As the stress of finals week begins filling the heads of ISU students, holiday mood music is on its way to relieve some of that tension. The Canadian Brass quintet is coming to play their Yuletide arrangements, hoping to get Ames in the spirit of Christmas.

The last time the Brass graced Iowa State with its presence was at a nearly sold-out show back in 1996. Four years later, the Brass is back with a handful of diverse songs to entertain crowds of all kinds. The band will be playing classical selections from Bach, Gershwin and Handel to go along with Christmas carols, Hanukkah songs and even an encore of crowd sing-a-longs including “Silent Night” and “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.”

“It’s a mixture of carols and classical music,” Patty Cotter, Iowa State Center spokesperson, says. “Their trademark is to make a classical concert relaxed and fun. It’d be a great first concert to go to if you’re new to Stephens.”

The Brass has seen its share of success with appearances on “The Tonight Show” and “Today” as well as numerous PBS specials. The group has also appeared as a guest artist on “Evening at Pops” with John Williams.

Cotter says the group’s success attributes to the fact that the Brass has a “lively-uninhibited style.” She also says that it’s common to see the Brass march out on stage in tuxedos and tennis shoes to compliment their unique mix.

“[The Brass are] willing to talk to the audience and break down the barriers between the audience and the musicians,” Cotter says. “That’s why they’ve been so successful.”

The Canadian Brass quintet is broken down into two trumpets, a trombone, a tuba and a French horn. It brings the usually unnoticeable brass section of an orchestra to the forefront and arranges classical and Christmas pieces for brass instruments.

“The brass section is sometimes lost, and they want to show how versatile it is,” Cotter says.

She also says that this would be the best opportunity for ISU students to see the Brass considering tickets are only $13. Cotter said a Brass concert can cost as much as $35 to $40.

“It’s the best of both worlds,” Cotter says. “They address the audience, but they are also at the top of their field musically.”