“This is my first year playing, but I knew I’d be good on trombone because I have long arms,” laughs 5th grade band member, Frances Actkinson. “I love the sound it makes—how low it is. But not too low, it’s perfect!” Frances lights up just talking about the instrument. “Music makes me feel happy. If … More March 2026 Music Student of the Month – Frances Actkinson
“I like walking into school and playing something that brings happiness to those who listen,” says Mirah Guzauskus, looking over two vastly different sized string instruments that she is trying to master. “Playing music gets me in the right mood, in the creative mind, the right headspace for an essay due in the next period … More February 2026 Music Student of the Month – Mira Guzaukus
Congratulations to Leo Battles, January’s Music Student of the Month! Leo is a sophomore and started playing the flute in fourth grade band. Six years in, Leo says he has always loved band and that being able to travel on the trips is a highlight. “Disneyland was awesome and I highly recommend it,” Leo says. … More January 2026 Music Student of the Month – Leo Battles
6th grader Nora Duthie has a lot of hobbies, like sports and dance, and playing music is one of her favorites. “Music is one of my favorite classes, I like the sounds of the songs and playing just helps me calm down with less anxiety,” she explains. Nora particularly enjoyed the songs she performed with … More December 2025 Music Student of the Month – Nora Duthie
Musicians count fractions as they read sheet music. Maya says, “In Band class, we start with the Bb scale whole notes, then quarter notes, and then eighth note scales. Reading music is like math, and I like math.” Maya and I discussed some other ways that playing music enhances areas of her life. She says, … More November 2025 Music Student of the Month – Maya Yerly
Solomon Ross is at the edge of his seat, cello in arms, eager to express his passion for his instrument. “I’ve grown attached to this instrument. I bring it home and practice almost every day of the week to wind down and relax. “Music is definitely my favorite subject in school,” Solomon says. “Now I’m … More October 2025 Music Student of the Month – Solomon Ross
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
“As the only trombone in the whole middle school, the pressure is on, but I like it!” says Odin Sprenger, this month’s Music Student of the Month. “I’ve been the only trombone since sixth grade, which has been a challenge but a lot of fun too – I have a lot of opportunities to shine. … More September 2025 Music Student of the Month – Odin Sprenger
June’s featured music student is just finishing up his first year of learning to play an instrument in the public school music program. Danny explained some of the perks of playing trombone in the Orcas Island school band. He said that Band Director Mr. Dix teaches breathing techniques to the students who play brass instruments … More June 2025 Music Student of the Month – José Daniel Medina Valladarez
Early access to music education during his elementary school years has given Carlitos the chance to learn the violin from a young age. He credits playing music with giving him a “surge of creativity” and allowing him more room for expression. OISD Strings Director Pamela Wright commended his hard work and commitment to practice, noting that he … More May 2025 Music Student of the Month – Carlitos Salan Rodriguez
Music Advocacy Group 