Ansley recognizes that simultaneously being able to listen to her instrument, the sound that her group is making, and the sound produced by all the parts together is an invaluable musical skill; it is a skill that she is already focused on honing through practice and concentration. Her Strings teacher points out that Ansley comes … More January 2025 Music Student of the Month – Ansley Loock
He may be in 6th grade, but Paxton’s effort to learn more challenging music for trumpet has caught the notice of his band teacher, Mr. Dix. Paxton is quick to recognize that Mr. Dix creates a safe space to make mistakes as part of the journey of learning an instrument. He also credits participation in … More December 2024 Music Student of the Month – Paxton Erwin
She may be a freshman but Ashley has transitioned comfortably into the high school strings program, having studied the violin in the public school music program since 5th grade. She is also a member of the school’s Mariachi Band. She is particularly excited for the opportunity to learn music that is part of her culture. … More November 2024 Music Student of the Month – Ashley Conejo Medina
”…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
”Music uses all parts of the brain, so it really helps me get prepared for the day.” Max kicks off our Music Student of the Month this 2024/25 school year by sharing a wonderful insight to how music practice with classmates as the first period of his long school day (he is a school athlete, … More September 2024 Music Student of the Month – Max Dickey Vollmer
”I like how beautiful it sounds when we play together in harmony.” Simple words of wisdom. Playing together in harmony is a skill we can all practice, in music and in life. Congratulations, Charlotte, you are off to a great start! The Music Student of the Month series recognizes Orcas Island Public School musicians who … More June 2024 Music Student of the Month – Charlotte Walker
”Playing a musical instrument helps me practice responsibility.” We are so impressed by this gem of insight from a beginning band student after just a year in the school music program. Congratulations, Alyssa! Come June 6, this year’s 4th graders will participate in the 2024 Instrument Zoo before selecting an instrument to learn in the … More May 2024 Music Student of the Month – Alyssa Garcia
Congratulations, Ryan! Ryan knew he wanted to play the violin when he was given the choice of instruments to learn during Orcas Island Elementary’s annual Instrument Zoo last year because his grandfather had introduced him to the violin when he was little. Save the date and come enjoy string music performed by 5th-12th grade students, … More April 2024 Music Student of the Month – Ryan Guerry
On Friday and Saturday, March 8-9, 2024, the Orcas Island High School Band participated in the Invitational Band Festival at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) in Tacoma, WA. The festival formally invites twenty bands, twelve high schools and eight junior high/middle school bands every year. This is the third consecutive year that our high school band … More Orcas Island HS Band performs at Invitational Band Festival
This young flutist is glad for the opportunity to try out a musical instrument as part of the school music program when she was in 5th grade. For many Orcas Island public school students, this is where they first learn to play an instrument. This February and March, Audrey has benefited from professional feedback, thanks … More March 2024 Music Student of the Month – Audrey Hance
Music Advocacy Group 