Category: Band

Senior Student Projects That Are Giving Back Through Music

May 1, 2019

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

Orcas Band Students Attend Seattle Opera

February 16, 2019

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

December 2018 Music Student of the Month – Moose Kinsey

January 8, 2019

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

Letter to the Editor – Music Room To Be Constructed in 2019!

January 8, 2019

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!

Letter to the Editor – Keep Music Room in the School Construction Bond

December 16, 2018

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

November 2018 Music Student of the Month -Elijah Giampietro

December 3, 2018

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

September 2018 Music Student of the Month – Phaedra Osborn

October 30, 2018

“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

School Music Wraps Up A Notable Year – Over $19,000 in funding from MAG

September 12, 2018

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

May Music Student of the Month – Eddie Cunningham

June 5, 2018

“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

March Music Student of the Month – Ellie Wright

April 3, 2018

“You can say things with music that you can’t say in words.” – Orcas Middle School Band student Ellie Wright Congratulations Ellie for being recognized as our March 2018 student musician!  We look forward to hearing you play at the upcoming Grades 5-12 Band Concert on May 11, 2018 at the High School Gym.  The Music … More March Music Student of the Month – Ellie Wright