Kaleidoscope is an apt word for this concert. The Columbus State University Schwob School of Music students shine in a short concert that shows off everything they've learned this year.

The annual concert, just 70 minutes long, will be at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the Bill Heard Theatre.

Years ago the concert was called Prism. Music professor Fred Cohen, who started the concert, grew tired of people asking why the event was in a prison. So he changed it to Ka

leidoscope and never looked back.

Branson Yeast, 23, originally from Houston, will be performing in his second Kaleidoscope concert. The cellist is currently working on his artist diploma.

He found the concert just a little chaotic last year. He was performing in the CSU Philharmonic, then had to feel his way in the dark to find the next spot to perform.

He laughs about it now.

"It's fun, though," he said.

An artist's diploma is a relatively new certificate at CSU. It's a two-year, post-graduate program. Students don't have to take classes and are allowed to perform as much as possible.

Yeast said it's an ideal way to stay in school and perform without having to go to class. However, it takes a lot of discipline on the student's part, he acknowledged.

Sean Meara, 21, is working on his bachelor's degree. He's a junior from Marietta, Ga., studying vocal performance.

"It's nice for the audience," he said. "They get to have a total taste of the whole school."

In the concert, 23 soloists and small and large ensembles will perform.