Some people sing for their supper, some people sing the blues. Some students at Grove City College will get to sing with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

"We had the opportunity to sing with them last year and honestly, it was probably the highlight of my musical career. To hear so many great musicians in one spot was awesome, and then to be a part of them was great," said 20-year-old Jessica Moose of Coolspring Township. Ms. Moose is a sophomore majoring in Spanish secondary education.

"I think it's amazing. I've never expected with the touring choir that I'd be able to do this. I wasn't in it last year, so this came as a complete surprise. I think it's pretty awesome," said 19-year-old Elizabeth Dunn, a soprano from Woodbridge, Va.

At 8 p.m. Friday, the choir will join the symphony at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in New Castle for its Holiday Pops concert.

"I think it's a great experience to work with an ensemble that is world-renowned and is known for how professional they are," said junior Grant Poole of Weedville, Pa.

"It was amazing just to sit back behind them on stage when they are doing their solo numbers. Just to work with them and perform with them is amazing, because they are known for being one of the best orchestras in the country," said Poole, who sings bass.

Touring choir president Noah Tyler, a junior majoring in economics and philosophy, knows that singing with the group isn't necessary for his degree, but finds that singing with the symphony is another way for him and the others to share the message of the spiritual holiday music.

"The text that we sing for the most part is sacred, but to have that music with text, that is so meaningful in your head all day long, is really enriching," said the 21-year-old Oswego, N.Y., native. "It's also the fellowship after that. I have a lot of close friends in the choir. You can hang out with friends at Pizza Hut, but there's something unique about the connection you make with people when you sing together."

Poole agreed.

"I just think being able to hear God's words through other things like song and music, is a great way of reinforcing what you believe in and is a way of sharing the gospel with other people," he said.

The group's selections will include "Shepherd's Pipe Carol." "Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas" from the movie "Home Alone," "Gloria," "Silent Night," "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and "Angels We Have Heard on High."

Tyler also credited director Dr. Douglas Browne for keeping the 40-plus group motivated. "I guess the number one reason that I'm singing is the director. He's very professional and inspiring and a joy to work with. If not for him, I might not be singing. I've always enjoyed singing. It's a privilege to be in this group," said the tenor and baritone.

Soprano I singer Ms. Moose went so far as to credit the touring choir for part of the reason she chose the school. "I love to sing and I had heard them while I was in high school. They had some influence in me choosing Grove City College," she said.

Amid all the enjoyment the group has in singing together, the opportunity of singing with the symphony is not lost on them.

"For me, since I'm not a music major, the reality of the fact that I'm not going to do much music once I graduate has hit close to home, so I'm going to take every opportunity I have," Ms. Moose said. "Though it is a big-time commitment, we all wanted to do it again because it was really good. I have 2è years left. I want to take every opportunity I have to sing, and especially sing with a great group like the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra."

Tyler agreed.

"It's exciting to work with people who have made music their profession. It draws us up to a higher level of professionalism, especially as amateurs."

The touring choir will also perform at 6:15 p.m. Thursday in Heinz Hall, Pittsburgh, in conjunction with a Grove City College alumni event.

For more information about Friday's concert, call 1-800-743-8560 or visit www.pittsburghsymphony.org