Did you know that 292 students participate in music programs at Orcas Island public schools?
The Orcas Island community is invited to fill the Orcas High School gym on Sunday, March 29, at 4 p.m. for a family-friendly benefit concert presented by Music Advocacy Group (MAG). There will be performances by Orcas Choral Society, Orcas Public School Strings, Wind Ensemble, Mariachi, and special guests. Proceeds support public school music programs for K-12 students.
The district’s strings director, Pamela Wright, plans to retire this year, after 24 years in the music department; this will be her last MAG concert leading strings. Throughout her tenure, Mrs. Wright, as she is known to students, has tirelessly nurtured award-winning middle and high school strings groups—a point of pride for a small school district.
An island musical tradition
For almost 30 years, MAG has presented a live concert every spring since its founding members rallied to sustain music education in the public school, with the exception of 2021 to 2023, when pandemic precautions limited live events. Individual donations are the main source of MAG funds for the district’s music programs.
In addition to a variety of musical instruments to keep up with the growing number of students, MAG has funded specialized furniture and equipment for the building where the music department is housed, such as a library for musical scores, music stands and chairs, and racks for storing and moving instruments. To meet the wide-ranging demands of teaching 292 students, the two music teachers work with technology tools; MAG has equipped the department with Sibelius, a music scoring software program, video editing software, Chromebooks and MakeMusic Cloud software subscriptions.
For its youngest students, the district offers general music and bucket drumming. From 4th to 12th grade, students can learn to play an instrument in band, strings or mariachi. MAG helps pay for off-island experiences that expose students to high-level music performances with the goal of inspiring musical excellence. Students regularly take part in regional competitions and have enjoyed trips to Seattle Symphony, Seattle Opera and even Carnegie Hall.
Celebrate school music
Music education remains a vital academic need. In March 2025, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson was one of many governors across the nation who recognized March Is Music In Our Schools MonthTM, stating in a proclamation that “research has shown that strong music programs help build competencies in all areas of education.” Numerous studies consistently show that learning music has positive, long-lasting benefits, especially if started from a young age.
This March, Orcas school librarians are sharing music-themed stories through book displays and read-aloud sessions. Middle and high school band and strings students are busy with regional invitationals and competitive events. They will be ready to showcase their talents at the MAG concert on March 29.
For the community, this annual benefit concert is an opportunity to gather and celebrate the island’s hometown musicians, both young and young-at-heart.
Music Advocacy Group 