New Horizons Orchestra, in Bloomington, Indiana is an adult beginner orchestra that provides a welcoming space for individuals of all ages to explore the joy of making music. It’s never too late to learn an instrument—whether you're picking up the violin, viola, cello, or bass for the first time, or returning with some prior experience, our program is designed to meet you where you are. We strive to make the orchestra approachable for everyone, creating a safe and supportive environment where people feel encouraged to explore a new path and discover the joy of music-making. Members learn foundational skills, including playing their instrument, reading music, and collaborating within an ensemble. At the end of each session, we showcase our progress with a concert for friends and family, celebrating our hard work and growth as musicians. Together, we create a supportive community that fosters learning, growth, and plenty of fun along the way!
New Horizons
Academy faculty
Audrey Jo Williams is the co-director of New Horizons and the owner of Music with Audrey studio in Bloomington. She teaches violin, cello, and upright bass, and has been teaching in Bloomington since 2010. She graduated from the Eastman School of Music with a Bachelor's in performance and music education. She was formerly the interim director and a faculty member at Luzerne Music Center. She regularly freelances in Bloomington and the surrounding area.
Andrea Kleesattel is a cellist and music educator. She is a former member of several professional orchestras in the USA and Japan and has performed in solo and chamber concerts around the world. She is an experienced Suzuki teacher with training in Dalcroze and movement practices.
Safe Jassani is a multi-faceted musician and music educator. He is currently pursuing a master's degree and serving as an Associate Instructor in music education at Indiana University. Safe has a diverse history in performance and education, and graduated with a degree in Violin Performance from Oberlin Conservatory.
Erica Ogihara completed her Suzuki Teacher Training in books 1-8 with Pamela Devenport and 9-10 with Tanya Carey. She is a Doctoral student at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and is faculty at the Jacobs String Academy. She also holds degrees from The Juilliard School and Oberlin Conservatory.
For more information, please contact musicsp@iu.edu.
Interested in our Summer Strings Retreat?
Visit the websiteSchedule and location
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 1 | Registration and payment due |
| September 8 | Rehearsals begin |
| November 24 | Thanksgiving Break, no rehearsal |
| December 15 | Rehearsals conclude; Final concert |
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 5 | Registration and payment due |
| January 12 | Rehearsals begin |
| March 16 | Spring Break, no rehearsal |
| April 20 | Rehearsals conclude; Final concert |
Meeting schedule: Mondays, 6-8 PM (upper level)
Location: Faith Lutheran Church (2200 S High St., Bloomington, IN 47401)
Beginners are not accepted in the Spring semester. If you are new to an instrument, please wait until Fall 2026 to join.
For further questions regarding the program, please contact co-directors Audrey Williams and Andrea Kleesattel at newhorizonsbloomington@gmail.com.
Program tuition
Tuition:
- $220
- $50 non-refundable enrollment deposit due at registration (credited towards tuition). If you do not wish to pay tuition in full at the time of initial registration, please do not select the tuition option prior to completing registration, however tuition must be paid in full by the payment deadline in order to participate in the program.
Financial Aid
- Those looking to apply for need-based financial aid should indicate their intent to do so on their program registration form.
- The participant must complete the Financial Aid application and submit the required supporting documents to the Jacobs Academy Office via a provided secure upload link.
- The Jacobs Academy Coordinator will contact you if further supporting documentation is needed for the committee review.
*Please be aware that late applications for financial aid will not be accepted.
Financial Aid Application Deadline: January 5, 2026
How to apply
- Registration: Complete the online registration form. No auditions are necessary to join.
- Payment: Accepting payment via credit card or check. Please do not send checks or any other forms of payment to the Office of Jacobs Academy.
Once you have completed the previous steps, please submit the Participant Agreement Form
Cancellation Policy: Click here for our most up to date cancellation policy.