A Florida State University College of Music graduate student has been selected for a euphonium position with the United States Navy Band, one of the nation’s most prestigious military ensembles.
Cayden Miller, a second-year Master of Music student in music performance and a graduate teaching assistant in the Tuba & Euphonium Studio, won the highly competitive audition for the Navy Band’s premier wind ensemble, based in Washington, D.C. The ensemble is recognized for its artistry and musical versatility, performing a wide repertoire and representing the Navy and the nation at public concerts and major events for more than 95 years.
“We are tremendously proud of Cayden and his remarkable achievement,” said Matthew Hightower, assistant professor of tuba and euphonium at FSU. “Winning a position with one of the world’s most respected military bands is a testament to his exceptional musicianship, dedication and hard work.”
Miller’s journey to the Navy Band began in his sixth-grade band class, when his parents, both euphonium players, inspired him to switch to the instrument from the trombone. He credits his time at FSU for helping him refine his craft and professional discipline.
“Coming down to Florida State, one of the things that was immediately apparent was the emphasis on professional development,” Miller said. “One of the main things I realized at FSU was that I have to be excellent on all fronts, and I’ve improved since I got here. Dr. Hightower guided me to become more regimented and organized. During my time here, I’ve also realized I should try to be as good a person as I can be, because, after all, music is about people and connecting with people.”
Miller’s success adds to the long tradition of excellence among students and alumni of the FSU College of Music, many of whom have gone on to distinguished careers in professional ensembles, academia and military music organizations.
“During my time here, I’ve realized I should try to be as good a person as I can be, because, after all, music is about people and connecting with people.”
— Cayden Miller, FSU College of Music graduate student
“Premier military ensembles like the Navy Band represent the highest professional standards similar to major symphony orchestras, and the audition process is very similar— the FSU College of Music has a long tradition of placing students in these prestigious groups,” said Greg Jones, associate dean of the College of Music. “Cayden will now join many other FSU alumni making music in our nation’s capital.”
In addition to his Navy Band appointment, Miller performed with the Renegade 8, the FSU Tuba-Euphonium Octet, which traveled to Valencia, Spain, for the 2025 International Tuba Euphonium Conference (ITEC), where he was also recognized as a semi-finalist in the Artist Euphonium Solo Competition.
Before coming to Florida State, Miller completed his undergraduate studies at Indiana University, where he won the 2024 Brass Concerto Competition.
Miller described the audition process as “pretty competitive, especially for an instrument like mine,” noting that military bands are among the few professional opportunities for euphonium players.
“For someone who plays my instrument, it’s either going into higher education and teaching, or one of these jobs,” he said. “At first, I wanted to do higher ed, but when I got to Florida State, I realized I wanted a career that’s playing. The benefits from being in the military are very good, and it’s a great place to have a career.”
The Navy Band’s role extends beyond concerts, including ceremonial performances at military functions, changes of command, funerals and events for visiting foreign leaders.
“Every day is going to be something different, which is something I’m really excited about,” Miller said.
Miller expects to begin his Navy Band career in 2026, following the completion of his degree and basic training.
For more information about the FSU College of Music and its programs, visit music.fsu.edu.