The JMU Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Kira Omelchenko, 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 comprised of primarily School of Music's top music majors. This select group of 60-70 musicians present approximately six to eight performances during each academic year. Music programmed is challenging and covers a broad range of styles, including standard symphonic repertoire, contemporary works, world premieres, and collaborations with concerto/aria winners.

The JMU Symphony Orchestra has made numerous appearancecs at VMEA, Virginia's state music education conference, and also participates annually, in conjunction with Carnegie Hall (NY) in their "LinkUp" Youth Concert series. Major works recently performed include Stravinsky's Firebird Suite, Dvořák's Symphony No. 9, Respighi's Pines of Rome, Tchaikovsky Symphonies 4 and 5, Mahler's Symphony No. 5, Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5, Carl Orff's Carmina Burana (with the JMU Choral Area), and Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 2.