“This is my first year playing, but I knew I’d be good on trombone because I have long arms,” laughs 5th grade band member, Frances Actkinson. “I love the sound it makes—how low it is. But not too low, it’s perfect!”
Frances lights up just talking about the instrument. “Music makes me feel happy. If you listen to the right music at the right time, it just makes you feel that emotion more. Even if you’re listening to sad music and feeling sad, it makes you feel OK to be sad.”
Band director Mr. Dix explains his decision to honor Frances with the award this month, saying, “Frances has really thrived on trombone, making excellent progress as a beginner. She has a great attitude and is a natural lead.” Frances claims, “Mr. Dix is really nice. He’s not too strict but he’s also not letting anybody off the hook.”
From her own vault of advice, she wisely adds, “If it’s hard, it’s OK. It should be hard. If it’s not hard, you probably should choose something more challenging.” Frances plans to keep challenging herself by playing music for years and is even learning guitar on the side!
Congratulations to Frances Actkinson, March 2026 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 2025-26 school year that recognizes the efforts of student musicians and the value of school music!
–as published in Islands’ Sounder March 2026
Music Advocacy Group 