Violinists from Sedona Charter School stood upon a makeshift bandstand in the foyer of a local grocer, tuning their instruments before launching into their renditions.

“This helps us introduce the school to members of the community. The funds will help us continue to deliver the outstanding educational program we offer here,” SCC Director of Finance Alice Madar said, adding that the store had volunteered to donate 5 percent of its proceeds March 25.

“This is the first Community Day for Whole Foods Market Sedona. In a vote, the store’s staff chose Sedona Charter School as the beneficiary,” she said.

According to Madar, a representative from the store said that “Sedona Charter School is an asset to the community,” and that “they believe in our style of education.”

As to the young performers — the string section first, followed a couple hours later by vocalists — Madar said that they had been gearing up for the event for some time.

“Our young musicians love music and they love to perform,” she said. “The strings students have been working hard, building their skills and repertoire. The middle school vocalists spent last semester writing songs as well as singing some older songs that were especially meaningful for adolescents.”

Madar expressed enthusiasm for the students’ instructor and mentor, Adalia Tara Middleton, stating that she “has been quite inspiring to these young singer/songwriters.”

Customers continued to pass by throughout both performances, smiling at the surprise addition to their shopping experience.

To read the full story, see the Wednesday, April 1, edition of the Sedona Red Rock News.