Category: Band

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

Orcas Community Once Again Demonstrates Strong Support for School Music

March 29, 2018

— from Miriam Ziegler, President, Music Advocacy Group – On Sunday March 4, the Orcas community enjoyed a real musical treat, the 21st Annual Music Advocacy Group Benefit Concert.  The School’s Old Gym was filled to capacity. An audience member commented, “This MAG Concert is my favorite concert of the year, and I attend a … More Orcas Community Once Again Demonstrates Strong Support for School Music

100 Musicians! 1 Great Cause!

February 28, 2018

This Sunday, March 4, a grand Orcas Island music tradition returns with fresh notes to welcome Spring.  More than 100 members of our community music groups and school music ensembles will perform at the 21st annual benefit concert for school music hosted by the Music Advocacy Group (MAG) in the Old School Gym at 3pm.  … More 100 Musicians! 1 Great Cause!

January Music Student of the Month – Willow White

February 8, 2018

“Willow is dedicated student, and even joined the H.S. Pep Band and plays with us at every game!” – Band Director Darren Dix Congratulations Willow for being our first student musician to be recognized in 2018!  Between Nov 2017 to Feb 2018, many of our string and band student musicians have played and competed in … More January Music Student of the Month – Willow White

OIHS Students Earn Top Awards

February 6, 2018

Many thanks to Ed Wilson for sharing this article that also appeared on Orcas Issues: A busload of Orcas Island High School (OIHS) musicians traveled to Bellingham High School on Saturday morning, January 27, to compete in the all-day San Juan Music Educators Association (SJMEA) regional solo and ensemble contest. By Sunday night, it was learned that two … More OIHS Students Earn Top Awards

November Music Student of the Month – Dante Ljubic

December 4, 2017

Here comes Dante Ljubic! He’s a fifth grader with a fantastic attitude. Catch him and the 5th-8th grade band and strings musicians at the public school’s Winter Holiday Concert this Thursday Dec 7th, 7pm in the High School Gym. … More November Music Student of the Month – Dante Ljubic

Chime in for a musical cause in the OICF Holiday Catalog 2017

December 1, 2017

This holiday season, your donation to MAG’s appeal in the OICF 2017 Holiday Catalog will help purchase a set of orchestral chimes and other music equipment for the Orcas public school music program.  It is a gift that our young percussionists and their fellow student musicians have been hoping for.  Donate here. Let’s hear from our … More Chime in for a musical cause in the OICF Holiday Catalog 2017

Burghardt Fund exceeds challenge target, paving new ways for local music students to reach full potential

November 20, 2017

In June this year, at the Music Advocacy Group (MAG) annual meeting and reception, the board received a remarkable challenge.  Four generous island donors stood up and pledged to match, dollar for dollar, up to $10,000 in donations from the community before the end of 2017.  The money raised would go to the establishment of … More Burghardt Fund exceeds challenge target, paving new ways for local music students to reach full potential