New Horizons Strings Retreat

Academy faculty

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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.

 

Sarah Strickland is a violinist/violist/pianist, conductor, and music educator. She has taught music in NY, MI, PR, and TN. A trained Suzuki teacher, Sarah maintains private studios of violin, viola, and piano students in Bloomington, Plainfield, and on Zoom. She has a passion for working with adult learners.

Jonathan Conjurske holds degrees in oboe performance from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire and the University of Michigan. He trained to teach the Alexander Technique at Alexander Technique Ann Arbor with Jane Ruby Heirich. He lectures on the Technique at the Jacobs School of Music and teaches in private practice.

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Julian Douglas, a Remo Health Rhythms-trained facilitator and Indiana Arts Commission On-Ramp Fellow, has 25 years’ experience leading drum and dance circles. He draws from global traditions, blending creativity with rhythm. A performer, teacher, and composer, Julian inspires connection and celebrates individual musical expression.  

Maggie Polk-Olivo teaches music at Fairview Elementary School, home of the Fairview Violin Project. Olivo directs the Jacobs Academy Musical Beginnings program and Bridges Musical Arts Youth Organization. She has presented and led workshops on creative music making at IMEA, ASTA, and the Rocky Ridge Music Center in Colorado.

Workshops

Immerse yourself in rhythm and rediscover music in a whole new way! In this engaging workshop, Julian brings an array of drums to help participants connect with the beat on a deeper, more physical level. Step away from your usual instrument and explore the energy of rhythm through drumming. Julian will guide you in playing rhythms directly from the pieces we’re learning at the retreat, allowing you to hear and feel the music in its purest form. This unique experience will enhance your understanding of timing and rhythm, offering a fresh perspective to bring back to your instrument. No prior drumming experience is needed—just a willingness to feel the beat!

Musicians will explore music composition and theory with instruments in hand while improvising and creating their own group music composition.

Principles from the Alexander Technique will provide practical ways to move with more freedom and ease both in string playing and everyday life. Participants will be invited to become more intentional with movement through a variety of fun games and activities. We will discuss how our mind and body can work in harmony, allowing us to approach and perform tasks with greater joy, strength, flexibility, and ease. 

2026 Schedule

Fall 2026 schedule coming soon

Proficiency level

Interested applicants should have the following instrument proficiency:

  • Violin - G Major scale (2-octaves; starting from open G string)
  • Viola - C Major scale (2 octaves; starting from open C string)
  • Cello - C Major scale (2 octave; starting from open C string)
  • Bass - G Major scale (2 octaves; starting from open E string, finger 2)

Fees and deadlines

Fees and deadlines for Fall 2026 are coming soon!

How to apply

  1. Eligibility: An immersive strings experience for intermediate to advanced adult students; must meet the criteria outlined in Proficiency level.
  2. Application process: To apply, please complete the online registration form. Late applications accepted pending available space.
  3. Payment: Accepting payment via credit card or check. Questions regarding payment should go to IU Conferences at iuconfs@iu.edu.
  4. Cancellation Policy: Click here for our most up to date cancellation policy.

Registration for Fall 2026 coming soon

Once you have completed the previous steps, please submit the Participant Agreement Form