Told they were playing an impromptu concert for visiting guests Monday morning, the Cora Kelly fourth and fifth grade band got a surprise of their own: $21,000 in new instruments. 
    
The gift of new saxophones, trombones, baritones, flutes, clarinets and trumpets came courtesy of Fidelity Investments new Alexandria Investor Center. Jim Viets of Fidelity kept the kids in suspense for a few moments, talking a bit about his companys role in the community before revealing the slew of new music makers. 
    
School administrators had supplied organizers with a wish list prior to the event, officials said. The donation is designed to help expand the math, science and technology schools successful music program.
    
We hope these new instruments will help the school continue to build an outstanding music program and provide more students with the opportunity to participate and explore their interest in the arts, Viets said in a statement. 
    
Fidelity made the donation in cooperation with The Mr. Hollands Opus Foundation, a national nonprofit charged with supplying schools and community programs with musical instruments.  
    
Music teacher Heather Rosner was on hand to accept the gifts with her class.
    
Participation in music offers students a unique aesthetic and emotional experience where they can be connected to each other and to musical concepts as a whole, she said. Music can teach children so many important lessons, from the development of fine motor skills, to the dedication needed to practice, to the self confidence they earn from performing.