New Horizons Summer 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.

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.  

Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Stephanie Heidemann was raised
in Venezuela, Australia, and Germany. Stephanie studied classical piano
through childhood, and voice with Brenda Boozer, Mezzo-Soprano,
Metropolitan Opera. She toured nationally with world music a
cappella quartet, VIDA (IMG-Artists) led by Moira Smiley from 1994-
2001, and performed as lead vocalist in The Resonance Project, as
well as recorded / collaborated with many artists (world, folk, R&B,
new age). Her first solo album, The Cantiga Project, a tribute of 13c
Spanish devotionals was highlighted on NPR’s All Songs Considered.
She is currently working on her second album, Starseed, in Brown
County, Indiana. Stephanie is the pioneer of an expressive arts
therapy modality called Authentic Voicework®: Yoga of the Voice
and teaches workshops and retreats regularly. She has led
workshops as extensively as Sweden and Peru and is currently
working towards her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a
specialization in Music Therapy from Lesley University.

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

 Practicing the art of living an authentic life through vocalizing, breathwork and singing

With Stephanie Heidemann, Teaching Artist / Singer

Authentic Voicework® is a playful and powerful modality of vocal expression that yields to a more authentic and empowered life. This philosophy and expressive arts modality challenges our programming around how much we let voice and our authentic self be seen and heard; explores the connection to the authentic self through vocalizing; and engages community in a one-of-a-kind way.

Founded in very basic singing techniques, expressive arts therapy theory, kundalini and Nāda yoga, you may find this modality similar to kirtan (non-traditionally), satsang, yoga, singing circles, music therapy, spiritual ritual and meditation.

The voice is an extension of your body and breath, and when inhibited, singing can move your essence to flow and be shared with the world. Using the voice as the focal point of this yogic-like practice deepens our awareness and invites wisdom to transform your actions, and your life.

Singing connects us with our breath, the body, and can guide us into meditative states. It connects us with others by bringing the spark of deeper presence, intimacy, and authentic connection with others.

Authentic Voicework guides you through the process of connecting with your own voice as an energetic channel in motion. The practice helps us acknowledge the empowered sacred creator that we are and allows the vibrance of our authentic self to move through us with love, joy, creativity, and trust.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

· Get to know your voice – assessing your relationship with your voice, restoring empowerment

· Discover your voice as a barometer

· Build awareness of your body as an instrument and vehicle of expression

· Learn the anatomy of your voice

· Cultivate a new relationship with your voice

· Experience altered states of consciousness through singing

· Learn how to build a “yoga of the voice” practice

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. 

2025 Schedule TBD

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

2025 Fees

  • Early bird tuition (Must register before July 11): $180
  • Standard tuition: $200
    • $100 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.
  • Guest Fee (For anyone accompanying a full attendee): $35

Optional: Housing and Meals

Single room (Includes all meals): $350

Double room (Includes all meals): $280

Commuter meals (Includes dinner on Friday and lunch on Saturday and Sunday): $65

Deadlines

  • Registration: August 1
  • Payment: August 14

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.

Register for Summer 2025

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