June’s featured music student is just finishing up his first year of learning to play an instrument in the public school music program. Danny explained some of the perks of playing trombone in the Orcas Island school band. He said that Band Director Mr. Dix teaches breathing techniques to the students who play brass instruments to help them play their instruments well. These techniques also help with athletics and with stamina in general. Learning to find the notes on a slide trombone assists in developing better depth perception.
Performing in concert teaches you to overcome nervousness and to be more self-confident. Competing against yourself in Band Karate requires persistence and practice. Students earn the next level belt as they learn harder pieces on their instruments. Black belts are rewarded with a pizza party!
Danny says, “I’ve been working really hard on my karate and my music,” and so far, he has earned his purple belt!
Mr. Dix says, “Danny is a leader (directing the group when I have a substitute) and has really pushed himself to continue improving on trombone.”
Congratulations to José Daniel Medina Valladarez, June 2025 Music Student of the Month!
The Music Student of the Month series recognizes Orcas Island Public School musicians who work hard at their musical skills and whose love of music is an inspiration to their fellow student musicians. Thank you so much to the Orcas Island businesses who are sponsoring this monthly series throughout the 2024-25 school year that recognizes the efforts of student musicians and the value of school music!
–as published in Islands’ Sounder June 2025
Music Advocacy Group 