Orcas Island School District is thrilled to welcome cellist and educator Sarah Dorian as our new K-12 music teacher and strings specialist for the 2026-27 school year! Sarah arrives with an exceptional pedigree, having studied at Vanderbilt University, the University of Notre Dame, and Fort Hays State University, graduating at the top of her class. … More September 2026 Teacher Spotlight – Sarah Dorian

Fourth grade Orcas Elementary student Christopher Quintero just started playing violin this school year but already has a strong commitment to learning and enjoying the craft. Strings director Pamela Wright chose Christopher as this month’s Music Student of the Month, explaining, “Christopher is a hard worker. I can tell that he loves to play the … More June 2026 Music Student of the Month – Christopher Quintero

“I really liked how pretty it looked and I enjoy the sound that it makes,” says 5th grade band member Cora Shaner, describing the immediate connection she felt to the clarinet during last year’s school instrument zoo. Cora’s enthusiasm for her instrument and her ensemble has earned her the title of Music Student of the … More May 2026 Music Student of the Month – Cora Shaner

Scout Katz started violin at Orcas Elementary just last September and is already playing beautiful scales. “I feel like I’m getting quite a bit better, not as screechy,” she says, “| like when you hit that perfect note and it makes the perfect sound.” Scout has been honored as the Music Student of the Month … More April 2026 Music Student of the Month – Scout Katz

“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