After nearly six years at the at the helm, Steve Miles has stepped down as MD of New Zealand’s St Kilda Brass.

New pastures

The former Brighousee & Rastrick euphonium star has also stepped down from his position as Director of the Southern Brass Academy as he seeks out new pastures overseas.

He told 4BR: "The time I have spent in Dunedin has been extremely rewarding and quite special. I have been welcomed into this beautiful city by an incredibly warm and hospitable group of people that have become an extended family to me."

Steve added: "I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of both St Kilda and Southern Brass Academy who have been my primary employers. The development of St Kilda’s concert series has been an area of significant importance for me. It has given me an opportunity to develop artistic skills, focusing on creative collaborations and also promote and develop my own arranging skills."

New generation

Whilst the band has been busy on the concert platform, Steve has played an integral part with the Southern Brass Academy in educating a new generation of young brass players.

He added: "I’m delighted to see players from the SBA gaining places in this year’s National Youth Brass Band. It is an important opportunity for them to learn a great deal and be involved in a higher level of music making."

I will always have a strong affiliation with the city and I will keep a keen eye on Dunedin and especially St Kilda Brass whom I wish all the very best for their future endeavoursSteve Miles

Bermuda

Steve leaves New Zealand with wife Gina to start a new musical chapter — taking up a teaching post at Saltus Grammar School in Bermuda.

Steve is understandably excited at the prospect: "Both Gina and I are both very excited about starting our new life in Bermuda. It has been incredibly difficult leaving Dunedin, where we have a vast network of close friends and family. The support they have given us in making this decision has been fantastic."

Strong affiliation

He closed by saying: "I will always have a strong affiliation with the city and I will keep a keen eye on Dunedin and especially St Kilda Brass whom I wish all the very best for their future endeavours."

Steve will spend a few weeks of rest and recuperation in the UK over the Christmas period before he heads out to Bermuda at the start of 2011.