Congratulations to Leo Battles, January’s Music Student of the Month!
Leo is a sophomore and started playing the flute in fourth grade band. Six years in, Leo says he has always loved band and that being able to travel on the trips is a highlight. “Disneyland was awesome and I highly recommend it,” Leo says.
Instructor Darren Dix chose Leo this month, explaining, “Leo has shown great dedication to the music program, being in both Mariachi (zero hour twice a week) and Band. He has grown immensely in both flute and vihuela playing and is a natural leader. Keep up the great work, Leo!”
Leo describes how music and band require working as a team, staying focused, and even learning a new language, all transferable skills to sports (basketball, track and field, and sailing) and school subjects, like AP Computer Science, his favorite subject this year.
“Music in the morning also helps me feel relaxed and focused before school, ” Leo says.
“I will want to keep it as a hobby into my future. And Mr. Dix is a great teacher. He doesn’t put too much pressure on us, lets us practice our way, and is always there to help and give good advice if we need it.”
SAVE THE DATE: Leo and the Orcas high School band, strings and mariachi, along with Orcas Choral Society and special guests, will be performing ‘live’ at MAG’s School Music Benefit Concert on Sunday, March 29 at 4 pm in the High School Gym. Please join us!
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 January 2026
Music Advocacy Group 