After almost three years living and teaching on the Caribbean island of Bermuda, former Waitakere conductor Steve Miles will be returning back to New Zealand.

Wonderful time

He told 4BR that he has enjoyed a wonderful time on the idyllic 53.2 square kilometre island with performances with the Bermuda Festival and Philharmonic Orchestras, the island’s Musical & Dramatic Society and the popular Bermuda covers band the Go Down Berries.

Outside of his role as Teacher of Brass and Orchestral Director, his work at the respected Saltus Grammar School also included some major physical developments projects.

Redevelopment

"Three years ago the school’s performing arts department was seriously under resourced," he said.

"The whole environment seemed to be 15 years out of date with little to no modern technology available. Being tasked with three large scale development projects presented some significant challenges but I’m delighted to have been able to lead this change and bring the school’s resources right up to date."

Purpose built

He added: "Saltus now has a state of the art music technology suite, purpose built housing for its performing arts activities and audio & lighting facilities that would be an asset in any professional performance venue."

A lot of strategic planning and consultation with support staff has enabled it to become the finest youth orchestra on the island with the average member at or above Grade 6 standardSteve Miles

Transformation

He is particulate pleased however with the transformation of the school’s orchestral programme.

"I’m delighted with what we have managed to achieve with the orchestral programme. A lot of strategic planning and consultation with support staff has enabled it to become the finest youth orchestra on the island with the average member at or above Grade 6 standard."

Otago base

Steve now heads back to his home in Dunedin, in southern New Zealand where he will be engaged in PhD study at the University of Otago.