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, August 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 free learning opportunity in a group and individual setting for band students in grades 7-10. Taught by our music education students, this is a wonderful way for students to continue their study of their instrument in a social setting on campus!
JMU Lab Band will take place in the Spring 2026 semester. Please check back for more information.
