Orcas High School Band students enjoyed an unforgettable night at the opera on January 26. A dozen excited student musicians, accompanied by Band Director Darren Dix and parent chaperones, made the trip to watch Seattle Opera’s last-night performance of Il Trovatore, Verdi’s masterpiece of love, passion and revenge, set during a time of Civil War. … More Orcas Band Students Attend Seattle Opera
Kai first had his ear on a viola played at an Orcas Chamber Music Festival Concert years ago, leading him to pick up the instrument at school. Besides simply loving the sound, he sees music opening the doors to travel! May you go far, Kai Ross. Congratulations on being January’s Student Musician of the Month! … More January 2019 Music Student of the Month – Kai Ross
Moose has been playing the cello for five years and continues to get a thrill out of learning to play a piece. It’s a privilege to see our young musicians develop. Congratulations Moose for being recognized as our December 2018 student musician! “Whatever language people speak, they understand you when you play music.” says Orcas … More December 2018 Music Student of the Month – Moose Kinsey
At the school board meeting on Tuesday evening, Dec 18, board members decisively elected to construct the long-awaited Multi-purpose/Music Room, which was on the Alternate list of the recent re-bid for the 2017 Bond Construction. The completion of the music wing has the support of many in our music-loving Orcas community. MAG would like to … More Letter to the Editor – Music Room To Be Constructed in 2019!
The reduced scope of the 2017 School Construction Bond has relegated the Multi-purpose/Music Room to the ‘Alternate’ category, in a re-prioritized list of projects for a new bid package. There is a serious possibility that the Multi-purpose/Music Room may be dropped. The School Board will open new bids for the revised scope of the 2017 … More Letter to the Editor – Keep Music Room in the School Construction Bond
Elijah is the only bassoon player in the middle school band and took on the challenge of switching from learning to play the clarinet just this year. Come watch Elijah and fellow musicians from 5th-8th grade Band and Strings in their Holiday Concert on Thursday, Dec 6 at 7pm in the High School Gym. All … More November 2018 Music Student of the Month -Elijah Giampietro
Here’s to one hardworking musician! Adairis practices at home and in school and has impressed her teacher Mrs. Pamela Wright with her progress and perseverance. Congratulations Adairis for being recognized as our October 2018 student musician! “It seems like part of my life. I want to keep playing.” says Orcas Middle School Strings violinist Adairis … More October 2018 Music Student of the Month -Adairis Quintero
“Music brings a lot of joy, and playing again at an older age, I appreciate it in a whole new way.” – Orcas High School Band Senior Phaedra Osborn We are always excited to hear of high school students picking up their instrument and giving it another go. After all, playing music is a lifelong … More September 2018 Music Student of the Month – Phaedra Osborn
The Orcas School music program bids farewell to two graduating seniors this year, a Band percussionist, Liam Griskey-Watson, and Strings violinist, Joanne Mietzner. Both have been stellar musicians. Joanne played in the San Juan Music Educators Association (SJMEA) Senior Honor Orchestra. She also played in the Orcas High School Strings group that won first … More School Music Wraps Up A Notable Year – Over $19,000 in funding from MAG
“When it gets challenging, it’s really fun! It’s another life skill.” – Orcas Middle School Band student Eddie Cunningham We couldn’t agree more with Eddie that facing up to the challenge of learning music is a life skill! What a great attitude from a middle schooler. Yay, Orcas Middle School! And, congratulations Eddie for being … More May Music Student of the Month – Eddie Cunningham
