Developed by the James Madison University School of Music Music Education Department, the James Madison University Lab Ensembles encourage the technical and musical development of student instrumental musicians in the Shenandoah Valley. The mission of the JMU Lab Ensembles is to remove barriers in access to music education in the Shenandoah Valley and to provide JMU pre-service music education students an authentic and supported teacher preparation context.
JMU Lab Ensembles are a fun and friendly introduction to ensemble collaboration and musicianship for students, and no application or audition is necessary. Interested participants need only to fill out the registration form below.
We are delighted to welcome the help of the JMU chapter of CoVMEA (Collegiate Virginia Music Educators Association), who have supported the launch of JMU Lab Ensembles since the beginning when it started as a middle school lab band. This support has allowed us to offer this enrichment program at no cost for all participants.
JMU Lab Strings will meet in the fall of 2025. JMU Lab Band will meet in the spring of 2026. Please see below for more details about each ensemble.
Lab Strings (Fall 2025)
JMU Lab Strings is a free learning opportunity in a group and individual setting for string students studying violin, viola, cello, or bass in grades 5-8. Taught by our string education students, this is a wonderful way for students to begin and/or continue their study of string instruments in a social setting on campus.
Lab Strings will meet in the Music Building Room 108 on the following Mondays:
- September 8
- September 15
- September 22
- September 29
- October 6
- October 13
- October 20
The concert for the culmination of the Lab Strings Ensemble's time together will be Monday, October 27 at 7:00pm in Anthony Seeger Auditorium on the JMU campus. Parking is available behind the building in S lot or in the Warsaw Parking Deck.
JMU Lab Band (Spring 2026)
The JMU Lab Band is a community-based enrichment program for band students in the Shenandoah Valley, facilitated by JMU School of Music students and staff and sponsored by JMU's chapter of CoVMEA. Through this eight-week program, students will attend weekly full group rehearsals and sectionals to develop and hone their skills as musicians while building positive social relationships. The mission of the JMU Lab Band is to remove barriers to access in music education in the Shenandoah Valley.
The Lab Band will meet on Tuesday nights, from 6:30-8:30pm on the following dates:
- February 3
- February 10
- February 17
- February 24
- March 3
- March 10
- March 24
- April 7
- April 14 (Concert at Memorial Hall Auditorium)
This program is open to any woodwind, brass, or percussion student currently in grades 7-9 with at least one full year of formal instruction on their instrument. If you are unsure if your child is ready for lab band rehearsals, please ask your child's band director or contact our Lab Band Program Directors, Dr. Amy Birdsong, Dr. William Dabback, and Spencer Hoisington at labband@jmu.edu.
There is no registration fee or audition process. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and may be limited by instrumentation. Registration is due by Sunday, January 25, 2026 at 11:59pm.
Register for Spring 2026 Lab Band
