“As the only trombone in the whole middle school, the pressure is on, but I like it!” says Odin Sprenger, this month’s Music Student of the Month. “I’ve been the only trombone since sixth grade, which has been a challenge but a lot of fun too – I have a lot of opportunities to shine. Long solos are the biggest challenge.”
Odin feels like he’s lucky to learn music in a small class in a small school, and from a teacher like Mr. Dix, where one-on-one help ensures everyone gets a good opportunity to play.
“Mr. Dix’s teaching style makes it easy to learn. He gives great tips on how to improve every little thing, knowing exactly what needs to be fixed.” According to the high school band director, Darren Dix, “Odin has continued to be a positive student in class. He was excited to get a new trombone this year, one of our recently purchased F-attachment horns, to help him continue to improve his playing. Despite being the only low brass instrument in the ensemble for two years, he maintains a great attitude.”
This instrument was purchased by generous Orcas donors through the Orcas Island Community Foundation’s GiveOrcas 2024 Holiday catalog.
Odin is a prime example of why music in our schools matters, explaining, “playing music and sliding into the right note is a good break from other subjects at school.”
Congratulations to Odin Sprenger, September 2025 Music Student of the Month!
SAVE THE DATE:
OCTOBER 20, 7 P.M. in the High School Gym — Costume Pops Concert featuring High School Band and Strings
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 September 2025
Music Advocacy Group 