The O’Brien family is the trumpet playing equivalent of the Von Trapp family of singers. The children range in age from 12 to 17 — all accomplished musical artists with a dream. Their father instilled in each of them a love of melody from an early age, and they’ve taken his inspiration to new heights. Each has bragging rights to a host of musical honors.

Rising to the top takes more than talent and dedication though. Whether it’s a tour with the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra or attending college, the climb costs money. And so the O’Brien’s are composing their own strategy for success. This weekend they took their talent to the center of the holiday rush in San Francisco. The children’s father helped to orchestrate fan enthusiasm – and shoppers, cab drivers – even cable car operators became part of an ensemble of holiday magic.