The lights dimmed and all fell silent as the audience in Van Meter Auditorium sat in anticipation of the 13th annual PRISM concert last Friday.

A mysterious voice crept out into the darkness quoting composer Edward Elgar, “Music . it’s all around us. It’s in everything we do.”

As if in the middle of a fictional galaxy, a combination of laser and strobe lights lit the sold-out auditorium with all colors of the rainbow.

The lights flashed across the stage and into the stands giving glimpses of each featured musical performance, shifting quickly to the next.

Hands clapped and feet tapped to the rhythms as each musical group performed its own variations of songs, including the 1962 hit “Hey! Baby” by Bruce Channel, the 1982 hit song “Jack and Diane” by John Mellencamp, the Western fight song and Caribbean-inspired tunes from the Steel Drum band.

The PRISM concert format consists of different performing ensembles and music selections, and includes many lights and special effects.

For Scottsville sophomore Holly Barnes, a percussionist, her second year performing in the concert which showcases Western’s musical talent came with a feeling of experience and excitement.

“I felt more relaxed because it was my second year doing it,” she said. “I attended this concert when I was in high school and it was amazing, so I told myself that I would just go out there and have fun with it.”

Even though it was Bowling Green freshman Matt White’s first time participating, he said all his hard work was worth it because music is a big part of his life.

“I’m always practicing, and when I’m not practicing I’m reading about a composer, and if I’m not doing either one, I’m listening to music,” the trombone player said. “So to me, music is pretty much everything.”

White believes music gives him uniqueness and a sense of self that no one else has.

“Music makes me a little different in my own way,” he said. “Everyone has a talent, but not everyone decides to channel that talent into music.”

But performers weren’t the only ones who felt proud that night.

Mark Berry, an assistant professor of percussion and director of the steel drum band, has participated in the concert for the last seven years.

“It’s exciting because I get to see the quality of the ensembles and performances continue to improve each year,” Berry said. “I hope the audience enjoyed the many types and styles of music.”

Berry agreed music has a positive effect on those who perform and listen.

“I definitely grew closer to students through this concert because in order to perform well, a bond needs to be formed,” he said. “Everything just has to click.”

Reach Alex Booze at diversions@chherald.com.