Central campus will welcome Iowa State students today with its green grass, majestic campanile and the first public concert of the semester, the Des Moines Symphony.

The concert, sponsored by the ISU President’s Office, the Government of the Student Body and the F. Wendell Miller Endowment, is the first of its caliber to be held as a welcome for Iowa State students, faculty and staff.

Despite orchestra stereotypes, the concert will not feature typical symphony repertoire but rather the “pop music” side which will include “Star Wars,” “Summon the Heroes” and “Yankee Doodle,” said D-Ann Tschetter, Operating Manager of the Des Moines Symphony. “We thought it would be a nice way to start up the year for students and we have never done anything like this before,” said Ryan Glanzer, GSB Chief of Staff. “It’s a totally different idea.”

The concert will also showcase two faculty members from the ISU music department, clarinetist Joseph Messenger and trombonist David Stuart.

“We’re very excited. This is a great opportunity to get out of Des Moines and show ourselves,” Tschetter said.

The idea for a “welcome week event” developed last spring when Rob Weise and Matt McClaran were running for GSB.

“We’re very excited and are hoping for a good turn out,” GSB President Rob Weise said. “This is the first time anything like this has been done.”

The concert, beginning at 7 p.m. tonight, will be held on the north side of the Campanile. Prior to the concert, the Iowa Pork Producers will be sponsoring a BBQ picnic beginning at 5 p.m.

WOI FM will be on hand to broadcast the show live, dubbing it “A concert on the Green.”

There will also be free popcorn during the concert. Those wishing to attend are invited to bring lawn chairs, blankets and non-alcoholic refreshments.

In case of rain, the concert will be moved to Stephens Auditorium.