Penn Staters looking to modify their lunchtime atmosphere can check out the School of Music's weekly performance series, Bach's Lunch this afternoon in Eisenhower Chapel.

Today's performing group is the clarinet ensemble.

The program began more than 15 years ago when the School of Music, in conjunction with the Lutheran Campus Ministry, created a venue for the various vocal and student ensembles at Penn State to perform short, 20-minute concerts for the local public. It has since become a Thursday tradition for the school.

Clarinet ensemble member Christine Wilford (senior-music education) sees Bach's Lunch as an opportunity to rehearse before performances in front of a jury.

"It's a fun way to rehearse and practice before having to perform in front of a jury, Wilford said.

"As for other students, it's free and at an easy time to see. Bach's Lunch is perfect for those who just don't have time in the evening to see one of our major ensembles."

Bach's Lunch treats students, faculty and area residents to a free program of music from a different ensemble or performance group nearly every week.

More than a dozen clarinet students will be taking part in today's performance.

Students involved with the program believe it to be a simple way of appealing to other Penn Staters to come see more School of Music performances.

"I've been doing Bach's Lunch for three years now," said Kimberly Wolfe (junior-music education). "Students will want to come because they get free drinks after the show, but it's also nice because it's a short little taste of the stuff us music majors do."

Clarinet instructor Smith Toulson said the program is ideal for people looking for a little variety in their lunch hour.

"People who saw Bon Jovi may not enjoy this, but it's
a great chance to hear some live classical music and watch their peers at a high level of performance," Toulson said.

Today's show consists of pieces by the German composer Telemann and the French composer Henri Tomasi.

After the show, the audience is invited to stay and eat their lunch along with free tea and coffee provided by the organizers.

Bach's Lunch can be seen in Eisenhower Chapel today at 12:10 p.m. Visit the School of Music's calendar site at http://www.events.psu.edu/cgi-bin/cal/webevent.cgi for details on future shows.