About.

Musicians with mandolins, a harp, and an upright bass stand in front of an organ dressed in medieval costumes

Founded in 2023, the Columbus Mandolin Orchestra’s mission is to share the music and tradition of the mandolin and the plucked instrument family with the community, to provide instruments and music education, and to aid in the resurgence of the instrument’s popularity with a versatile repertoire that traverses genres and time periods.

Contact Us.

Have a question or want to get involved? Whether you’re interested in performing, volunteering, attending a concert, or bringing the orchestra to your event, we’d love to hear from you. Send us a message and we’ll get back to you soon.

Accessibility.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience for all individuals, including people with disabilities. Our website provides information about programs and services that are accessible to individuals with disabilities, and we strive to make this information clear and easy to access.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to access or participate in any of our programs, services, activities, or events, please submit a request directly through the Contact Form available on this website. When submitting your request, please provide information about the accommodation you need and the program, service, activity, or event for which the accommodation is requested.

Accommodation Request Timeline: Whenever possible, accommodation requests should be submitted through the Contact Form at least [insert number] business days in advance of the program, service, activity, or event. Requests received with less notice will be considered, and reasonable efforts will be made to provide the requested accommodation.

We are committed to responding to accommodation requests in a timely manner and working with individuals to provide reasonable access to our programs and services.

Musicians with stringed instruments perform with a conductor

Meet the musicians.

First Mandolin:

Julia Cloud, Nicole Cunningham, Haley Drake, John Heichelbech

Second Mandolin:

Nick Crisafulli, Zack Ellison, Emily Bohall, Liz Bohall

Mandola:

Eric Jarboe

Mandocello:

Carol Corbeels

Guitar:

Barney Quick

Harp:

Joan Poulsen

Bass:

Nisa Hensley

Conductor:

Jenny Heichelbech

Our History

Founded in 2023 by John Heichelbech, the Columbus Mandolin Orchestra aims to introduce the tradition of the plucked string orchestra to Columbus, IN and surrounding communities. The orchestra regularly performs across the Midwest, showcasing a wide variety of repertoire including classical, folk, and bluegrass. The CMO frequently hosts world-renowned guest artists like Italian mandolin virtuoso, Carlo Aonzo.

Musicians with mandolins and an upright bass sit in an auditorium smiling at the camera

Board of Directors.

  • Man with short white-grey hair smiling and holding the neck of an upright bass

    John Heichelbech

    FOUNDER & PRESIDENT

  • Woman with short, curly brown hair, glasses and a black t-shirt

    Charity Cloud

    VICE PRESIDENT

  • Woman with long, straight brown hair and glasses holding a mandolin

    Nicole Cunningham

    SECRETARY

  • Woman with long brown hair smiling behind a harp

    Joan Poulsen

    TREASURER