
NEW WEST MUSIC & ARTS SOCIETY, also known as New West Society, is a vibrant Christian, faith-driven community dedicated to spreading joy and blessing people of all ages through the transformative power of music. At the heart of our organization is a passionate team of members and teachers who are committed to excellence, fostering a sense of belonging, and creating an environment that is both fun and inspiring.
New West has 4 distinct divisions:
- New West Symphony & Chorus (volunteer-driven adult choir & orchestra)
- New West Student Ensemble (choir and orchestra for students in Grades 8-12)
- New West Children’s Choir (choir for children in Grades 4-7)
- New West Music Academy (offers lessons in voice and a variety of instruments)
As a volunteer-based organization, New West relies on the dedication and behind-the-scene spirit of volunteerism of its Members and the parents of its Student Members. Collectively, our community makes New West’s “Music with a Purpose” possible.


New West Society’s Executive Leadership Team:
- Executive Director, New West Society: Darryn Werth
- Artistic Director: Henric Ideström
- Marketing Director, New West Society: Carrie Lynn Johnstone
- Business Operations Director, New West Society: Dulaine Lough
- Fund Development Director, New West Society: Rick Richards
New West Society’s Senior Leadership Team:
- Music Director, New West Symphony & Chorus: Henric Ideström
- Associate Music Director, New West Symphony & Chorus: Natalie Prando
- Music Director, New West Student Ensemble: David Klob
- Associate Music Director, New West Student Ensemble: Elisa Riegel
- Director, New West Music Academy: Carrie Lynn Johnstone
- Associate Director, New West Music Academy: Kathy Neuland
- Production Director: Mikayla Forrester
- Associate Production Director: Breanne Neufeld
- Associate Operations Director, NWSC & NWSE: Andrea Ellis
- Associate Fund Development Director, New West Society: Ana Kerley
- Associate Marketing Director, New West Society: Andrea Elias
New West Music & Arts Society’s Board of Directors:
- Joe Essenburg – Chair, Secretary
- Dave Dart – Treasurer (Ex Officio)
- Steve Lenz
- Dan Clarke
- Jen Bodiguel
- Christina Bartlett
- Jeff Brunner
- Greg Tarnowski
- Harry Wollin
- Darryn Werth (Ex Officio)
