February 2024 Music Student of the Month – Seffa Halabisky

Congratulations to our February honoree, Seffa! This middle schooler has been busy preparing for state-level competitions such as the W-ASTA/WWU State Orchestra Festival in March. These contests are highly educational and provide the opportunity for Orcas island music students to listen to outstanding symphonic and string ensembles from throughout the region. The Music Student of … More February 2024 Music Student of the Month – Seffa Halabisky

March 3 at 3 PM! MAG Benefit Concert Returns, Features Orcatrazz Swing Band & Other Island Musicians

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

January 2024 Music Student of the Month – Angelo Vaccarella

Congratulations on your progress, Angelo! Solo and Ensemble competitions off-island are a valuable way that music students receive feedback from professional judges. It also gives students the opportunity to bond with their group and to hear their peers from regional schools perform. We look forward to hearing you and your orchestra mates perform at the MAG concert … More January 2024 Music Student of the Month – Angelo Vaccarella

December 2023 Music Student of the Month – Jessica Cartisser

At a tender age, Jessica, a 7th grader, has already grasped one of the best reasons for playing music with friends—a life skill that we can all practice: ”When we play by ourselves, we listen to ourselves, and when we play as a group, we learn how to listen to others.” Bravo, Jessica, we are … More December 2023 Music Student of the Month – Jessica Cartisser

November 2023 Music Student of the Month – Edwin Gonzalez

Edwin has played the alto saxophone all through middle school and counts jazz music as his favorite genre. Band Director, Darren Dix, appreciates his developing leadership skills and great attitude. Way to go, Edwin! Come enjoy these upcoming Winter Concerts: The Music Student of the Month series recognizes Orcas Island Public School musicians who work … More November 2023 Music Student of the Month – Edwin Gonzalez

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

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

Senior Student Projects That Are Giving Back Through Music

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

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