Saralee Baldwin

In the early 2000s, not long after Saralee Baldwin began attending New West Symphony concerts, she met a gentleman, also recently widowed, with whom she shared a love of classical music. “He had season tickets to LA Opera at the Disney Hall,” she recalls. “But he complained that the seats were too uncomfortable. I told him, ‘You should come with me to New West Symphony in Thousand Oaks.’ He was like, ‘Huh? That’s way out in the country.’

“Well, he came, and you know what? He loved the concerts and the Performing Arts Center. ‘This is way better than Disney,’ he told me. And when he died, he made sure New West Symphony was included as a beneficiary of his trust.”

Indeed, getting to know the people involved with New West Symphony — patrons, benefactors and orchestra members — is among the many delights of Saralee Baldwin’s 25-year connection to NWS. “I’ve made some really nice friends,” she says, “and the orchestra is so wonderful, some of the best musicians you’ll find anywhere.”

Saralee was introduced to New West Symphony through the “Pleasure of Your Company” gatherings for small groups of people in private homes. “These were nice social events which gave everyone a chance to really talk and get to know each other,” she says.

Attending NWS concerts fed her lifelong love of classical music, nurtured from her youth in West Hollywood when Saralee took lessons on a Steinway Model S grand piano that her father purchased. That love continued well after she became, in the 1980s, the first woman to own a large and successful commercial real estate brokerage in Ventura County.

“It is so important to have music in your life,” says Saralee, an ardent supporter of New West Symphony’s outreach programs for youth who otherwise could not afford music lessons. “Those kids who have the opportunity to learn to play an instrument benefit in so many ways,” she asserts. “Not only do they develop an artistic skill they’ll have for life, but they learn responsibility by caring for their instrument and making time for practice.

“And they grow up with a sense of community by being part of an orchestra, learning what it means to collaborate and be part of a team. Their self-esteem grows; they start to believe that they have something positive to offer to the world. That’s a benefit for any community.”

Linda and David Catlin

A former all-state trombonist at Platte High School in South Dakota, David Catlin has a long-standing connection to music appreciation — and music education. No wonder, then, that David and his wife Linda are longtime supporters and patrons of New West Symphony. “The orchestra and music director Michael Christie are terrifically talented and consistently deliver high-quality performances,” says David. “Their programs go beyond simply presenting the longer, so-called ‘standard’ classical pieces. There is more music from newer composers, and we like how New West has taken steps to draw a younger audience, which is so important to the future of quality music.” Those steps include the utilization of visuals, as in the past season’s “Visions of America” with photography by Joseph Sohm; live dance and gymnastic performances by “Cirque de la Symphonie”; and the combined performances with New West Symphony Chorus. “That adds more interest for everyone, especially young people,” says David. “There isn’t enough money committed to support music in our schools, and New West Symphony serves a key role by creating interest in music for young people, both through its concerts and its outreach educational programs.” The Catlins’ professional backgrounds — Linda is a former elementary school teacher and real estate broker, while David headed his own music video production and licensing firm — combined with their commitment to serving those most in need have made them active philanthropists, especially in serving youth and seniors. Among the agencies Linda and David support are Senior Concerns, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley, Meals on Wheels and Casa Pacifica. And, of course, New West Symphony. “We enjoy the symphony,” says David an active member of the New West Symphony League, “and we want to see it not just survive but thrive.”

On behalf of the Cassar Family – Keets Cassar

Every time a young person picks up a musical instrument, society wins, believes Keets Cassar.

“A local sheriff once said that a hand which holds a musical instrument will never hold a gun,” says Keets, who with husband Hugh and their family have been longtime supporters on New West Symphony. “That’s something to think about when considering the future of our society.”

That’s why the Cassars, longtime Conejo Valley residents, are avid boosters of NWS’ Laby Harmony Project, which provides high quality, tuition-free music instruction to hundreds of Ventura County children in grades K-12 who cannot afford expensive private lessons.

“To nurture a young person’s artistic quality in schools is incredibly important, because not every kid will be a doctor or a tech specialist,” says Keets. “Exposure to the arts makes the complete human being, and it’s so sad that funding for arts is not a priority in our schools. So when Hugh and I got involved with New West Symphony, we wanted to make sure our donations were directed to community services like the Harmony Project.”

As supporters of numerous community non-profit organizations, the Cassar family supports New West Symphony in other ways. For the past two years, their son Mark and his wife Debi have hosted the annual June “Summerfest” fundraiser at Rancho de Las Palmas in Moorpark, featuring prominent entertainers.

And Hugh and Keets recall fondly hosting a summer social gathering at their ranch which featured a dazzling equestrian show jumping exhibition. “Making friends at these events helps promote community building, which is essential to the life of a community,” says Keets.

She also is delighted at the increasingly diverse concert programming led by Michael Christie, NWS Music Director. “I dearly love Michael,” says Keets, “because he is bringing a new dimension to New West Symphony through some very wonderful and entertaining concerts, bringing in the average person with little or no background in symphonic music, and broadening the appeal of the orchestra. And that shows up in increased attendance.”

Such steps, Keets adds, are vital for New West Symphony and the arts in general to thrive going forward. “All arts entities face the challenge of developing and maintaining community support, especially from the younger members of the community,” she says. “That’s why Laby Harmony Project and any effort to bring quality music education to our youth is absolutely necessary.”

Betsy Chess

Betsy Blanchard was maybe nine years old when she and a few friends, one hot summer day in Santa Paula, decided to collect money to support the cerebral palsy school. They raised, and donated, all of three dollars. Still, that humble adventure became an entrée to a lifetime of community service for Betsy Blanchard Chess, a writer-journalist by trade and a valued public servant by acclamation. That includes three decades with New West Symphony, of which she has been an executive director, board member, Baton Society founder, and steadfast supporter. “We have achieved status as a fine regional symphony orchestra, with exceptional artistic leadership,” she says. “And I am especially proud of the good the orchestra does in our community.” As NWS executive director (1998-2002), Betsy started the Music Van outreach program to local schools, and has actively supported Symphonic Adventures and the Laby Harmony Project. “These outreach efforts enable young people who receive little or no music education in school to experience what it’s like to touch real instruments, to hear high quality music, and to learn to play instruments from professional instructors,” she says. “It helps them develop more skills, and builds their self-esteem.” The 30th anniversary celebrations of New West Symphony, the Ventura Music Festival and Focus on the Masters “represent the importance of arts in the community,” says Betsy. A lifelong advocate of the arts, she was one of the “Gang of Eight” who, in the 1990s, helped forge the merger of the Ventura County and Conejo Valley Symphonies into a single entity known as New West Symphony. “New West has evolved into a dynamic orchestra with many original members,” she says. “Under Michael Christie, we now have a concert repertoire that embraces multiple genres, of which our musicians are masters. That reflects our symphony’s ability to adjust and to serve the greater community — and that’s very satisfying.”

Dr. Paul Finkel

A love of science led him into medicine and a successful career as a nephrologist. A love of art led him to become an outstanding photographer and a devotee of classical music.

And a love — a passion, really — for helping others has led Dr. Paul Finkel to a life of supporting community causes in which he believes. That includes New West Symphony, for which Paul has been a devoted board member, board president and an extraordinarily generous steward of music.

As one exposed to symphonic music at an early age, this Chicago native and Westlake Village resident finds it “astonishing” that some children receive little or no music education without the support of New West Symphony’s outreach programs — especially when, he adds, the benefits of music extend far beyond the pure joy of entertainment.

Music, Paul asserts, has the power to strengthen and create vibrant communities through enhanced school retention, reduced crime, improved health care and heightened general aesthetic values. That is why he utilizes his expertise and passion for the arts to help make music accessible to all — and why he participates in NWS’ Legacy Society.

“By donating a portion of my estate,” he says, “I am creating a living legacy, like a tree that takes root and is enduring. If you enjoy the symphony, pay it forward and give what you can annually.” Paul feels blessed that he has met “many wonderful people” and developed strong friendships through his involvement with New West Symphony.

“It’s a treasure,” he says. “When you get older, it’s not so easy to make new friends. Meeting people who share a passion for symphonic music and the culture behind it, and who respect and help to nurture the many different gifts that a vibrant symphony brings to a community is truly a joy.”

Angelique Friend & David A. Esquibias, Esq.

Angelique Friend, a licensed professional fiduciary and founder of Probate Services, and David A. Esquibias, Esq., a certified specialist in estate planning, trust, and probate law with the Westlake Law Group, are dedicated community leaders whose professional work centers on service, integrity, and stewardship. For many years, they have extended that commitment to the arts through their generous support of the New West Symphony. Their advocacy and philanthropic leadership help strengthen the Symphony’s mission to bring exceptional performances and impactful education programs to audiences across our region.

Karen Dean Fritts and John Shwopes

She’s a psychologist and marriage and family therapist. He’s a former medical surgical supplies sales executive and real estate investor. They’re also parents and grandparents — enough careers and involvement for four or five people, let alone two. But for Karen Dean Fritts and John Shwope, approaching 40 years of marriage in 2026, their long involvement with New West Symphony is a blessing and treasure both unique and joy-filled.

“The idea of having joyful, magnificent music in our own backyard is so exciting,” says Karen. “Through music, New West Symphony brings together a community that is warm, inclusive, and furthers connections with a wide variety of people, which is vitally important in today’s world.”

“It’s a family atmosphere,” adds John of the camaraderie that New West Symphony has fostered among the orchestra and audiences. “There is pride in having a professional organization of high quality that is also local. And the connection among the board members, the staff, the orchestra members and the audience just feels much more personal and warm.”

John cites the tone set by Music Director Michael Christie as key to establishing and maintaining that personal connection. “Michael engages the audience during the performance, especially at intermission when he invites guest artists to answer questions from the audience. That makes the Symphony more accessible.”

Karen and John, both of whom played piano in their youth, have each served for many years on New West Symphony’s board of directors. And they strongly support the Symphony’s educational outreach efforts to community youth.

“My biggest connection to the Symphony has always been through its programs for the kids,” says John. “It is so important to see underserved kids receive music lessons through the Laby Harmony Project and learn from experienced professionals. It gives them another, more hopeful way of looking at the future.”

As a marriage and family therapist, Karen is a staunch proponent of making music more available for everyone.

“Since the beginning of humanity,” she says, “music has been so important to our development because it needs no interpretation. And it’s not ‘just’ an extracurricular activity; it is vital to the development of young brains. For children, music speaks to them in a language that brings them together, rather than separating them. Music provides an opportunity for all of us to come together without bias.”

John Hammer

New West Symphony celebrates John Hammer for his enduring passion for music and unwavering commitment to our artistic and education programs. Together with his late wife, Glenda, he supported the Symphony almost from its inception. An amateur guitarist, John’s love for music started in elementary school. John continues to dedicate himself to nurturing the Symphony’s growth and expanding its influence throughout the region.

A dedicated subscriber, John enjoys sharing his feedback about concerts with Artistic and Music Director Michael Christie and business operations with CEO Natalia Staneva, helping shape the Symphony’s direction in the post-pandemic era. New West Symphony is profoundly grateful for John’s generosity and unwavering dedication, which have been instrumental in its artistic growth. John and his partner Kathy Warnke have contributed time and resources to advance the Symphony in West Ventura County.

Cindy and Paul Idell

Paul grew up in New Jersey, while Cynthia (Cindy) spent her childhood in San Francisco and Tokyo. Despite their different backgrounds, they met at the Newark airport in New Jersey. Cindy was returning to California after attending a friend’s wedding, and Paul, who was in the U.S. Air Force and completing his doctorate in Electrical Engineering/Optics at Stanford, was also headed back to California after attending a conference.

In 1989, Cindy and Paul married. Paul is a Senior Technical Fellow at Boeing Corporation. Early in Cindy’s career, she worked as a programmer/analyst for Chevron Corporation and the University of New Mexico Medical Center.

Cindy and Paul have two sons. Philip, 34, who is the Assistant Band Director at Murrieta Vista High School, and David, 31, who has autism, and attends art programs for artists with developmental disabilities. Cindy devotes much of her time to caring for David and volunteering with David’s art programs, including Kindling Studios/Studio Channel Islands, and serves on the board of Open-Door Studios. Cindy has also played a vital role with the NWS League managing the technology behind the Symphony’s Silent and Live Auctions.

Cindy and Paul are donating in honor of Cindy’s parents Kazuko and Glen Fukuda, and her first piano teacher, Kewa Suzuki and her husband, Dr. Shig Suzuki, who all loved music and passed on this love to Cindy—who has shared it with Paul.
Cindy and Paul are deeply grateful to have the New West Symphony and its music education and outreach programs as part of their community. The New West Symphony Board of Directors and staff are proud to honor the Idells for their unwavering commitment and generosity.

Patricia and George Jones

That Patricia and George Jones share a love for good music — and New West Symphony — should surprise no one, least of all themselves.

It was George who, as a small boy in Michigan, curled up under his family’s piano while his father played Chopin “well into the night,” he remembers. “And because my dad was a great piano player, I’d always had an appreciation for classical music, even if I wasn’t a musician myself.”

And it was Patricia who learned to play piano and organ at age 9, still owns her family’s electronic piano and antique organ, and occasionally practices on a Steinway in the Jones’ living room. “Music is a passion,” she says, “and New West Symphony offers a wonderful way for both of us to be involved in supporting the arts in our community.”

The owner of a successful stock brokerage, George was on the original New West Symphony Board of Directors in 1995, having been introduced to the orchestra by a business friend with whom he played golf “and thought I could be a real asset,” he says. “And I support it to this day.”

After a brief retirement — “I got bored” — Patricia now serves as director of special projects for New West Symphony, “which, like me, is lucky to have her,” says George with a smile.

The Joneses have supported the symphony personally and through their former company, Home Helpers Home Care, which served more than 2,000 families over many years. (In fact, it was Dwight Brown, former NWS board chair, who purchased Home Helpers from the Joneses and encouraged Patricia to come back to work.)

“Many of our senior clients found solace in listening to classical music,” says Patricia. “Most of the assisted living locations always played classical music. Music is so deeply healing. People don’t always realize they need classical music until they hear it, until they feel it.”

No wonder, then, that both are enthusiastic New West Symphony supporters.

“I love the New West Symphony organization,” says Patricia, proudly. “I love our conductor, Michael Christie! I love the music! What more can I say?”

Eileen Laspa

A lifelong advocate for the arts but a relative newcomer to Ventura County, Eileen Laspa is nonetheless among the most enthusiastic supporters of New West Symphony.

“I like the way Michael Christie brings the concert programs together with different kinds of music influences and styles, dancing and singing and everything else,” says Eileen. “I like classical, of course, but the other music featured in the programs is important too.”

Like many patrons of New West Symphony, Eileen took piano lessons when she was younger, developing a love of good music. She and her late husband Jude were avid supporters of the San Francisco Ballet for more than 50 years while he was an executive with the global engineering firm Bechtel.

“I have always enjoyed the way music enters into dance,” says Eileen. “There is a wonderful connection between the two that makes each element greater than it would be by itself.” Eileen and Jude met as undergraduates at The Claremont Colleges — she at Scripps College, he at Harvey Mudd College — and married in 1967. The Scripps College Laspa Center for Leadership, dedicated to helping Scripps students develop the skills and connections crucial to making change in the world, is named in their honor.

After Jude died in December 2023, Eileen — living at University Village in Thousand Oaks, where New West Symphony presents featured artists prior to their concert performances — purchased season tickets for the Symphony.

“I had been looking for some musical involvement,” says Eileen, “and soon after I bought my tickets, I met Patricia Jones (NWS special projects director). She introduced me to more people, and now I have many new friends, in addition to enjoying the wonderful programs.”

To those who would wonder why they should support New West Symphony, or any artistic endeavor, Eileen suggests they think of the bigger picture.

“By becoming involved with New West Symphony,” she says, “you have the opportunity to make and establish something beautiful in the community. You will find your community to be richer through these opportunities, especially our youth who are served by the symphony’s outreach programs.

“The arts are very enriching for everyone. Through your support, you have an opportunity to make the arts, and these artists, meaningful in everyone’s lives. And it’s so simple to do.”

Phil and Cathy Lichtenberger

Phil and Cathy Lichtenberger are some of the newest members on the New West Symphony’s Board of Directors. They first began attending NWS concerts in the 1990s and love the innovative programming and direction the symphony has taken under the direction of Music Director, Michael Christie.

Cathy is a doctoral level Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Marriage and Family Therapist while Phil is a physicist with over 40 years of high-tech experience in operations, finance, sales and marketing, and engineering. Together, they created Mountain Light, Inc., a broad-based consulting agency. Mountain Light provides behavior consultation to help agencies better support individuals with developmental disabilities who display unsafe behaviors and skills deficits that negatively impact their lives. The agency also provides consultation to companies in business development, corporate planning and management, next generation technology development, and program management.

Phil and Cathy have been involved with music their whole lives. They both grew up listening to classical music and participating in music programs beginning in elementary school. Cathy played violin for several years and Phil played the cornet, piano, pipe organ and sang in church and school choirs through college.

Phil believes that music is a core foundation of human nature and expression and Cathy appreciates music’s ability to tap into feelings without the need for words. They were both attracted to NWS’s educational programs and outreach to the community. Supporting the New West Symphony is one of the ways that they choose to help make the world a better place.

Jeri Nowlen

At age 6, Jeri Nowlen sang her first solo in church. Whether or not that gave her any thoughts of pursuing a music career herself, it’s fair to say that music has been a big part of her life ever since.

“Throughout my life I’ve sung in choirs and chorus groups,” says Jeri. “I’ve always loved singing. And as a singer, I’m drawn to different styles of conducting, so I really enjoy watching the conductors during the concerts. I enjoy a variety of programing, which is what New West Symphony offers to the community.”

Jeri’s love for music continues today through her support of New West Symphony for the past two decades, ever since she and her husband Ed Schrillo were invited by friends to attend a Symphony concert. They soon became not only subscribers but avid supporters of the Symphony through the Schrillo Family Foundation. That support for New West Symphony continues, long after Ed passed away in 2016. “The Schrillo Family Foundation was created by Ed many years ago to support philanthropic interests of the family,” notes Jeri. “Originally education was its main focus. Through the years the focus has evolved and expanded into many areas of interest including the arts, including New West Symphony.”

For Jeri, her support of the Symphony is in some ways a “full circle” involvement. Born in Los Angeles, raised in Glendale and a graduate of a co-ed boarding school in Newbury Park, Jeri recalls driving by Jungleland USA, “which is the exact location of the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza,” on her way to and from school.

That memory alone gives her an appreciation for the importance of music and arts education to the community.

“All cultural centers and enterprises enhance the communities we live in and bring joy to our lives,” says Jeri. “Music and art education is essential on a community level, especially to our youth, since it has been severely limited in the public school system. New West Symphony’s outreach programs to local schools is a big reason why the Schrillo Family Foundation is involved.”

Anthony P. Spohr

Anthony Spohr was a naval officer when he met his late wife Kathy, who was a wonderful musician and earned a reputation of a gifted pianist with the rare ability to “play by ear”. He and Kathy got engaged after a whirlwind six months together. As newlyweds, Tony and Kathy lived in New York City for six years, during which time Anthony’s career involved business that led to international travel, including a three-month trip to South America. In 1973, Tony’s career as a certified public accountant brought the couple to the San Francisco Bay Area, where they lived for 47 years and supported music organizations in the area. In 2023, Anthony brought his family to the New West Symphony’s inaugural Summerfest and immediately after purchased a subscription to the New West Symphony and joined our esteemed class of 30 for 30 supporters. New West Symphony celebrates Anthony and his commitment to our artistic growth.

Michele and Dr. Russell Spoto

“Our support of the New West Symphony is predicated upon the premise that a local symphony orchestra is a major enhancement to the community and its surrounding region,” say the Spotos.

Certainly, the expertise and quality of the conductor and musicians of a symphony is critical to enriching a region’s culture. But Russell and Michele believe it is just as important to a symphony’s success that its conductor, board of directors and professional staff engage with the diverse community it serves in developing and presenting suitable repertoire.

“Within the ever-changing genre of music, it has become increasingly more challenging, especially for the music director, to meet the audience’s expectations,” they point out. “However, the New West Symphony is unique in this capability. Michael Christie, a creative conductor; Natalia Staneva, a very experienced and talented CEO; and a dynamic board of directors have been able to attract extraordinarily talented musicians and maintain the necessary high quality of music demanded by our sophisticated community.”

Equally important, they add, are the associated social activities provided by the NWS productions. “They provide the necessary social interactions that benefit not only the Symphony but also the participants in building relationships and inspiring symphonic support.”

The Spotos have been active in the Conejo Valley since their arrival in 1968, when Russell, a general and oncological surgeon, became a founder of Los Robles Hospital (now Regional Medical Center). Russell served as president of the Ventura County Medical Society and a leader of the Ventura Medical Foundation, while Michele, an elementary school teacher, served in the religious education department of St. Paschal Baylon Church and volunteered in many other school and community activities.

Both were active supporters of the Conejo Symphony prior to the founding of NWS, and Russell served as a NWS board member until 2024. He also was a founder of the Thousand Oaks Cultural Center, and chairman of its fundraising organization, the Alliance for the Arts.

“We believe the Conejo Valley is a great community in which to raise a family,” say Russell and Michele, who celebrate 65 years of marriage on June 18, 2025. “We have strongly supported and attempted to enhance it through the various agencies we feel are existential to its growth and survival.

Mucci Taylor

Music, says Mucci Taylor, is like breathing.

“Music is so important to life, to our whole environment and well-being,” she says. “Life without music is like life with no flowers; it’s so barren. Good classical music is vital for the human soul and for the collective soul of the community.”

Little wonder, then, that this native of Tokyo has been a devoted supporter of New West Symphony since moving to Thousand Oaks in 2009.

“I want music to thrive in our community,” says Mucci. “Music is a part of who we are as people, and I like the direction Michael Christie and Natalia Staneva are taking the New West Symphony. Even during the time of Covid, they pulled us through with some innovative ways of presenting concerts and keeping quality music in front of us.”

Mucci’s love of art and music began when she was very young. “My mother was a concert pianist in Japan,” she says, “and two of my aunts were always playing classical music in the house. From the time I was 4 or 5, this music was part of my daily life. I listened to Mozart, Beethoven, Verdi, Liszt, Brahms, all the great composers.”

Like her mother, she became a pianist, and would often practice for four to six hours a day, with multiple performances along the way, “but I ‘retired’ from that,” she says with a laugh. “Now I am playing guitar — anything and everything, from jazz to blues and more.” After Mucci and her husband were married, they came to Los Angeles, where they attended and supported L.A. Opera (“my first love,” smiles Mucci) and the L.A. Philharmonic.

“When we moved to Thousand Oaks, we were so happy to discover New West Symphony,” she says. “They had a great director in Boris Brott, and there was no other music programming in this area of such high quality. And now, the current director, Michael Christie is just fantastic; he gives very good explanations, from the podium, to help people understand how important music is to living and to culture.”

Like many NWS benefactors, Mucci is happy to support the Symphony’s outreach programs to the community, especially arts education in the schools.

“It is absolutely necessary,” she asserts, lauding the Laby Harmony Project which enables professional musicians to teach instruments to children who wouldn’t otherwise have that opportunity. “It builds children’s appreciation for music other than what they might normally hear on the radio or on their phones. And they realize that music touches them emotionally; it can bring you through the ups and downs of life.”

Anthony Vasquez

Throughout his education, particularly during physical therapy school at Cal State Northridge, Anthony Vasquez frequently turned to classical music as a source of focus and motivation. Little surprise, then, that this co-owner of Westlake Physical Therapy is an avid supporter of New West Symphony.

“The New West Symphony serves as a vital cultural cornerstone, bringing world-class music and enriching artistic experiences to our region,” says Anthony. “Beyond performances, the Symphony provides meaningful educational programs that introduce young people, including those from underserved communities, to the transformative power of music. These efforts help cultivate curiosity, confidence and creativity in the next generation.”

A San Diego native, Anthony earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Business and Physical Therapy. He was a physical therapist at Westlake Hospital and Los Robles Regional Medical Center before co-founding Westlake Physical Therapy in 2001.

His involvement with New West Symphony began several years ago as a volunteer for the Winterfest committee. “That experience allowed me to witness firsthand the dedication and passion that drives this organization,” he says.

Shortly thereafter, Anthony was invited to join NWS’ board of directors, eventually serving as treasurer, and then board chair. “I feel honored to contribute to its continued growth and impact,” he says. “More recently, I have enjoyed learning to play the piano, which has deepened my appreciation for the art form.”
“I also value the creativity and vision of our Artistic & Music Director, Michael Christie. His thoughtful programming and artistic leadership continuously elevate the Symphony’s performances, and inspire both our musicians and our audiences.”

He especially enjoys the opportunity to engage deeply with the local community through his involvement with New West Symphony. “Whether I am collaborating with fellow board members or connecting with patrons at concerts and events,” he notes, “I find great fulfillment in the shared appreciation for music.”

And Anthony is a steadfast believer in the importance of music and arts education to the community.

“Music and arts education fosters a profound sense of well-being and shared identity within a community,” he says.
“The arts bring people together, bridging backgrounds and experiences while encouraging expression, empathy and connection. When communities invest in cultural and artistic learning, they strengthen not only individual lives but also the collective spirit that binds us all.”

 

Debra and Paul Vaughan

After living six years in Poulsbo, Washington, a quaint community (pop. 13,000) known as “Little Norway” on Puget Sound, Paul and Debra Vaughan returned three years ago to Thousand Oaks, where they’d lived for 20 years previous. It was a good decision, and New West Symphony is a principal reason why.

“We didn’t realize how much we would miss the great weather and culturally enriching life we had come to know in Southern California,” says Paul. “When we returned to Thousand Oaks, we quickly subscribed to the New West Symphony concerts. And we enjoy the music programming tremendously. It is fresh, innovative and varied.”

“It’s fun to see what Michael Christie comes up with,” adds Debra. “He combines unusual and traditional music selections with different visual arts — slide shows, dancers, readings, sing-alongs, or circus acts.”

The first NWS concert the Vaughans attended, in fact, featured Joseph Sohm’s “Visions Across America,” set to music by Roger Kellaway. “I had never seen anything like that before,” notes Debra. “It was so moving and breathtaking.”

Having had season tickets to Camerata Pacifica and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra before moving to Washington, the Vaughans are happy to have quality music close to home. “Too often we have to spend lots of time traveling to quality cultural events,” says Paul, “but New West Symphony provides high quality symphonic performances in our own backyard.”

Both have enjoyed successful careers. Paul is a systems engineer with more than 50 years of designing and operating communications systems, while Debra is a retired speech therapist who worked with severely handicapped students from preschool through eighth grade.

Both are also musicians themselves (Paul on guitar, Debra on piano) who appreciate NWS’ variety of activities and outreach programs oriented to local youth, and the inclusion of local music and dance organizations who have the opportunity to perform with a professional orchestra.

“New West Symphony doesn’t just sell tickets and play music,” says Paul. “They educate, engage and encourage the next generation of music lovers, singers, musicians and dancers.”

And they enjoy the camaraderie offered through NWS.

“The people involved with the symphony are kind and interesting people with a love of music and the arts,” says Debra. “I believe music and the arts are vital to a society culturally, intellectually and emotionally. Music opens our minds and hearts to beauty and brings people together.”

Miriam Wille

(In Memoriam)

By Daughter Karen Farrington

She was an accomplished portrait artist, but to anyone connected with New West Symphony, Miriam Chase Wille will always be remembered as a lifelong lover and tireless supporter of classical music.

And although she passed on February 4, just one day after turning 100, Miriam has left a lasting impression on those who believe music is integral to the life and soul of a community. That extends to her three children, Allison Roberts, Karen Farrington and Robert Wille, who hosted a 100th birthday celebration for their mom the day before she passed.

“Our mother encouraged music with all three of her children who participated in the standard piano lessons and played with the school’s band,” says Karen. “It is certainly part of our lives, and each of us feels a deep connection to our mother when we hear orchestral music begin to play.”

As a young girl whose parents established Chase Bros. Dairy in Oxnard, Miriam studied piano in a home filled with classical music, and attended Pomona College to study music to fulfill her lifetime dream of becoming a concert pianist.

Although that dream never materialized, she continued to love symphonic music and was a season ticket holder to the LA Philharmonic for much of her life until she moved back to Ventura County in 1978 where she lived the rest of her life.

In the late 1980s, Miriam joined the board of the Ventura Symphony Orchestra, and was instrumental in helping facilitate the merger with Conejo Valley Symphony that established the New West Symphony in 1995. She served many years on the NWS board, including terms as president and secretary, and throughout her life was a passionate student and patron of art, music, travel and culture, as well as a leader and champion of philanthropy, family businesses, and those in need.

What did Miriam enjoy most about her involvement with New West Symphony?

“The opportunity to bring music to schools and inspire young people to enjoy classical music,” says Karen. “Miriam did not want to see this type of music die from lack of understanding and appreciation. Therefore, bringing music to children was her passion. In addition, she loved the people involved with New West Symphony and the community they created.