David West is a versatile and accomplished conductor, cellist, educator, and founder of numerous influential music initiatives in New York City. He has served as the Director of Orchestras and Chamber Music at Celia Cruz High School of Music since 2005, where he has inspired and mentored countless young musicians, fostering a deep appreciation for classical music while encouraging creative expression. Since 2022 he has been the Principal Conductor of the All-City Orchestra, a group that brings together some of the best musicians from all NYC Dept of Education high schools. He is excited to join the team at New York Youth Symphony’s Crescendo Program as Assistant Conductor in Fall 2025.

Throughout his career Mr. West has explored the power of bringing people together through the shared joy of music and self-improvement. He is a founding chair of the Bronx Orchestra Festival, bringing together over 300 string players in shared music making every Spring. He is a founding member of the Summer Strings Program at Celia Cruz High School every July, offering 4-12 graders free access to an intensive music camp experience at any level of playing and experience. He has led numerous String Summits, bringing high school-aged students from different locations and backgrounds together in music-making through shared repertoire and collaborative rehearsals.

As a clinician and mentor to other teachers, Mr. West has served as Citywide Facilitator in Music for the Dept of Education. He has presented in city and state conferences on deepening community and building character in students through performances and chamber music both in and out of school.

A passionate advocate for chamber music, Mr. West was the founder and cellist of the New York Chamber Collective from 2018 to 2022. This ensemble focused on creating intimate, themed concerts that brought classical music into the heart of New York’s diverse neighborhoods. From 2013 to 2019, he was also a founding member of the Lehman String Quartet, performing across New York City within the city’s vibrant chamber music scene.

With a deep belief in the transformative power of music, Mr. West is dedicated to exploring how music can touch and connect people in uniquely personal ways, both through his performances and his teaching.