ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Eastman School of Music student Brett Miller is reviewing one final project before winter break. But it's a project he’s more than happy to take on.

Miller is working with Associate Professor Mark Watters. Together, they're finalizing the score for "Elf" in concert. 

“It’s one of my mom’s favorite movies. To be able to play the score that I've known since first or second grade, it's a neat experience," said Miller. 

Miller is one of around 90 students at the Eastman School of Music working to bring the movie to life using a live orchestra. 

“Music sounds best when you hear it live. It’s designed that way. Something magical happens," said Watters. 

While the movie plays, Eastman students perform the score alongside it. Watters says it will give audiences a new perspective on a holiday classic. 

“This is a score that has themes and the themes carry us through storytelling. It attaches themselves to the characters," said Watters. 

Very few schools offer students this experience, and the live films have become an Eastman tradition.

This is the fourth film Miller has worked on, but he says it never gets old seeing audiences experience the music.