Van Meter Auditorium will be alive with color on Friday night when musicians from WKU hit the stage.

The 18th Annual WKU Music Department PRISM Concert will feature several instrumental and vocal ensembles in a show accompanied by special lighting effects.

“It’s a highlight of the music department that feels like a variety show,” Burkesville senior Charles Price said. He will be playing bass trombone in the concert.

Some of the ensembles performing include the WKU Wind Ensemble, WKU Symphony, Jazz Band, Steel Drum Band, The RedShirts, The TrebleMakers, the Guitar Ensemble and many more.

Price said the show will move quickly from classic band music to other styles. Choreographed staging and lighting will add atmosphere and excitement, he said.

“This creates a fast-paced concert that is not stuffy like classical concerts are perceived to be,” Price said. “The audience feeds off the energy of the constant music.”

Price also said the concert provides exposure to a variety of music, which he thinks will offer something for everyone. He said this will encourage people to attend more WKU Music Department events.

Hanson senior Brittany Gatlin, who will be stage-managing the show, agreed.

“There will be every instrument imaginable being played,” Gatlin said. “At times, the audience will be right next to the performers in the aisles. You’re IN the music as an audience member.”

Gatlin also said there will be some special surprises in the concert, but said people will have to come watch to find out what they are.

Tickets for this year’s PRISM concert will be sold until Friday morning at Royal Music on Fairview Avenue. Greg Lyons, president of the music store, said ticket sales are always big for this show.

“Many members of the community attend the concert even if they don’t have ties to anyone in the performing ensembles,” Lyons said.

Bowling Green senior Josh Smith, a music education major, said people of all music interests will have fun at this concert.

“We’ve got the pep band to get you pepped up, the jazz band to make you want to dance and classical music from the orchestra,” Smith said.

Smith also wants to encourage his fellow WKU students and members of the BG community to come out and show their support.

“It’s good to come and support fellow students who put in a lot of time and effort,” Smith said. “It’s really fun for all the performers, and we want people to come out and have fun, too. And that’s what music is. Music is fun.”

Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for senior citizens and WKU students with an ID. They are available for purchase at Royal Music and at the door. Proceeds benefit the WKU Music Department.

The show begins at 8 p.m. on Friday in Van Meter Hall.