DeKalb | The semi-annual spring steel band concert is expected to bring a wide variety of music selection for audiences of all ages, said Yuko Asada, Community School of the Arts steel band director.

NIU is holding its semi-annual steel band concert with Community School of the Arts Steel band, All University Steel band and Steel Pan Studio at 3 p.m. Saturday. These performances happen each semester in the Music Building, Boutell Memorial Concert Hall.

Asada, among others, is trying to incorporate new modern and innovative ideas into the performances, like performing with a PVC pipe instrument similar to the Blue Man Group. Asada said her and the other directors have spent a long time rehearsing with the students who are playing.

“The CSA steel band is open to everyone from the community. I have a mixture of students in various ages — middle school to adults,” Asada said. “Our first rehearsal is open to everyone who may be interested.”

The participating members of the steel bands belong to various majors. The steel band currently has about three or four non-music major members out of 30 participants.

Samuel Doran, junior music performance major, said he is especially excited about the performance this semester.

“I am mostly excited for the audience to listen and gain appreciation of the instrument and see how versatile it is,” Doran said. “The steel band plays so many different genres.”

The steel band will perform music from various genres to captivate audiences with its well known selection of songs. Graduate assistant Kristin Murrell is another director in the spring performances.

“This springs performances have a wide variety of musical selections such as ‘Star Wars,’ ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘Swim with me’,” Murrell said. “The performances are unique each year because of the change of directors and musical selections.”

There will be musical performances in the School of Music happening every weekend until the end of the semester.

For more information on the concert go to bit.ly/1PV7ISg.