Indiana University Jacobs School of Music has launched a new outreach initiative that will bring its ballet, opera, and instrumental performances to communities throughout Indiana. The program aims to provide students with real-world touring experience while expanding cultural opportunities for audiences across the state.
Thomas Kernan, the Ted Jones Assistant Dean for Artistic Operations at the Jacobs School, is leading the effort in collaboration with arts leaders statewide. Ahead of the first performance under this initiative—an opera adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Mansfield Park” scheduled for February at Indianapolis’ Madam Walker Legacy Center—Kernan discussed the goals and vision for this new program.
“When Abra Bush arrived as dean of Jacobs about three years ago, she noticed the volume of activity we were already doing across the state. Our music education faculty had some excellent outreach efforts, such as the Jacobs Virtual Academy, which was already active in several regions. So, when my position was created to oversee our performance, ensemble and production portfolio, the idea was to strengthen both on-campus and off-campus efforts,” Kernan said.
“Our goal is to train artists who aren’t limited to just one venue but are prepared for international careers. It’s important for students to gain real-world experience performing in different settings. It’s about offering realistic training for students and making Jacobs’ work accessible to people across the state.”
Kernan emphasized that each partnership is tailored to meet local needs: “We’re working with each partner campus to understand what musical or artistic activities would be most helpful locally. For example, Jacobs did a chamber music performance in Kokomo a few years ago, and it was very well received. Now there’s interest in having more regular events that connect with alumni or local community groups.”
He added that at IU Southeast’s Ogle Center—a venue known for hosting regional symphonies—the school will present a family concert version of “Peter and the Wolf,” conducted by faculty member Thomas Wilkins. This event could not be included in Bloomington’s season schedule but found a place through this outreach initiative.
At IU East in Richmond, Chancellor Dennis Rome has strengthened ties between campus and local arts organizations by joining the board of the Richmond Symphony. Many Jacobs students and alumni perform with this orchestra, further supporting regional cultural life.
“In short, we’re tailoring each collaboration based on what works best for that campus and community,” Kernan said.
The initial focus is on Indiana University’s regional campuses due to their available performance spaces and established communities. However, Kernan noted flexibility: “If it ends up being more helpful to expand beyond IU campuses, we’re open to that. And if we find a campus is overburdened by logistics, we’ll adapt. The key is to be flexible and supportive, both for Jacobs and for each host site.”
Regarding upcoming events: “Yes [the Madam Walker Legacy Center opera] is [the first performance]. We’re presenting ‘Mansfield Park’ by English composer Jonathan Dove. It’s based on the Jane Austen novel and is part of our celebration of the 250th anniversary of Austen’s birth in 2025.”
“We’re opening it on Valentine’s Day weekend here in Bloomington, and it will be at Madam Walker the following weekend,” he continued. “When we had the opportunity to pair a Victorian romance novel for a Jane Austen anniversary on Valentine’s Day weekend and take it on tour, that was like stars aligning.”
“It’s a chamber opera…our students get two very different performance experiences: one in a grand hall, and one closer to what the composer likely envisioned.”
For those interested in collaborating or hosting performances from Jacobs School of Music: “The best point of contact would be our development team,” Kernan said. “They’re already engaged with leaders across the state and can connect interested parties to the right people within Jacobs.”
He concluded: “Yes: Jacobs is very interested in hearing ideas.”
