As the semester winds down, the stress of final papers, tests and projects is setting in for most students.

The WKU Symphony and Choral Society are providing a way to relieve students’ stress and spread Christmas cheer with their annual Holiday Pops concert.

Philpot sophomore Rebecca Volk is a soprano voice in the WKU Choral Society.

“I just like Christmas in general, so of course Christmas music is some of my favorites,” Volk said.

Volk said it’s nice having Paul Hondorp, associate professor of music, and Jennifer Adam, assistant professor of music, as both conductors and singers alongside them in the choir.

“It’s cool to see someone who is in front of us be one of us,” Volk said.

Owensboro freshman Landon Case plays viola in the WKU Symphony.

Case said a highlight for him was being conducted by graduate student Josh Bloecher for the “Messiah Overture” by Handel.

“He’s worked really hard to prepare for this, and he’s done a very good job at it,” Case said.

Volk said her favorite piece to perform is “The Messiah.”

“I love Handel’s work,” Volk said. “It’s so iconic, and being able to sing something from it is really great.”

Case’s favorite piece to perform is also the “Messiah Overture.”

“It’s really emotional and powerful, and I like that a lot,” Case said.

Case said he’d like to see the Christmas spirit felt in the audience.

“It’s really fun when people get into it and can sing along in their heads or out loud with the carols we’ll be performing,” Case said.

Volk said that both the WKU Choral Society and Symphony really enjoy getting support.

“We’re fortunate to have people here like Tim Simpson who’s coming to WKU for the concert,” Volk said. “There’s a lot of talent in conducting, singing and playing, and there’s a lot of work that goes into it. We’re also fortunate to have a place like Van Meter to perform in, so lots of people can come out and watch.”

Volk said she hopes people won’t be a Grinch or a Scrooge and not come to Holiday Pops.

“It’s good Christmas music,” Volk said. “I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like music, and it’s going to be fun.”

Volk said that although people might think the concert will be boring and long, it’s really not.

“You can’t go and not enjoy yourself,” Volk said.

Case said Holiday Pops is not a simple, classical music concert.

“You won’t be hearing things you’ve never heard of,” Case said. “You’ll be hearing songs from your childhood that you can remember and be nostalgic about.”

Holiday Pops will take place Friday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. in Van Meter.

Tim Simpson, European operatic Tenor and WKU alumnus, will be home for the holidays and featured as a guest soloist.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 745-3121 or online at www.TheSymphonyatWKU.org

Tickets at the door cost $25, $22 in advance, $10 for students 18 and above with ID and $5 for students under 18.