I wrote arrangements of Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton, The Beatles, Motown, and Gershwin classics, and served up a couple of original compositions for the orchestra besides.

From the audience's point of view, on an unforgettable summer night conducting the premiere performance of the Backyard Symphony — a 50-piece pops orchestra. For this special occasion, I wrote arrangements of Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton, The Beatles, Motown, and Gershwin classics, and served up a couple of original compositions for the orchestra besides.

 
 
Nelson Riddle Orchestra for Sinatra My Way Andrew Heller LP in Nashville

Nelson Riddle Orchestra for Sinatra My Way Andrew Heller LP in Nashville

 
 

Other highlights of Dr. John Mills as a conductor/ musical director include:

Pandora’s Box - conducted his original score to 1923 classic black & white film

Phillip Glass’ Icarus a the Edge of Time, narrated by Brian Green 60-piece orchestra, conducted to film before a live audience at the Paramount Theatre (Austin, TX)

Mr. Texas - conducted preview of musical by Pulitzer-winning author Lawrence Wright, with songs by Marcia Ball

Horn Section leader/arranger for the 2019 Texas Heritage Songwriter Awards, with Johnny Nicholas, Ruthie Foster, Leroy Parnell, Duke Robillard, and Jimmie Vaughan

Vineland - conducted the premiere of the off-Broadway musical, for which he composed the music (libretto by Dave Batt) - Miami, FL