*Please note that this page is for semesterly ensemble auditions. If you are looking for School of Music admission auditions, please visit this webpage.*
Audition Excerpts*
Fall 2026 Orchestral Ensembles Information
Symphony Orchestra (MUAP 345/545/645): The Symphony Orchestra is the premiere performing group of the orchestral area with a wide and diverse repertoire and up to 5 concerts performances each year. Entrance into this group is via audition regardless of major. For more information on Symphony Orchestra, please contact Dr. Omelchenko (omelchkl@jmu.edu).
Meeting Times:
Monday, 3:00-3:50pm
Tuesday/Thursday, 2:20-3:35pm
Forbes 1115 and Forbes Concert Hall
Symphony Orchestra Fall Concert Dates*:
- September 29, 7:30pm | Forbes Concert Hall
- November 1, 7:00pm (Contemporary Music Festival) | Forbes Concert Hall
- December 9, 7:30pm | Forbes Concert Hall
*please review your syllabus for dress rehearsal dates for these concerts.
Chamber Orchestra (MUAP 344/544): The JMU Chamber Orchestra is comprised of string, wind, brass, & percussion musicians, and presents up to 4 performances each year. Chamber Orchestra aims to provide members with exposure to literature from a broad range of composers and styles, including compositions from the Baroque, Classical, and early 19th and 20th centuries. All are welcome and membership is open to all students regardless of major looking for an opportunity to continue playing at JMU. Seating placements for non-music majors occur before the first rehearsal with the conductor and consist of a scale (2-3 octaves) of your choice, a short solo of your choice, and some sight reading. To schedule your individual seating placement time, please contact the Director of Orchestras, Dr. Omelchenko (omelchkl@jmu.edu).
Meeting Times:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday - 11:30am-12:20pm
Forbes 1115 and Forbes Recital Hall
Chamber Orchestra Fall Concert Dates*:
- November 1, 2:00pm (Contemporary Music Festival) | Forbes Recital Hall
- November 16, 7:00pm | Forbes Recital Hall
*please review your syllabus for dress rehearsal dates for these concerts.
Opera Orchestra (MUAP 360/560/660)*: The Opera Orchestra collaborates and performs with 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, please contact the Director of Orchestras, Dr. Omelchenko (omelchkl@jmu.edu).
Opera: The Magic Flute by W.A. Mozart (Performances in early February 2027)
Meeting Times:
Tuesday/Thursday: 5:30-6:45pm (Fall), Spring Meeting Times are TBA
Forbes 1115 and Mainstage Theatre
Performance Dates:
February 5, 7:30pm | Forbes Mainstage Theatre
February 6, 7:30pm | Forbes Mainstage Theatre
February 7, 2:00pm | Forbes Mainstage Theatre
*NOTE: Opera Orchestra will meet throughout the fall semester and the first few weeks of the spring semester leading up to the February Opera performances.
