Violins, flutes, and a medley of other instruments weaved a seamless musical tapestry Thursday night as part of the Mira Costa Orchestra Program's winter concert --"A Gift of Music." 

Led by director Peter Park, students played pieces ranging from Elliot Del Borgo's Shalom Chavarim to Leroy Anderson's Sleigh Ride. The concert showcased all three orchestra groups: philharmonic, chamber strings and symphony orchestra.

Audience members who brought canned food could receive raffle tickets to win a chance to conduct the orchestra or play percussion. Cash tickets could also be had, the cash then spent to buy canned food. 

"We still wanted to promote that thought of giving," said Park. 

The Mira Costa Symphony Orchestra has received top ratings from the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association and has performed at venues such as Carnegie Hall in 2006 and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in 2009.