Three hundred and twenty-five Iowa State chorus students will unite the works of Joseph Haydn, Duke Ellington, John Lennon and Paul McCartney this weekend.

The ISU Music Department’s “Collage of Choirs” will perform during Family Weekend at Stephens Auditorium on Sunday at 3 p.m.

In the event’s 20-year history, this is the first time it takes place in Stephens Auditorium. The one-of-a-kind concert will feature all seven of the choral department ensembles, and the concert will open and close with all of the students singing around the Stephens crowd.

“The concept of this concert is that we sing to celebrate each other,” Robert Molison, director of choral activities, said. “In at least two instances we will be singing all around the audience.”

Molison and his colleague Lynne Ransom started the “Collage of Choirs” in the early ’80s as a way for the different choral groups to appreciate each other.

“Choral music is something that brings people together,” Molison said. “It’s a love; it’s a passion. This is just part of being a person and a spectator. You learn a lot more than you would in a classroom. The arts exist to stimulate people.”

Lauren Fowler, director of the University Choir, said this is definitely a concert everyone can appreciate.

“The majority of the students are non [music] majors who are just singing for enjoyment,” she said.

Fowler said this event gives the new freshmen a chance to see what the choirs can do.

“I think someone could find a home in any one of these choirs,” she said.

Randy Compton, member of the ISU Chamber Singers since 1975 and assistant director for the past 18 years, directs the combined choirs for the show’s opening numbers.

Compton agreed this is a good opportunity for students to admire the choral department’s activities.

“There’s a good chance you’re going to know somebody singing,” Compton said.

Jeffrey Prater, one of the first students to graduate from ISU with a music degree, now directs the ISU Chamber Singers.

“This event gives the ISU student that are new to campus the chance to see a variety of music groups and hear a variety of music,” Prater said.