As a 7th grade flute player, Neila Welch already recognizes that to play an instrument is to ‘practice commitment’ and this also helps her in other areas of school. She also made the astute observation that being in band is ‘A good balance of individual and team spirit.’ We love hearing how Orcas student musicians … More February 2023 Music Student of the Month – Neila Welch
In 4th grade, Maddox learnt to play the cello in the school music program, before picking up the violin. Strings Director, Pamela Wright, is impressed with his musical ear and knowledge of instruments. Now in 8th grade, Maddox says he is committed to participating in the school music program until he graduates. We support his … More January 2023 Music Student of the Month – Maddox Webster
Fifth graders such as Wolf, who is in band, have been learning notes and familiarizing themselves with their instruments as they learn to make music as a group. We are excited to hear Wolf’s enthusiasm for learning to play the trumpet. Congratulations, we look forward to supporting you and watching your skills develop over the … More December 2022 Music Student of the Month – Wolf Zohar
Catch Lola and the Orcas Island High School Strings and Band for a festive Winter Concert at the Orcas Center on Thursday, December 15 at 7:15pm. Open to the public. Lola starts the day with music, practicing the viola as part of High School Strings, and ends it sailing on the waters around West Sound, … More November 2022 Music Student of the Month – Lola Walker
“Playing percussion teaches you to slow down and be patient and yet be focused, counting in your head. I think that music is really inspiring and I’m really grateful to have this program.” Great insight from our October Music Student of the Month! We look forward to hearing you play at a school concert soon, … More October 2022 Music Student of the Month – Kenneth Farani
Our first honoree of the 2022-23 Music Student of the Month series is described as ‘a calm and collected leader’ by OISD Strings Director, Pamela Wright. We are so proud to support the nurturing of music talent and youth leadership. Congratulations, Ethan! The Music Student of the Month series recognizes Orcas Island Public School musicians … More September 2022 Music Student of the Month – Ethan Moss
We hope these little stories give you a glimpse of the outstanding musicians the public school music program is nurturing. A belated but heartfelt congratulations to these amazing Orcas Island student musicians—Theo Johnston (April), Natalie Zapeta Arevalon and Ginger Haug (May), and Finn Rubottom (June), who helped us close out the 2021-22 school music program! … More April/May/June 2022 Music Students of the Month
We are thrilled that public school music students are, once again, participating in off-island, in-person, competitions and performing with peers across the state. You make us proud, Tori! Congratulations on being March’s Music Student of the Month in 2022! The Music Student of the Month series recognizes Orcas Island Public School musicians who work hard … More March 2022 Music Student of the Month – Toribio Quintero
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
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
Music Advocacy Group 