At the upper level entrance of the Barnes and Noble in Tyson’s Corner mall, a sign stood tall and proud welcoming the Madison Orchestra. Customers bustled in and out of the store carrying books in their arms and bags as holiday music filled the air.

On Dec.10, the Madison Orchestra partnered with Barnes and Noble to fundraise for the orchestra program at Madison. From 1-5 p.m. on the first floor of the store, a small ensemble of about eight students sat in a half circle and played holiday classics, such as “Let It Snow” and “Jingle Bell Rock”.

“The performance is held at Barnes and Noble because it is a place in which many people of different ages can come and listen to festive music and enjoy a book at the same time,” Peyman Owrang (’19), a member of the philharmonic orchestra, said.

Large crowds gathered, shopping for holiday gifts while also listening to the small group play lively music. They watched as students changed shifts each hour and as the small ensemble grew steadily larger.

“The people who shop there don’t often get the opportunity to hear music of any kind, nonetheless high school playing this caliber of music,” Erin Eberly, the orchestra teacher, said. “They are in awe, and then they are often willing to give [donations].”

While members of the chamber and philharmonic orchestras played classical music downstairs, members of the symphonic orchestra surrounded a table with wrapping paper on the second floor. The students eagerly waited for customers to stop for a free gift wrapping and donate money to Madison Orchestra.

“It was an eye opening experience, and watching the people enjoy our performance reminded me of why I chose to take orchestra,” Michelle Xu (’19), a member of the chamber orchestra said. “We, as musicians, can bring happiness and warmth to those around us.”

Not only were the patrons of Barnes and Noble entertained by the performance, but the orchestra also enjoyed playing music together as a group and for other people. In between songs, members of the half circle laughed and joked comfortably with one another.

“A lot of my friends who had just finished their shift stayed around to cheer the rest of us on,” Philana Quan (’18), a member of the chamber orchestra, said, “We were all supportive of each other and it was a great experience.”

Although the fundraising performance has only been done twice, Eberly hopes to continue it next year around the holiday season. The success of this program only grew from last year.

“The purpose of the performance is to bring joy to people at the mall and get everyone into the holiday spirit,” Owrang said.