JMU School of Music

Welcome to JMU, Kenneth Thach! Kenneth is a tenor from C.D. Hylton High School, and he will be studying music education.

What are you most looking forward to at JMU?
"I'm looking forward to the community I'm joining."

What made you choose JMU?
"I loved the campus and being around faculty that could help me be a better musician."

Share something interesting about yourself!
"I love DIY crafts that take a bunch of time. I like doing things that consume a bunch of time and dedication."

We look forward to seeing you in the fall, Kenneth!

Welcome to the JMU School of Music, Jeshaly Morales Trejo! Jeshaly is from Madison County High School and will be in the flute studio studying music education.

What are you most looking forward to at JMU?
"Playing with the MRDs and in music ensembles!"

What made you choose JMU?
"Its beautiful campus, welcoming environment, and amazing music program."

Share something interesting about yourself!
"I have a lot of turtle themed things."

We're looking forward to meeting you, Jeshaly! 🐢

Let's start the week by welcoming Kaden Ashworth! Kaden is a cellist from Hickory High School, and here's what he told us:

What are you most looking forward to at JMU?
"Attending music classes and the food court."

What made you choose JMU?
"Its reputation, the large campus, UREC, and the colorguard."

Share something interesting about yourself!
"My favorite color is green. I listed to j-rock, jazz, k-pop, k-folk, old-school vocaloid, a little bit of everything. I can bang out some chords on the guitar and piano but that's about it. I am a rhythm gamer and I like roblox. I am also a licensed nail technician."

Very cool, Kaden! Looking forward to seeing you in the fall!

Welcome to JMU, Addison Romich! Addison is a mezzo soprano/alto from Millbrook High School, and she will be studying music education. Here's what Addison had to say:

What are you most looking forward to at JMU?
"Being part of the music program, and working to create music with new people!"

What made you choose JMU?
"The music program and the various opportunities that is offers."

Share something interesting about yourself!
"I picked up the alto saxophone and joined band for the first time my junior year of high school!"

We're looking forward to meeting you, Addison!

Let's welcome Ben Campbell! Ben Campbell is a tuba player from Abingdon High School who will be studying music performance. Here's what Ben had to say:

What are you most looking forward to at JMU?
"The food, as well as being a member of the tuba studio."

What made you choose JMU?
"The faculty, ensemble opportunities, and the food."

Share something interesting about yourself!
"I really enjoy hiking often."

We are excited to meet you, Ben!

The 2026 edition of the JMU Summer Band Camps is quickly approaching! Make sure to hold your spot by registering online by June 12!

www.jmu.edu/mrd/summer-band-camps

Welcome to the School of Music, Moriah Stachitas! Moriah comes from Liberty High School and will be in the flute studio. Here's what Moriah told us:

What are you most looking forward to at JMU?
"Becoming part of the community and having fun with new friends."

What made you choose JMU?
"JMU has an outstanding music program as well as a flute professor who I believe will help me achieve my goals."

Share something interesting about yourself!
"I love to go to the gym!"

Have a great summer, and see you in the fall, Moriah!

Let's welcome to weekend by welcoming Greg Kulp to JMU! Greg will be entering the saxophone studio and studying Jazz Studies. Greg is also a local, coming to us from Turner Ashby High School!

What are you most looking forward to at JMU?
"Being in a community/environment that pushes me to become a better musician."

What made you choose JMU?
"I chose JMU because I grew up in the area, and I think it is beautiful and full of awesome people. The School of Music has an excellent reputation and everyone in it I've met has been lovely."

Share something interesting about yourself!
"Something interesting about myself is that I like doing stuff outside!"

We're excited to see you on campus, Greg!

Welcome to JMU, Ariana Skye Palmer! Ariana is a violinist coming to us from Osbourn Park High School, and she will be studying music education. Here's how Ariana answered our questions:

What are you most looking forward to at JMU?
"I'm most looking forward to participating in different music ensembles and meeting new people. The food is another thing to be excited about I guess."

What made you choose JMU?
"The amazing music and chemistry programs really put JMU over the edge for me. I also really enjoyed how open and inviting all the students and professors were to me, even when I was a prospective student!"

Share something interesting about yourself!
"I play multiple other instruments, with my secondary one being percussion starting on mallets my junior year!"

Have a great summer, Ariana, and we'll see you in the fall!

The JMU School of Music, Forbes Center and Dr. Diane Phoenix-Neal proudly host the American Viola Society Festival, June 3-6! Celebrate and experience all things viola! Events include: Solo Competition Finals, an Exhibition of Modern Violas and Bows, Evening Concerts, Daily Recitals, Lectures and Workshops for all levels of violists!

Check out the full schedule of events:
https://www.americanviolasociety.org/2026-avs-festival-agenda-schedule/