Tragedies throw off routines and slow down schedules. And when you only have a month to prepare for a large public performance, it is difficult to lose vital practice time.

The ISU choirs were caught off guard when a fellow member, Chris Muhs, died in a car accident. The Iowa State Singers sang at his funeral.

And with the events that took place in New York and Washington, D.C. Sept. 11, the ISU choral members have had to buckle down more than usual to prepare for their upcoming performance.

Approximately 320 students from four ISU choirs – Iowa Statesmen Men’s Choir, Cantamus Women’s Choir, Iowa State Singers and Lyrica Women’s Choir – are joining together Sunday at 3 p.m. in Stephens Auditorium to present the Collage of Choirs during Family Weekend activities.

Admission is $3 for students and children under 18 and $5 for adults.

“I think it’s a nice time for the parents to come and see the progress that they have made in only a month of classes,” said James Rodde, director of Choral Activities and a conductor for the concert.

“We want to be a part of representing the arts to parents while they are on campus.”

Concert-goers can expect to hear music from composers from all over the world including Norway, Australia, Canada, and others.

“The hardest part is the language barrier,” said Grant Dickinson, junior in computer engineering and member of the Iowa Statesmen. “We had to learn German and how to pronounce it correctly.”

Despite the obstacles they have had to overcome thus far, the choirs are ready to show off what they can do.

For some of the members, singing has helped provide the emotional outlet they needed during tough times.

“There is a song we are doing called `Precious Lord,'” said Meggan Stone, sophomore in music and a member of Cantamus. “For members of the choir it has been something to think about to help keep a positive outlook.”

Cantamus plans on dedicating that song to the victims and families affected by the tragedies in New York and Washington, D.C.