The music scene at JMU is vibrant and active, and the Office of Student Life seeks to provide student musicians with a platform to share their talents and engage with other artists.

Hosted by Taylor Down Under in The Union, JMU Underground is a student-led program that takes place on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. “Student Leadership and Involvement student employees book bands, advertise shows, and coordinate with professional student staff in The Union who provide the audiovisual support for shows and make sure operations run smoothly,” said Jess Balac (’11, ’13M), assistant director for campus programming in SLI.

The booking process is a year-round endeavor, since student employees actively recruit new bands to play. “As students, they are engaged in the music scene at JMU, so they are knowledgeable of many of the bands on campus,” Balac said.

Junior Abbi Brinson is double majoring in International Affairs and Political Science, but outside the classroom, she and her self-titled band, Abbi Jean, take part in the Madison music scene. Brinson has performed multiple times through JMU Underground.

“It’s a hot spot on campus. You’ve got the coffee shop, and it’s just a vibe,” Brinson said. “People drinking coffee, full tables, and honestly, you kind of feel famous. People might start taking videos of you — it’s kind of a confidence booster to play there, I can’t lie.”

For younger students, who may not have the option to go off campus to explore Harrisonburg’s local music venues, TDU offers the perfect stage to enjoy live music. “My freshman year, I went there all the time, and it was great for me, and that’s how I met more people in the music scene,” Brinson shared.

For Brinson and her bandmate, senior Nursing major Sam McCasland, music also serves as an outlet. “Writing music is such a powerful tool to be able to creatively voice your beliefs,” McCasland said.

Another event, Battle of the Bands, is organized and hosted by the University Program Board. Held each spring, Battle of the Bands gives student musicians the chance to compete for the coveted prize of opening for the headlining act at Purple Reign, UPB’s spring concert. “Bands apply to perform, submitting a sample of their music as part of the application. Anywhere between five and eight bands are selected by UPB students to perform,” Balac said. “Students in attendance can cast their vote for the crowd-favorite pick, while UPB votes among their members to select a programming board favorite pick. Both winning bands get to play at Purple Reign.”

Each event serves as a testament to the collaboration efforts across university programs and the student community to put on each performance.

“Music culture is clearly prevalent at JMU; it is an area of interest and talent for our students and is an example of how people can come together to build community,” Balac said. “Providing opportunities to perform allows students to practice their performance skill sets, express themselves through art and find connections with one another. Musical performances are part of the vibrant array of events at JMU and overall contribute to a diverse, creative, and joyful campus community.”