Category: Band

Public school music program needs chair carts for daily use — GiveOrcas Holiday Campaign 2021

December 1, 2021

Orcas Island Music Advocacy Group (MAG) is helping to raise money for 4 steel carts to safely stack, move, store and protect the 80 or so music chairs used daily by 5th-12th grade music students for practice and performance in the public school. These storage carts will keep large stacks of chairs stable, freeing up … More Public school music program needs chair carts for daily use — GiveOrcas Holiday Campaign 2021

2021 Fall School Music News

November 2, 2021

Hello from MAG! School music has started, in-person, at Orcas public schools. Hooray! The high school band even performed ‘live’ at the Homecoming week bonfire on the Village Green on October 8th. Holiday concerts are being planned, albeit only open to families at this time. This year, there are 116 students in Band and Strings … More 2021 Fall School Music News

October 2021 Music Student of the Month – Paxton White

November 2, 2021

A junior at Orcas high school, Paxton packs a busy daily schedule that starts with zero-hour band class and ends with after-school sports, often with away games that end with a late ferry ride home.  With all he has going on, he still brings enthusiasm to the band with his tuba playing!  We love his … More October 2021 Music Student of the Month – Paxton White

February 2021 Music Student of the Month – Henry Walker

March 30, 2021

Henry, an 8th grader, has been playing percussion since 5th grade, and now finds himself tapping out a tempo quite naturally.  His advice for new or hesitant students is simply to not overthink it because playing music is fun.  Nevertheless, Band Director Darren Dix has noted Henry’s effort at pushing himself musically throughout the virtual … More February 2021 Music Student of the Month – Henry Walker

December 2020 Music Student of the Month – Molly Johnston

January 5, 2021

Our music students never cease to inspire us!  5th grader Molly Johnston started learning the trumpet in the middle of the pandemic, when band class at school was only taking place online.  In the face of the challenges of beginning a new instrument and navigating online classes, Molly has remained enthusiastic and makes the effort … More December 2020 Music Student of the Month – Molly Johnston

November 2020 Music Student of the Month – Morgan Anderson

January 5, 2021

Morgan picked up the viola when she joined middle school strings as a 7th grader and she has shown that hard work and a good attitude pays off, catching up quickly with her classmates who mostly started at 5th grade. She has some proven tips for musicians of all ages. Congratulations on being recognized November … More November 2020 Music Student of the Month – Morgan Anderson

October 2020 Music Student of the Month – Will Stephens

November 18, 2020

High school band student Will Stephens is setting a great example by keeping up his trombone practice and managing all the digital challenges of  online band class.  Will started on the trombone because a friend was playing it and, after 5 years, Will has discovered a few other benefits to being in band that has … More October 2020 Music Student of the Month – Will Stephens

January 2020 Music Student of the Month – Orlando Ljubic

February 4, 2020

This is Orlando’s first year learning the trumpet and he is enjoying learning all about the instrument. He’s eager to improve and actively asks for advice on how to get to the next level–an attitude that Band Director Darren Dix appreciates. He has great advice for other new learners and that is, ‘Just try to … More January 2020 Music Student of the Month – Orlando Ljubic