On Sunday afternoon, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Padanaram rang to the melodies of Christmas songs — but instead of choral voices filling the rafters, it was the smooth sound of local jazz musicians the Buttonwood Brass Trio.

The trio performed at the church’s first-ever Yuletide Holiday Concert fundraiser in support of mental health and wellness charity The Bridge: A Center for Hope and Healing.

Nearly fifty people came out to listen and even sing along to classic tunes like “Jingle Bells,” “White Christmas,” and “Oh Come All Ye Faithful,” as well as lesser known songs like Dave McKenna’s “Snowbound.”

Organizers also held a raffle sponsored by BayCoast Bank for two Bruins tickets to a game against Winnipeg in January, along with a post-concert reception including coffee and snacks.

Michael Rocha, a cardiologist at Hawthorne Medical Associates, led the concert on trombone.

Completing the trio was Bob Williamson on trumpet and Bill Kingsland, director of the national championship-winning Dartmouth High School band, on tuba.

All three are also members of the Southcoast Jazz Orchestra.

Rocha introduced each of the twenty holiday-themed songs, giving trivia and personal stories about every tune.

They even had a little fun, such as when they broke out santa hats and flashing Christmas lights for the finale.

Also featured at the concert was a special 3D-printed mute for the Chipmunk Song to make the trombone sounds higher pitched.

“I’m only allowed to use this once,” Rocha joked.

But there were more serious moments as well. 

Rocha spoke about what the organization’s mission to give counseling to underserved community members meant to him as a health care professional.

“The work that’s being done [at the Bridge] is incredibly important,” he said. “I can’t tell you how often I refer people...Because oftentimes there is no place else.”

He noted that patients often wait months to see a mental health provider.

“I was very honored to be part of today’s performance,” he added after the concert. “Everything I said up there, I mean from the heart. This is really an important place. You can’t underestimate how important it is.”

Dartmouth resident Jan Young said that she enjoyed the concert. “I loved it,” she said. “Great fundraiser. The guys were great.”

“I thought that all three of them were really good, especially the little lights,” agreed Memory Holloway of Padanaram. “And the participation at the end.”

She went on to say that her favorite song they played was the Chipmunk song. “Alvin!” she shouted, raising her hand to the sky.

St. Peter’s Reverend Scott Ciosek said that he was happy with the turnout.

“I thought the response was wonderful,” he noted. “We sold many many tickets in advance. I think a lot of people may not have come because of the Patriots game, but we still had a pretty decent crowd.”

He added that he would “love” to hold the concert again next year. 

“We’ll probably go for it, and keep building on it each year,” he said. “It’s just an opportunity to bring people together, and to really celebrate the joy of the season.”