The JMU Symphony is the premier orchestra within the School of Music at James Madison University. Membership is open, through the audition process, to all JMU students who attend the University. String sections include music majors, music minors, as well as other/non-major students. Wind, Brass and Percussion sections are made up of some of the School of Music's top music majors. This select group of 70-80 musicians presents approximately seven to ten performances during each academic year. Music programmed is challenging, and covers a broad range of time periods and nationalistic styles.

The JMU Symphony has made numerous appearances at VMEA, Virginia’s state Music Conference, and also participates annually, in conjunction with Carnegie Hall (NY) in their “LinkUp” Youth Concert series. The Symphony is, at present, the only university orchestra consistently invited to participate in the program. Major works recently performed include: Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite, Respighi’s Pines of Rome, Tchaikowsky Symphonies 4 and 5, Mahler’s Symphony No. 5, Shostakovitch Symphony 5, Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana (with the JMU Choral Area) and Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2.For additional information, contact Dr. Kira Omelchenko, Director of Orchestras at: omelchkl@jmu.edu.

Ensemble Audition Information

The JMU Chamber Orchestra is comprised of string, wind, brass, and percussion musicians, and presents up to 4 performances each year. Membership is open, through the audition process, to all students regardless of major looking for an opportunity to continue playing at JMU. Works programmed include compositions from the Baroque, Classical, early 19^th century, as well as chamber orchestral works of the 20th century. In addition, the Chamber Orchestra spends substantial time each semester reading a variety of other works, providing the members exposure to literature from a broad range of composers and styles.For additional information, contact Dr. Kira Omelchenko, Director of Orchestras at: omelchkl@jmu.edu.

Ensemble Audition Information

The Opera Orchestra serves as the accompanying ensemble for staged productions within the School of Music and the School of Theatre and Dance. Enrollment in this course will be open to all students at the university. Prerequisite: Students will be admitted to the ensemble on an audition basis.For additional information, contact Dr. Kira Omelchenko, Director of Orchestras at: omelchkl@jmu.edu.

Fall 2024 Opera: The Little Prince by Rachel Portman & Nicholas Wright