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.
Mark Jalkut is pursuing degrees in Music Education and Viola Performance at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, where he studies viola under Stephen Wyrczynski. He has also studied violin and viola pedagogy with Mimi Zweig and has taught private lessons through the Jacobs String Academy. As both a performer and educator, Mark is passionate about fostering creativity, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts in musicians of all ages.
Gabriel Harris is a doctoral student and Associate Instructor of Double Bass at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. He is also a Teaching Fellow at Interlochen Arts Camp and double bass instructor at the IU Summer Music Clinic. He holds degrees from IU, Manhattan School of Music, and SUNY Purchase.
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.
Schedule and location
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 4 | Registration and payment due |
| January 11 | Rehearsals begin |
| March 15 | No rehearsal; Spring Break |
| April 19 | Final Rehearsal |
| Saturday, April 24 | End of Session Concert |
Spring meeting schedule: Mondays, 6-8 PM (upper level)
Location: Faith Lutheran Church (2200 S High St., Bloomington, IN 47401)
For further questions regarding the program, please contact director Audrey Williams at newhorizonsbloomington@gmail.com.
Program tuition
Tuition:
- Spring: $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.
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.