February 2026 Music Student of the Month – Mira Guzaukus

“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

January 2026 Music Student of the Month – Leo Battles

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

December 2025 Music Student of the Month – Nora Duthie

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

November 2025 Music Student of the Month – Maya Yerly

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

October 2024 Music Student of the Month – Jonathan Rodriguez Ortiz

”…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

September 2024 Music Student of the Month – Max Dickey Vollmer

”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

June 2024 Music Student of the Month – Charlotte Walker

”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

May 2024 Music Student of the Month – Alyssa Garcia

”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

April 2024 Music Student of the Month – Ryan Guerry

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