We are grateful to the Orcas Island community for joining us on Sunday, March 29, at our benefit concert for school music, and for sharing in a standing ovation for the OISD music teacher and Strings Director, Mrs. Pamela Wright, in tribute to her 24 years of teaching in the public school. During her tenure, … More Thank you for making MAG’s school music benefit a success!
Here are the highlights from our Fall 2025 newsletter about the public school music program on Orcas Island: We hope you will read all the updates and photos in the full two-page newsletter below. Keep the drumbeat of school music strong Thanks to your sustained support, all students from K-12 grades have in-school access to … More Fall 2025 School Music News
On Sunday, March 2nd, at 3:00 PM, local musicians and music lovers will gather at the Orcas Island High School gym to celebrate the benefits of music education on Orcas Island. This annual Orcas Island tradition is a community celebration that will feature performances by local groups, including Turtleback Brass, Orcas Island Community Band, Orcas … More March 2nd School Music Benefit Concert to Feature Turtleback Brass & Other Beloved Island Musicians
Join us this holiday season to raise funds for musical instruments & equipment for greater instrument accessibility in public school music. Donate at GiveOrcas.org Every year, 130-140 students from 5th through 12th grade participate in band & strings groups at the Orcas Island public school. Providing access to a reliable musical instrument to learn on … More Band Together for School Music at Holiday GiveOrcas Dec. 3-12
”…music is fun because of the cool songs we play. I have to focus so hard sometimes I zone out of everything else.” Currently the only bassoonist on the 5th-8th grade band, Jonathan is taking on the challenge of learning to play the bassoon after two years of learning the clarinet. He admits to being … More October 2024 Music Student of the Month – Jonathan Rodriguez Ortiz
If you have an elementary-age child who likes to sing and loves to sing along with favorite songs, the Kids’ Chorus is for them! They will have fun singing popular favorites and some traditional songs, as well as learning new songs and even writing songs. The Funhouse Commons, Orcas Island Music Advocacy Group and Orcas … More Elementary Children’s Chorus to meet starting October 25
Set to graduate on June 15, the Orcas Island School District class of 2024 is notable for having begun their freshman year in online classrooms. Their mettle has been tested and honed as the district navigated COVID-19 challenges of first transitioning students to virtual learning and then back to the new normal within the timeframe of their high school years. Five remarkable … More OIHS Band and Strings Students Graduate on a High Note
After a three-year hiatus, the Music Advocacy Group Spring Benefit Concert for the Orcas Island Public School’s music program returns Sunday, March 3, at 3 PM in the Orcas Island High School Gym. Everyone is welcome. This island tradition features performances by Orcatrazz Swing Band, JP & the OK Rhythm Boys, Orcas Choral Society Ensemble, and … More March 3 at 3 PM! MAG Benefit Concert Returns, Features Orcatrazz Swing Band & Other Island Musicians
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