A junior at Orcas high school, Paxton packs a busy daily schedule that starts with zero-hour band class and ends with after-school sports, often with away games that end with a late ferry ride home. With all he has going on, he still brings enthusiasm to the band with his tuba playing! We love his … More October 2021 Music Student of the Month – Paxton White
As a high school student musician in the Strings program, Silas starts his school day at ‘zero hour’—7:30am, an hour before regular classes begin. In his leisure time, he plays bass guitar, piano, and drums. Wow! Read more about what drives him. Congratulations on being the first Music Student of the Month in the 2021-22 … More September 2021 Music Student of the Month – Silas Kok
A belated but heartfelt congratulations to these amazing Orcas Island middle school musicians—Stella Dillard, Vera Sasan and Lauro Quintero, who helped us close out a highly adapted last quarter of the 2020-21 school music program! And once again, thank you to the generous sponsors of the ’Music Student of the Month’ series! Now that the … More Hooray for April/May/June 2021 Music Students of the Month
Athena’s love for playing the viola comes through clearly when she talks about playing music and she brings her enthusiasm to class as Strings Director Pamela Wright attests. Reflecting on the value of regular practice, Athena shared that she could not read music when she first started learning the viola three years ago; now she … More March 2021 Music Student of the Month – Athena Moore
Henry, an 8th grader, has been playing percussion since 5th grade, and now finds himself tapping out a tempo quite naturally. His advice for new or hesitant students is simply to not overthink it because playing music is fun. Nevertheless, Band Director Darren Dix has noted Henry’s effort at pushing himself musically throughout the virtual … More February 2021 Music Student of the Month – Henry Walker
Mila, a cellist in her sophomore year, is a go-getter in the Strings program. She chose to learn the cello in 8th grade because some of her favorite pieces were written for the instrument. She enjoys practicing and finds is very rewarding when a piece she has worked hard on starts to sound like it … More January 2021 Music Student of the Month – Mila Marinova
Our music students never cease to inspire us! 5th grader Molly Johnston started learning the trumpet in the middle of the pandemic, when band class at school was only taking place online. In the face of the challenges of beginning a new instrument and navigating online classes, Molly has remained enthusiastic and makes the effort … More December 2020 Music Student of the Month – Molly Johnston
Morgan picked up the viola when she joined middle school strings as a 7th grader and she has shown that hard work and a good attitude pays off, catching up quickly with her classmates who mostly started at 5th grade. She has some proven tips for musicians of all ages. Congratulations on being recognized November … More November 2020 Music Student of the Month – Morgan Anderson
High school band student Will Stephens is setting a great example by keeping up his trombone practice and managing all the digital challenges of online band class. Will started on the trombone because a friend was playing it and, after 5 years, Will has discovered a few other benefits to being in band that has … More October 2020 Music Student of the Month – Will Stephens
Kai was one of two students selected by audition to play at Carnegie Hall last February. Traveling to play with different student groups has been one of the best perks of playing music. Kai has wise words for why we should all keep practicing even when we don’t feel motivated. Congratulations on being recognized September … More September 2020 Music Student of the Month – Kai Ross
Music Advocacy Group 