David Mills - University of Connecticut

Professor: David Mills

Department: TBD

College: University of Connecticut

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: MUS1108
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

The UCMB is my favorite part of UConn! Mills is great, he cares about all of his students no doubt about it. His pep talks can be a bit long winded but he's a wonderful person. Marching is hard, don't expect to be standing around doing nothing, TRUST ME. He helps you become a better marcher and overall a better performer. He's an icon! TUP

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: MUSI1108
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Band is hard. Don't come into marching band thinking that it will be easy. It takes time, effort and dedication but that is what makes us great. Dr. Mills truly cares about each and every member in the band. He even takes it upon himself to learn all the new member names by the end of preseason. 10/10 person.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: MUS1108
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Dr. Mills is an amazing band director. Although sometimes he likes to joke around and act like he doesn't, he truly cares about every one of his students. His passion for band and especially the UCMB is always very clear. He has very high expectations for everyone but it's because he wants everyone to succeed! Very respected man.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: MUS1108
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

UCMB is my favorite part of attending UConn, and it is clear that dmills lives his life through it as well. He is one of the kindest, caring and inspirational people I have ever met. It is obvious to all that he always does his best regardless of the situation and pushes everyone to the best of his abilities. Join marching band! TUP

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: MIP170
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

I met Dr. Mills in '83 when he worked my HS in Miami, FL. We met again the next year when he worked w/us at the Univ of Miami. In both contexts, I found Dr. Mills to be a highly engaging and effective instructor who shared his passions and vision w/students. In fact, he was influential in my decision to teach music as a career. Kudos to you, Dave.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: MUSI1108
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

With the stress of science and math classes, attending rehearsals with Dr. Mills always brightened up my day, even when it was pouring rain. Gives long speeches, can't always understand what he's trying to say, but he means well and cares about all of the students that he sees putting effort in. Join marching band!

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: MUSI1108
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Condescending, judgmental, and will talk down to you if you make even a simple mistake... and especially if you're not present to hear it. His instructions can be contradictory and he often misses the source of errors, instead choosing to blame others. He goes on tangents and does not make the effort to get to know you unless you are exceptional.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: MUS1108
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Dr. Mills is an amazing person in general. He is so helpful, and everyone in marching band loves him! Join marching band! Probably the best choice you will ever make!

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: MUSI1108
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Dr. Mills is a great man who cares about EVERY student even after you graduate. He will always be there. He isn't the most organized or the most easy to understand over a mic but he has a vision of how good the bands can be and is doing his best to share it. Don't listen to the haters below - join marching band.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: MUSI1108
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Tough to understand and warm up to at first, but easy to see that the man is a genius.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: MUSI1108
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Dr. Mills is brilliant. Although he may take a few minutes to communicate his vision, he really does an amazing job. He may seem cold at first, but his office door is always open -- with that said, he will be honest with you, so be ready.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: MUSIC1000
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

never have any idea what he's talking about from the moment he opens his mouth. conducts like an idiot. decent guy when you talk to him though. just doesn't know crap.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: MUSI1000
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

This man knows nothing. If you aren't in the marching band, he wants nothing to do with you. His conducting is lacking, and I mean lacking. The grad students are better. And when he tries to explain things they often make no sense. He also often conducts in the wrong time signature. If this man became a doctor, anyone can.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: MUSI1110
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Easy A in Symphonic or Marching Band if you just show up. HOWEVER, his conducting is EXTREMELY lacking (the conducting grad students are WAY better), as is his professionalism. If you are in marching band / the cult (or "music frats") he will love you. If you were and quit then he will hate you. His rambling makes him incomprehensible and unhelpful

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: MUSI1108
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

I like marching band. I don't like 30 minute speeches before and after we do anything. That being said, this man directed us in Arizona, our first BCS appearance. He knows what he is doing even if he can't communicate for his life.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: MUSI1108
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

The man has motivation. He teaches the Marching band with utmost enthusiasm and isnt afraid to wet his lips before rehearsal.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: MUS1108
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Dr. David Mills is one of the greatest band directors to ever live. Funny, enthusiastic, dedicated to his craft and his students. I love marching band and Dr. Mills makes it even more enjoyable for me

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: MUSI1108
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

I LOVE marching band in general, did it all 4 years in high school, and UCMB is just amazing. Dr. Mills sometimes isn't exactly clear about telling us what to do with individual steps and stuff, but he knows what he wants to show to look like. His enthusiasm makes him an awesome director!

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: MUSI109
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Band is awesome! :)

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: MUSI110
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Hard to get used to his conducting style. However, knowledge of symphonic music is unmatched in the university.