Photo by Skip Lawrence Winchester Hall security guard and part-time musician Morris Blake performed Christmas tunes for Winchester Hall employees on his mellophone Monday. Purchase this photo

Morris Blake, a security guard at Frederick County government's Winchester Hall, has made the holidays a little bit cheerier for government employees.

On Monday, he sat in the foyer of Winchester Hall with his music instructor, playing Christmas carols and holiday songs on a mellophone, a brass instrument similar to a French horn.

He decided to play at noon, so employees would be able to enjoy the music during their lunch break or as they left and entered the building.

"I thought it would be nice for them to have something different for once, and unbeknownst it will be the first time for them here," Blake said.

Blake has been a security guard for the county for five years. He has also worked security at Mount St. Mary's University and Francis Scott Key Mall.

In Winchester Hall, he greets visitors with a smile and started an annual tradition of decorating the foyer with a sparkling Christmas tree and poinsettias.

This year, he added the entertainment, and also played for employees at City Hall. He was joined by his teacher, a local instructor who offers private lessons, Dennis Fraley, on the French horn.

The mayor missed the performance, so Blake and Fraley played him a few songs.

They've already been asked back.

"Everybody was very happy, very nice about it," Blake said.

Blake just started learning the mellophone in October, and Fraley helped keep the songs going strong.

"You have to hang in there with me," Blake said before he started playing.

A couple dozen employees came by to listen, clapping at the end of every song.

Though he just started learning the mellophone, Blake has been playing the trumpet for two years, which is very similar in terms of how it is played and keyed.

Blake also recently started a handbell group at Fort Detrick, and has played the organ at local churches for many years.