It’s only his first year in Band but 5th-grader Royce Tye already dreams of playing all his favorite songs. In a heartwarming twist, he already has his own trumpet that has been in the family for almost a century. What a fantastic start! Congratulations on being April’s Student Musician of the Month, we can’t wait … More April 2019 Music Student of the Month – Royce Tye
Three graduating seniors at Orcas Island High School have each embarked on a musically-focused senior project as their way to give back to the music-loving Orcas community that has supported their musical development while at the public school. Dishwashing to opera music Luke Pietsch was first introduced to opera fortuitously, while working as a dishwasher … More Senior Student Projects That Are Giving Back Through Music
6th grader Lillian is in tuned with how music can change her mood. This girl loves listening to hip-hop but she’s just as serious about learning to play the violin at school. “I like the harmonies. I like how it’s peaceful. It makes me feel calm.” Orcas Middle School Strings member Lillian Hodges Strings Director … More Mar 2019 Music Student of the Month – Lillian Hodges
6th grader Rhya plays the clarinet in the Middle School band and is enthusiastic about learning music, so much so that Band Director Darren Dix has noted her progress and leadership in class. Congratulations on being February’s Student Musician of the Month! “Take your instrument home from school and practice!” says Orcas Middle School Strings … More Feb 2019 Music Student of the Month – Rhya Segault
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
Music Advocacy Group 