NEW WEST STUDENT ENSEMBLE
New West Student Ensemble (NWSE) is a dynamic, faith-focused choir and orchestra that is open to students in Grades 7-12 from all over the greater Calgary area. NWSE performs at local churches, both independently and in collaboration with New West Symphony & Chorus. This energetic youth ensemble also performs at New West’s annual Christmas with New West, New West Gifts Back: Sharing Christmas Joy, and at New West’s annual Spring Concert, all of which are held at the stunning Jack Singer Concert Hall at Arts Commons. In addition to concert opportunities, youth involved in this ensemble may also have the opportunity to record and tour.
NWSE Members can expect to work hard, find a place of belonging, and are sure to reap the benefits of being a part of this fun and dynamic group.
The “performance season” runs from September through mid-June, and rehearsals take place on Monday evenings. Questions? Email the Student Ensemble leadership directly at studentensemble@newwestsociety.com.
David Klob, Music Director
After serving as the Music Director for New West Symphony & Chorus from 2015-2017, David is thrilled to be back in the New West family as Music Director of New West Student Ensemble, which launched in the Fall of 2021. David’s own musical and spiritual journeys were significantly shaped by his own youth choir experiences and he has a passion to “pay it forward” and give students similar opportunities today. David has a Master’s Degree in Church Music from Lee University and served for 14 years on the staff and faculty at Kingswood University in New Brunswick. One of his personal highlights at KU was directing a summer touring youth choir called Exalt! for 11 seasons. In 2013, David moved to Calgary where he currently serves as the Music Pastor at First Alliance Church. He is married to the lovely and talented Bethanie Klob, and is father to 3 beautiful girls – Kara, Kylie, and Emily.
Elisa Riegel, Associate Music Director
Elisa Riegel is thrilled to be a part of New West Student Ensemble as their Associate Music Director. She has been making music for as long as she can remember. From beginning the cello at the age of 3 (thanks, Mom and Dad!), to participating in children’s choir, school productions, youth orchestra and her high school marching band program, music has always been for her a means of growth, connection with others and most importantly, an expression of faith.
Elisa comes to the NWSE with a Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance, a Bachelor of Education and 16 years of experience teaching band and elementary music in Calgary’s public schools. She is very excited to work with this energetic and passionate group of musicians.