An unlikely group gathers It’s a hodgepodge of people huddled together as an audience. For new music performers, it’s feeling a mound of nerves. For some, it's more like mandatory fun, at first. Some of us have pretend smiles. Some of us just don't sing. However, the night quickly turns to far more as strangers become new friends and family-like bonds form over an evening of student musician performances and caroling. Organized by an emailed map, about 20 of us gather for holiday treats of assorted colors at a young neighbor musician's home. I see a cheerful student inviting me into his home. And, another sweet former student of mine, now home-schooled, is downright Elf- happy-to-hear-Santa-is-coming giddy to see me. And, piling in one by one are people of all ages and international backgrounds. Youngsters and new musicians arrive, some ready to perform, and some, not so much. The leading music man starts the party- -our music teacher, an