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The JMU Jazz Ensemble was founded in 1971 and membership in each is determined by audition each semester. JMU jazz groups have performed at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’ Terrace Theater, Montreux International Jazz and Blues Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival and VMEA annual convention.

The JMU Jazz Band was founded in 1971 and membership is determined by audition each semester. JMU jazz groups have performed at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’ Terrace Theater, Montreux International Jazz and Blues Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival and VMEA annual convention. The JMU Jazz Band is under the direction of Greg Thomas.

The JMU Symphonic Band is under the direction of Christopher Cicconi; The JMU Concert Band is the band program's largest non-auditioned concert ensemble, under the direction of Amy Birdsong.

Acclaimed cellist Mairi Dorman-Phaneuf has established a stellar career in New York City as a solo, chamber, Broadway, and recording artist. In Cello Stories: A Life Under Broadway Dorman-Phaneuf mesmerizes audiences with her heavenly musical prowess and exquisite arrangements for cello and piano, coupled with captivating and funny stories about her life as a Broadway musician! Since 2003, she has held chairs in 20 Broadway shows including Sunday in the Park with George, Parade, and A Little Night Music. Her debut solo album, Music of Broadway for Cello and Piano, was released in 2021 and garnered rave reviews. “Her tone is a direct hit to the soul. She is simply the best!” (Birdland Jazz Club) Following her sold-out debut at Birdland Jazz Club (2019), she continues to present headlining shows featuring many of Broadway’s greatest stars.

The Madison Singers is the advanced, auditioned choral chamber ensemble at JMU. Maintaining an active performance schedule both on- and off-campus, they have shared the stage with renowned jazz artist Bobby McFerrin, modernist string quartet ETHEL, Native American flutist Robert Mirabal, American storytelling icon Garrison Keillor, and Irish ensembles Danú and the Five Irish Tenors. A featured choir on the 2015 Josh Groban Concert Tour in Washington, D.C., The Madison Singers have also sung in master classes with noted choral ensembles, including Tenebrae, Chanticleer and The King’s Singers. The Madison Singers tour locally, regionally and internationally, including competing in the 2009 National Eisteddfod Choral Competition and appearing frequently at the Charleston Piccolo Spoleto Festival. Regionally, they are active “audible ambassadors” for JMU, performing in the Staunton Music Festival and in local schools and assisted living facilities. The Madison Singers recently performed at the Augusta Correctional Center in Craigsville, Virginia which they consider one of their most meaningful concerts.

The JMU Guitar Ensemble performances include guitar music from Renaissance to 20th century, in group settings, as well as duos, trios, and quartets. The Guitar Ensemble is under the direction of Adam Larrabee.

This concert features performances by the JMU Treble Chamber Choir, University Chorus: Tenor/Bass Ensemble (UCTB), and the University Chorus: Soprano/Alto Ensemble (UCSA). The JMU Treble Chamber Choir and the UCTB are under the direction of Dr. W. Bryce Hayes. The UCSA is under the direction of Dr. Jo-Anne van der Vat-Chromy.

The JMU Wind Symphony, under the direction of Christopher Cicconi, is the premier woodwind, brass and percussion ensemble at JMU. The Wind Symphony is committed to performing the great works of the wind band’s core repertoire while also exploring the best of contemporary composition.