The gentle sound of wind instruments wafted through Gari Melchers' studio in early December as strains of holiday seasonal music entertained visitors at Belmont.
A wind ensemble, composed of students from Colonial Forge High School, performed at the estate's annual Holiday Open House. The CF Five performance followed that of the Fredericksburg Academy Upper School singers.
Seniors Alexandra Cata, Kevin Shira and Kelli Clark played flute, bassoon and French horn, respectively, while juniors Wesley Moore accompanied on oboe and Sarah Smith played clarinet.
The members of the self-organized quintet also are members of the school's marching band and wind ensemble.
The group teamed up in 2004 as the CF Five to perform in front of judges and have been playing together ever since.
The quintet performed for a second year at the annual "Pageant of Peace" in Washington, as well, appearing on the Ellipse, south of the White House grounds on a small stage near the National Christmas Tree.
The quintet is available for hire to play at weddings and other social events.