It is that time of year again: Family Weekend is here. There are numerous events planned out for Gusties and their families. One traditional event is the concert in Christ Chapel. This year it will be held on Oct. 10 at 3:00 p.m.

The Gustavus Choir, Gustavus and Vasa Wind Orchestras, the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra and the Lucia Singers will all be performing. Altogether, there will be over 350 musicians in the concert. Some of the pieces being performed by the various ensembles are “Vidi Aquam,”Gregorian Melody, arr. Paul Christiansen; “How can I keep from singing,” Robert Lowly, arr. Z. Randall Stroope; “The Morning Trumpet,” BF White, arr. J.H. Wood, “illumine le tenebre,” Joan Szymko and “Carmen Suite No. 1.,” Bizet. The instructors make sure the music is beautiful to listen to while making sure that it challenges their ensembles to reach the highest of their potential. The Carmen Suite is one piece in particular to look out for according to Assistant Professor of Music Ruth Lin; the suite has a unique character. Audiences will also get the opportunity to hear featured soloists in both the vocal and instrumental ensembles.

Music is a huge part of the Gustavus Community. Multiple concerts are performed throughout the year, with Christmas in Christ Chapel being the most widely attended. However, the Family Weekend concert provides a unique musical experience all its own.

It is the first concert of the year with a collaboration of over 350 hardworking and dedicated musicians. “It is the first opportunity for students to showcase their talents and commi ments to music performance, which is a significant part of the liberal arts philosophy and the Gustavus mission,” Associate Professor of Music Gregory Aune said.

Another unique quality of the concert is that it is especially for parents and families. Seeing their parents and sharing their musical experience with their families resonates with all those involved in the concert. “My parents came up last year [from Wisconsin].” Allie Buchnis, a sophomore in the Gustavus Choir, said. She said it was wonderful to have her family here.

This concert is especially exciting for Jane Chung, a sophomore theater major from Japan who is also in the Gustavus Choir, because her host parents will be coming up to watch her perform this year. “The concert is a way for me to thank my family as well as to show them how much I enjoy my time here at Gustavus through music,” Chung said.

Faculty, students and family of those performing will also be present. Talented musicians, beautiful music and the Christ Chapel make for a concert that can be very meaningful for those in attendance. However, the joy and passion the musicians radiate is what for an especially enjoyable experience.