Engaging Conferences and Events at James Madison University
James Madison University (JMU) is a vibrant hub of activity, offering a diverse array of conferences, performances, and events throughout the academic year. From musical performances to theatrical productions and academic gatherings, there's something for everyone to enjoy. This article provides an overview of the various events and opportunities available at JMU, showcasing the university's commitment to enriching the lives of its students, faculty, and the broader community.
Musical Performances
JMU's School of Music offers a rich tapestry of performances, showcasing the talents of students, faculty, and guest artists. These events encompass a wide range of genres, from classical to jazz to world music, providing audiences with diverse and engaging musical experiences.
Orchestral and Band Performances
The JMU Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Edith J., presents captivating classical music performances, often collaborating with the winners of the School of Music's Concerto/Aria Competition. The JMU Wind Symphony, a premier ensemble comprised of select woodwind, brass, and percussion players and under the direction of Christopher Cicconi, offers dynamic performances of wind band repertoire. The Symphonic Band, another ensemble of select woodwind, brass and percussion players, also provides engaging performances. The Concert Band, the largest ensemble in the band program, performs a diverse range of wind band repertoire.
Choral Concerts
The Madison Singers, an advanced, auditioned choral chamber ensemble, presents end-of-semester concerts, often joined by the Treble Chamber Choir and friends. These performances showcase the talent and dedication of JMU's vocal students.
Jazz Ensembles
The JMU Jazz Ensemble and JMU Jazz Band, both founded in 1971, offer exciting performances that highlight the energy and creativity of jazz music. Membership in each group is determined by audition each semester, ensuring a high level of musicianship.
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Guest Artist Performances
JMU frequently hosts renowned guest artists from around the world, enriching the university's cultural landscape. International Guitar Night (IGN), celebrating its 26th anniversary, returns with a dynamic lineup featuring Thu Le, Taimane, Alexandr Misko, and Lucas Imbiriba. IGN is a gathering of individuals who captivate on their own and then blow away the audience when they perform together! Direct from Rome - experience the brilliance of The Three Italian Tenors! Making their North American debut, The Three Italian Tenors - Giovanni Maria Palmia, Ugo Tarquini, and Alessandro Fantoni - bring timeless Italian opera arias and beloved songs to life with passion, charm, and dazzling vocal power. Joined by pianist Fabrizio Mocata, this unforgettable evening blends romance, drama, and nostalgia in a stunning celebration of Italy’s rich musical heritage. Red Wing presents the 4th annual Winter Roots Concert featuring The Steel Wheels and four-time GRAMMY-nominated artist, Emily King. The Steel Wheels have spent 20 years crafting their own distinct style of American roots music. The “Maestra Nidia Góngora” as she is known, is the most recognized singer in the Colombian Pacific and the bearer of the innate tradition inherited from her elders and the leading singers of her community. Nidia’s versatile, innovative music fuses lyrics and rhythms such as currulaos, bundes, jugas, rumbas, and lullabies with a touch of folk, electronic beats and experimental sounds.
Pianist and conductor Kevin Class, who studied at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, as well as in the U.S and Canada, also gives performances. Flutist Beth Chandler Cahill enjoys a performance career as soloist and chamber musician. and abroad. JMU clarinet faculty member Šarūnas Jankauskas has performed throughout Europe, Canada, and the United States, collaborating with Boulder Chamber Orchestra, the St. Mexican-Canadian violist Danielle Wiebe Burke began her musical studies on violin at an early age.
JMU Brass Band
Crowned the 2024 North American Brass Association Championship Section winning band, the JMU Brass Band is one of the most successful collegiate brass bands in the world today. Formed by Professor Kevin Stees in the Fall of 2000, the group maintains an active schedule, performing regularly throughout the academic year, and has been a featured ensemble at numerous festivals and conferences worldwide.
Guitar Ensemble
Members of the guitar studio perform in our Guitar Ensemble, which performs every semester.
Women of Americana
Join us for a heartfelt celebration of early folk, country, gospel, and Western swing music with Women of Americana! This isn’t just a concert-it’s an exuberant exploration of this singular American genre that planted the roots of American music. Featuring vocalists and instrumentalists Cristina Vane and Brennen Leigh.
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Theatre and Dance Productions
The School of Theatre and Dance at JMU presents a diverse season of plays and dance performances, showcasing the talents of students, faculty, and guest artists. These productions offer audiences a wide range of theatrical experiences, from classic dramas to contemporary works.
New Voices in Dance
New Voices in Dance is a captivating performance that brings together student choreographers, faculty, and guest artists to celebrate the power of creativity, movement, and collaboration.
The House of Bernarda Alba
The House of Bernarda Alba is a provocative drama set in a small, Spanish village, which follows the legacy of Bernarda Alba, the matriarch, and her five daughters. Living under Bernarda’s control as they mourn their father’s passing, these sisters seek a world beyond their mother’s walls. Contains adult content, adult language, violence, and references to suicide.
Pippin
With an infectiously unforgettable score from four-time GRAMMY winner, three-time Oscar winner and musical theatre giant, Stephen Schwartz, PIPPIN is the story of a man’s journey to the extraordinary. The son of a king, Pippin is stuck between what is expected of him and the possibilities that forging his own path holds. Contains adult content, adult language, violence, and sexual content. Music and lyrics by Steven SchwartzBook by Roger O. Music and lyrics by Steven SchwartzBook by Roger O.
Cinderella
Once upon a time, a young prince threw a royal ball to choose his future bride! Everyone in the kingdom was invited, but Cinderella was forced to stay behind by her devious stepfather, Don Magnifico, and her shallow stepsister. However, with the help of her fairy godmother, Cinderella wins the day, transforming herself-and the kingdom-along the way. 35-minute children’s opera sung in English.
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The Great Race
The show weaves a joy-filled family celebration with a re-telling of one of the most beloved tales in Chinese folklore - the origin story of the Chinese Zodiac. Meet Po Po and Kung Kung, as they celebrate Chinese New Year by making dumplings and sharing the story of The Great Race with their grandkids, Freddie and Ivy. Recommended for audiences ages 4 and up.
Basement Demons and Trailer Saints
This new work was a finalist in the inaugural season of the School of Theatre and Dance’s Madison New Works Lab (MNWL), an incubator for developing new plays with professional playwrights from across the country. Seven years after workshopping Basement Demons and Trailer Saints, JMU welcomes its world premiere. Madison New Works Lab is made possible by the generosity of Paul Holland and Linda Yates. Contains adult content and adult language.
Conferences and Summits
JMU hosts a variety of conferences and summits throughout the year, bringing together experts and practitioners from diverse fields. These events provide opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration.
I'm Determined Youth and Family Summit
The I'm Determined Youth and Family Summit is a three-day event held each June and sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education. Youth with disabilities from across the Commonwealth meet to network and discuss issues of importance to youth and young adults with disabilities. Come join us as we explore 3 key areas: Access, Participation & Support! Through this cohort, our goal is to assess the current landscape and identify ways to create more high-quality, inclusive educational environments for all students in Region 5. Come join us as we explore 3 key areas: Access, Participation & Support! Through this cohort, our goal is to assess the current landscape and identify ways to create more high-quality, inclusive educational environments for all students in Region 5.
Other Events and Activities
In addition to musical performances, theatrical productions, and conferences, JMU offers a variety of other events and activities to enrich the lives of its students, faculty, and the broader community.
JMU Mineral Museum
JMU Mineral MuseumRoom 1021, Festival Conference and Student Center The Department of Geology and Environmental Science opens its collection of over 550 crystals and gemstones from around the world to the public; for information, call (540) 568-6130; free.
The little Gallery Underground
The little Gallery Underground Open during music library hours JMU Music Library, Room B59, Music Building The gallery is a place for music visualized. It features rotating displays of art by local artists, both within the JMU community and beyond. What makes the gallery unique is the connection between visual art and music. John C. Carl Donakowski holds a B.M. from Indiana University, a D.M.A. from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, and an Artist Diploma from the Musikhochschule Freiburg.
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