Frederick West has become the new director of San Juan Singers, following the retirement of Angel Michaels and Eleanor Bennett-White. West brings his experience of decades of professional choral conducting in Seattle, including composing, arranging, and considerable cultural research; he plays multiple instruments and also leads the annual Orca Sing on the island.

West is planning a Celtic Christmas concert to be held in Brickworks on Dec. 19 and 20, complete with an Uillean pipes player, Step dancers, marimba playing, local musicians, accompanist Jenepher Reeves and more.

The Island Choral Association introduced West to the Singers, some of whom met with him recently to sing some of his music and enjoy his professional conducting and warm personal style. They came away much enthused about participating again in fall weekly rehearsals, beginning Wednesday, Sept. 9 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at St. David’s Episcopal church. Singers interested in joining are warmly welcomed. New singers may meet with West at 6 p.m.