6th grader Nora Duthie has a lot of hobbies, like sports and dance, and playing music is one of her favorites. “Music is one of my favorite classes, I like the sounds of the songs and playing just helps me calm down with less anxiety,” she explains. Nora particularly enjoyed the songs she performed with her classmates for this year’s Winter Concert on December 4th.
Nora was selected as this month’s Music Student of the Month by instructor Pamela Wright who explained, “Nora has worked SO very hard this year. She has taken her cello home to practice and it shows! She is also a great leader in my classroom.” Nora returned the compliment, saying, “Ms Wright has taught me how to play from the very beginning. A lot of the things I am confused by she helps with.” The huge cello that Nora plays stands almost as tall as she does. While Nora enjoys the cello, she thinks that she may transition to another instrument next year – trumpet or violin – to try something different.
Whatever she picks up next, Nora intends to keep learning music through the middle and high school program, and beyond.
Congratulations to Nora Duthie, December 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 December 2025
Music Advocacy Group 