The lines to get a package weighed were still long, but at least some customers at Vienna’s post office had a nicer wait last Thursday. Eleven students from the madrigal group at James Madison High School came to perform some holiday songs in the lobby, while customers waited in line nearby.
"I think it’s really nice. It makes waiting in line go faster," said Karen Walraven, who was mailing some letters.
This winter is the sixth year that the Madison madrigals have come by the post office to spread some holiday cheer. Singing songs about winter, the all-female group sang to people entering and exiting the post office.
"To me, this is a joyous occasion. And this is special for us, we get to hear them too," said Vienna postmaster Alton Miller.
The madrigals entertained the queue for over 30 minutes. They had sung earlier that day for a luncheon sponsored by the Vienna-Tysons Chamber of Commerce. During the holiday season, they have also performed at private parties, as well as for community organizations such as the chamber and the Optimist Club, according to Madison choir director Kay Greene. Greene has conducted choirs at Madison since 1978.
The student singers say they like performing whenever they can.
"I’ve been singing all my life," said senior Katherine Lipobski, who sang a few solos during the madrigals’ set. "The best [part] I like about performing is the applause."
And at the post office that Thursday afternoon, applause wasn’t in short supply.
"I have customers who come back every year when they know they’re coming," Miller said.
The next major choir concert at Madison High School will be on Wednesday, Dec. 19th at 7:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend.