Paul Barrett, the principal bassoonist with the Honolulu Symphony, was known for doodling during rehearsal breaks.

His sketches of conductors and soloists — sometimes resembling cartoon-like animals — in the margins of his sheet music were passed around to orchestra musicians and even photocopied by amused symphony librarians.

So, last month, when symphony officials announced the cancellation of performances, due to debts and falling revenues, Barrett turned to his scribblings as a means to help fill the income gap.

"One door closes, another one opens," said Barrett, cheerfully noting last week that his line of Grin-n-Barrett Cards featuring trumpet-playing angels, horn-blowing Santas and other seasonal themes is nearly out of stock.

They're available online, and at shops such as Pillbox Pharmacy in Kaimukí, Music Center of Hawaii and CK Violins — both in the Kaka'ako area.

A symphony musician and lecturer in bassoon at the University of Hawai'i since 1977, Barrett first started designing greeting cards about 10 years ago. He is also a coach for the Honolulu Youth Symphony and offers private music lessons.

In addition to Christmas cards, his Web site, www.grin-n-barrettcards.com, offers special-order options featuring various musical, children's and Hawai'i themes. Ideas for future lines ranging from Valentine's Day to a "dancers and divas" theme are under way.

"I'm very intuitive with what I do," said Barrett, pointing out that his formal training in the arts is mostly musical. "I just start drawing."

With the rest of the orchestra's 2009-10 season largely in limbo, there is one exception: a free matinee concert, set for 4 p.m. Sunday at Blaisdell Concert Hall, where members of the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra and the Oahu Choral Society, led by maestra JoAnn Falletta, will present Beethoven's Ninth Symphony — best known for its "Ode to Joy" choral finale. (Tickets are required, which must be picked up in person at the Blaisdell box office.)

The concert will be produced by musicians, and performers are donating their services for the event. Donations, which will benefit the Honolulu Symphony Musicians' Fund, will be accepted by Live Music Awareness. For more information, visit www.livemusicawareness.com. Tickets are available through the Blaisdell box office.