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CORVALLIS - More than 400 Oregon State University musicians will take the stage in the third annual Beaver Music Showcase on Sunday, Nov. 3. This fast-paced extravaganza of sound and light begins at 3 p.m. in LaSells Stewart Center on the OSU campus.

Taking the stage isn't exactly an accurate description, according to Steven Zielke, OSU director of choral studies.

"We can't fit everyone on stage, so we take advantage of the unique architecture of Austin Auditorium to perform music from every balcony, nook, and corner, even from right in the audience," Zielke said. "Following a performance by a band on stage, the hall may go dark only to have lights illuminate a soloist in the balcony, or a choir in the aisle."

While the showcase is part of the Choral Arts Series, the evening includes a lot more than singing. The 400 musicians in the program come from all of OSU's bands and choirs, and will include jazz musicians, opera singers and a Celtic fiddle player. Included in the concert will be the first public performance of the OSU Symphonic Wind Ensemble under new director David Becker. The OSU Marching Band will also make an appearance, as will the OSU Chamber Choir, the OSU Meistersingers, Bella Voce, and the OSU Percussion Ensemble.

Both the quality and the quantity of the musicians reflect the dramatic growth within the OSU Department of Music in recent years. In the past eight years, the department's ensembles have grown in size and number, and the number of music majors has more than quadrupled. According to Marlan Carlson, who chairs the Department of Music, some of the finest musicians in the state are choosing to do their undergraduate studies at Oregon State University.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. OSU students will be admitted free with student ID. Tickets are available at Gracewinds Music, the OSU Department of Music (Benton Hall 101), and Sid Stevens Jewelers in Albany.

For more information, call 541-737-4061.