Calvin College students in the midst of writing semester-ending term papers and studying for final exams, which begin May 11, will find a soothing musical treat at the college's Hekman Library on Thursday, May 3.

That day, from 8 to 9:30 pm, a number of campus musicians will present a free concert for students right in the library, on the second floor near a wall of windows that looks out onto the Commons green in the center of campus.

Music faculty members Cal Stapert, Lisa Walhout, Linda Hoisington and other friends will present a casual concert designed to be a study break for students, but open to all who wish to enjoy Renaissance dances for recorder and harpsichord as well as sung madrigals for two- and three-part voices.

The idea began with Calvin librarian Kathy DeMey who thought Calvin students would appreciate a musical interlude in the midst of the semester-ending hubbub.

"I think students will find it relaxing," she says. "The recorders have a soothing sound and the harpsichord also is gently muted. However, we're also doing a dance set which is very lively."

The Hekman Library staff at Calvin has been very intentional in recent years about giving Calvin students many reasons to visit its five floors.

Among other things, Hekman, the second-biggest private college library in the state of Michigan, held its third annual Frisbee Golf Tournament in February 2007.