Throughout the year, ISU choirs perform separately, but to start the season right, the four choirs join in a “Collage of Choirs.”

The first concert of the year will give all the ISU choirs a chance to hear one another and enjoy one another’s music. The main goal of the choirs is to make music both beautiful and inspiring to all who hear it, says James Rodde, professor of music and director of choral studies.

This year, one of the choirs will be adding in a different element to the concert. Lyrica, a women’s choir, will be singing a Caribbean Mass, accompanied by steel drums, which is different from the other pieces that will be performed. This is also the first time that all the choral groups will be performing together.

Elizabeth Dahlstrom, senior in nutritional science, says she enjoys the variety of the repertoire performed by the Iowa State Singers.

“All the songs that are chosen to be performed are selected by Dr. Rodde. He chooses a variety of music from all different time periods and all over the world,” Dahlstrom says. “Our music is challenging, and everything we sing is a cappella.”

Each ensemble will be performing different pieces of choral compositions from places such as North America, South America, Europe and Africa. At the end of the show, all choirs will join together and close with singing the traditional “Bells of Iowa State” and invite all chorus alumni to join them in singing.

The concert is a chance for the students to perform in front of loved ones, since it occurs over Family Weekend. Kathleen Rodde, lecturer of music and director of the women’s choirs, says this is the perfect opportunity for families to see their musicians on stage.

“I love being with my students; it’s a chance to be with them on the weekend, and their families get to come see them perform,” Kathleen says.

Dahlstrom says a major joy that comes out of performing lies with the audience.

“It’s fun to hear each other and hear the audience’s reaction,” Dahlstrom says.

The choir program and its reputation are growing and have been recognized nationally, Dahlstrom says.

The Iowa State Singers have been invited to sing at the National Convention of the American Choral Directors in Los Angeles next February. Also, Cantamus women’s choir performed at a choral directors’ convention last spring in Minneapolis.

“We are working hard to make Iowa State Singers the best it has ever been, and preparing for ACDA, it’s a high honor,” Dahlstrom says.