Miles Roberts graduated from Concordia Hanoi in 2021 and is currently studying at the University of Notre Dame, where he will graduate in May 2025. He is pursuing a double major in Chinese and Applied Computational Math and Statistics (ACMS). At Notre Dame, Miles is an active member of the Glee Club and another highly selective group known as the Undertones. Since his freshman year, he has had the incredible opportunity to travel to 20 different states across the U.S. and four countries in Europe. Discover how music has enriched his college experience and fostered a profound sense of connection to Notre Dame.
 

What have been your experiences with music in university? Where have you traveled?

“At Notre Dame, I joined the Glee Club, which is an all-male choir consisting of 60 to 70 members. In fact, I didn't initially intend to join a choir in college. On my first day on campus, members of the Notre Dame Folk Choir approached me and mentioned that they traveled to Jerusalem every other year for free, which piqued my interest.

While I was at the auditioning area, I learned from one of the members in the Glee Club that they also travel internationally and are considered the best choir on campus. So, I decided to audition, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I've made since coming to Notre Dame.

Having grown up in Hanoi for ten years, I hadn't seen much of the U.S. before joining the Glee Club, and I had never been on the East Coast. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to perform in over 20 states and in four countries in Europe—Italy, Switzerland, France, and Germany. It’s been an incredible experience.

We practice four to five times a week, which helps us bond closely. There’s even a Glee Club house where we spend time together. During breaks, we have the chance to travel, often performing in various cities, primarily at churches. Our goal is to bring good music to these communities, and we often revitalize the Notre Dame club in those cities, which helps bring people together. We also perform at high school parades and events, and we visit old folks' homes whenever we can. Our strong alumni network plays a significant role in our activities; we always invite Glee Club alumni to join us in singing our alma mater. It’s a touching experience, especially when we sing our fight song with alumni who are sometimes over 70 years old, and it’s moving to see them get emotional.

In addition to the Glee Club, I am also part of a subsection called the Undertones, which is an a cappella group that performs more pop music. It's like something straight out of "Pitch Perfect"! As a beatboxer in the group, my role is to provide the rhythmic foundation for the talented vocalists. The Undertones are made up of the 12 best singers from the Glee Club, and we get to perform 1-2 songs whenever the full choir is on tour. It's an incredible experience to be part of this smaller ensemble within the larger choir. We have a lot of musical freedom in the Undertones, as we arrange all of our own music. When the group needs a new song, we choose one we want, put the notes on sheet music, and make it our own.

This creative process was cultivated by my experiences at Concordia, where my high school teacher, Ms. Kate Meininger encouraged me to explore beatboxing. So when I heard the Undertones needed a beatboxer, I went for it because I had that background from Concordia. Being able to travel with this talented group and be a part of these groups has been a highlight of my musical journey at Notre Dame.”
 

How did Concordia influence your passion for music?
“I was initially forced into choir in middle school by Mr. Frerking, the old principal, because I originally wanted to take physical education instead. However, Concordia truly helped me appreciate music much more than I ever expected. The school fostered my love for music and art, especially through my experiences in choir and participating in musicals.One of the most meaningful aspects of my time at Concordia was the sense of community that developed among those of us who made music together. My choir friends became really close, and we were able to create something beautiful as a group.

When I entered college, I wasn’t sure if pursuing music was still something I wanted to do, but I am so glad that I ended up continuing with it. Concordia was a significant factor in shaping my passion for music, and I carry those experiences with me to this day.”

Can you describe a memorable moment or performance at Concordia that shaped your musical journey?
“One moment I will never forget from my time at Concordia was when I was in 7th grade and we were singing the song "Near My God to Thee" at the Hanoi Opera House. Up until that point, I had enjoyed the music we performed, but when we sang that first note in that particular song, it was the first time that making music gave me goosebumps. I felt so proud to be a part of my group in that surreal experience of performing in front of over 100 people in the stunning opera house.

Later that night, I found out that it was also the first time our choir performance had ever given my dad goosebumps. That was such a memorable moment because it marked the first time our group went "all in" - something Concordia taught me very well. You have to trust your group enough and be truly confident to sing out without fear, knowing that your fellow choir members have your back and will support you, just as you will support them.

This lesson of trusting the group has stayed with me, and I've experienced it again at Notre Dame with the Glee Club. When you have that level of trust and confidence in your group, you can create something truly special through music. Concordia's choir taught me that, and it's a moment I'll never forget.”

Looking back, how do you feel your time at Concordia prepared you for your musical experiences and activities at university?
“Looking back, I feel that my time at Concordia prepared me exceptionally well for my musical experiences at university. From a musical standpoint, I have never struggled with musicality in my choir at Notre Dame. Concordia provided me with a strong musical foundation, which has made it easier for me compared to many other students. I developed not only a solid technical foundation but also a good ear for music, allowing me to distinguish between singing a note correctly and recognizing when I’m off.

While I may not be the most talented singer, I have earned a reputation as a very reliable singer, and I attribute that to the training I received at Concordia. It’s because of my experiences there that I have developed a good ear for music, which has been crucial for my success in the choir at Notre Dame. The skills I gained at Concordia have truly shaped my musical journey, and I am grateful for the preparation it provided me.”

What advice would you give to current students pursuing musical opportunities in university?
“My advice to current students pursuing musical opportunities in university is to just go for it—fully send it! I had no intentions whatsoever of joining a choir, but it has opened up so many amazing friendships and allowed me to meet incredible people. Through music, I’ve had the chance to see the world and connect with the university on a whole different level.

Before I joined the choir, I knew very little about Notre Dame, but now I can say without a doubt that I want to come back after I graduate because of the connections I’ve made through my choir. I know there will always be a group of 60 to 70 guys who understand exactly what I went through in college and who share all the silly traditions and memories we’ve created over the years.

So, don’t hesitate—if you want to pursue music, just do it! I can assure you that it will be worthwhile and will enrich your university experience in ways you can’t even imagine.”
 

How do you plan on staying involved in music upon graduation?
“As I look toward my future after college, I’m not entirely sure what to expect. I feel like my approach will be similar to how I entered college—if the opportunity presents itself, I would love to pursue music further. However, my primary focus will be on entering the military.

Being part of the Glee Club in college has been such a valuable asset for me. We practice so much that I know I can count on that one hour to forget about school and exams. This experience has deepened my appreciation for music and allowed me to focus on singing. I plan to stay connected to music after graduation. I’ll try to join a local choir wherever I end up living, or perhaps find a music group on base with the Air Force.

Additionally, I want to keep up with beatboxing, as it could open up many doors for me beyond just singing. I’m excited to see how I can continue to incorporate music into my life, no matter where my journey takes me.”

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What is Miles doing now?

Miles applied for the ROTC program while in high school, a pathway designed for those aspiring to become military officers. With a strong family legacy in the military—his father and grandfather serving as his heroes—Miles received unwavering support from his dad, who helped him navigate the process of signing up for the Air Force ROTC program. As part of his ROTC experience, Miles participated in a program called Project GO, which took him to Taiwan to study Chinese for five hours a day while living with a Taiwanese family. This immersive experience allowed him to fully engage with the language and culture. Recently, he achieved the highest level of proficiency attainable by a non-native speaker.

Following his graduation, Miles is committed to serving four years in the Air Force. He is considering two options: continuing his education by pursuing a master's degree through the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) or participating in the Boren program, which is funded by the Department of Defense and sends students to Taipei for one year to further their Chinese studies. After his initial four-year commitment, he will determine if the military is the right path for him and decide whether to serve the full 20 years or pursue another career.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates! Our next and final installment in this series will feature Hai Yen Tran, who is currently pursuing her studies at Yale.

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