Artistic Team

Margaret Miles brings over three decades of experience as a musician and educator to her role as lead conductor of the Second Wind Community Band. With a bachelor’s degree in music from Arizona State University, she spent 33 years teaching band in Cape Breton schools, where she instilled a love of music in her students. As a long-time member of the SWCCB, Margaret is known for her versatility, performing on low brass, trombone, and French horn across various ensembles, including orchestras and dance bands. Her leadership as a co-conductor and instructor reflects her commitment to fostering musical excellence and community engagement. Margaret’s dedication to the SWCCB and her ongoing involvement in the local music scene make her an invaluable asset to the band and a respected mentor in the community.

With a BMusEd from Dalhousie University, Michele Xidos is a seasoned educator who has spent 37 years inspiring young musicians at the Cape Breton Victoria Regional Centre for Education (CBVRCE). Specializing in percussion, she has dedicated her career to nurturing students’ love for music, guiding them through the rhythms and beats that form the foundation of their musical journeys. Michele’s commitment to music education is evident in the countless students she has mentored, many of whom have gone on to pursue their own musical paths. Now retired, Michele continues to share her passion for music, contributing her wealth of experience to the Second Wind Community Band. Her influence and enthusiasm remain a driving force in the community, where she is respected not only for her professional expertise but also for her warm and encouraging approach to teaching.