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 presents 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 Symphony Orchestra has made numerous appearances at VMEA, Virginia’s state Music Conference, and participates annually in Carnegie Hall's LinkUp Youth Concert series. Major works recently performed include Stravinsky Firebird Suite, Dvořák Symphony no. 9, Respighi’s Pines of Rome, Tchaikovsky Symphonies 4 and 5, Mahler’s Symphony No. 5, Shostakovich Symphony 5, Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana (with the JMU Choral Area) and Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2.