For the past 11 years, the same face has been teaching and directing NAHS’ Orchestra, and now, as of March 1, a new face is seen on the podium conducting.

Mr. Michael Klinberg is the new orchestra teacher and is already diving head first into the role.

“I didn’t want to cancel [any of our activities], like going to ISSMA in April, that’s something I looked forward to when I was a kid and I didn’t want to take that away from the student here.” Klinberg said.

ISSMA, the Indiana State School Music Association, is a competition for both middle and high school students to have a chance to perform and win awards and or medals.

Klinberg isn’t new to town. He grew up in Louisville and has been learning the violin since sixth grade. He’s been around, going to Indiana University and studying at Jacobs school of Music. After getting multiple majors in violin performance and music education, he decided he really was interested in teaching.

“I realized I liked teaching so much while I was getting my undergrad and was complaining that I wasn’t doing enough of it,” Klinberg said. “Too much music theory and too much music history and too much music performance. I was just really excited to teach.”

Along with the orchestra classes, Klinberg is also teaching piano classes Mrs. Angela Thomas, the previous orchestra director, taught and says the students enjoy having time to practice more.

“I’m not as familiar with piano so I get to learn piano from my studies, so at least I know what I am doing,” Klinberg said. “I didn’t know that I would have to be teaching piano [but] I think the students have enjoyed getting to practice and [work from the book].”

Klinberg found an art he enjoyed and it led him to a profession. “I really liked playing and I did festivals and [took] lessons; when I finished high school I decided to go into college to study music and be a professional.”

While being apart of these activities, Klinberg also finds fun activities outside of the building including video games and baking.

“I do genuinely enjoy [playing video games]. We stigmatize playing video games and I don’t know why,” Klinberg said. “I think realistically it’s just as much of an art form as anything else we do. When I play games I enjoy it on both levels, like it’s fun but I also love seeing how creative people have been in using that medium to tell a story in the same way we are using our musical instruments to tell a story. We’re doing the same thing and it’s kind of inspirational.”

Klinberg says every weekend his long distance friend and him pick something new to bake and this last baking meet up they tried making matcha cream puffs.

“[It was] my first time making a cream puff. You know what, two of the 35 were great!” Klinberg said laughing.

“[One goal is to] rehearse this music to the level where we are going to feel confident and accomplished and successful and get that experience that music is all about.” Klinberg said.

Klinberg says that he has other goals in mind for this new adventure as well. He wants to get to know everyone in terms of how they play, what they want to learn, and what their goals are.

“I ended up at New Albany High School because I was finishing my music degree and just happened to [be a student teacher] at Floyd Central, and because of all of these amazing connections I made, and of how good of a job I did, when this position opened up everyone was like ‘It has to be you!’ So I applied and here I am. I left and came back.”

Mr. Klinberg is keen on making sure that the transition between teachers and the rest of the year goes smoothly. He wants to make sure students don’t miss too much because he knows these opportunities both in and out of school are important to the students.

“[Orchestra] is building something together as a community and just becoming better people,” Klinberg said. “Realistically, the main goal is building respect and getting to know everyone, making sure everyone is heard, feel safe, that they’re enjoying being here.”

It’s been a few weeks since Mrs. Thomas has left the building and new roots are already forming. Klinberg says Mrs. Thomas is always with him and the students whenever they need her, for questions, support, or a simple hello.

“She is always with me and always with us because when I have a problem [I can] ask her something and she’s always available,” Klinberg said. “That’s something not everyone will get and I’m really thankful for that.

“I’m grateful for this position, and I’m incredibly grateful for Mrs. Thomas, who has taken out of her life beyond starting a new career, and we know how stressful that is for her, to help me get my bearings. I’m really thankful for [Mrs. Thomas]. She should be recognized for the mark she has left in this community. I’m just doing my best to fill her very big shoes.”