Lauren Erickson, member of Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI) International Music Fraternity, called the Salvation Army last year looking to assist for the holidays. Major Dianna Williams received the call minutes after speaking with me on the phone. We were trying to figure out how we could have bell ringers in the mall without the echoing sound of bells. Music seemed the better solution. Could we have choirs perhaps? Then Lauren's call. I call this serendipity.

Within three days, Lauren was able to arrange for twelve performances. Her SAI Pontchartrain Alumnae Chapter won a national service award for the program, and set out to build on the program again this year. Briarwood Mall and its patrons have had the privilege of enjoying thirty-seven performances from performers such as Brenda Rice, solo flutist, Cathy Heise, solo harpist, and duo Mike Smith, violinist and Shelly Rouse-Freitag, flutist. Groups also joined the ranks, including Father Gabriel Richard High School Singers, Nan Washburn, Director of Plymouth Symphony and Celebration Youth Orchestra, with her Celebration Flute Choir, and Dr. Penny Fischer, Flute Instructor and Performer with her Studio Flute Orchestra with Harp.

Does the program work? The performers draw crowds, and according to the Salvation Army bell ringers, people donate more when the performers are there.

We have seven performances left:

• Brenda Rice will perform on Thursday from 11-1 and from 3-5 in the Rejuvenation Station seating area outside of Von Maur
• Shelly Rouse-Freitag and Tammy Michalec, flute duet, on Friday from 11 - 1 in the Rejuvenation Station seating area outside of Von Maur
• Rebecca Appert- Horizon Strings, Saturday, noon - 1pm in the Rejuvenation Station seating area outside of Von Maur
• Harp and Flute Ensemble- Penny Fischer, Saturday, 3 PM - 4 PM, Center Court stage
• Liz Wright singing group, Saturday, 4 PM - 5 PM, Macy's seating area
• Ella Villa - Violin, Thursday, Christmas Eve,

11 AM - 1 PM in Macy's seating area