6th grader Lillian is in tuned with how music can change her mood. This girl loves listening to hip-hop but she’s just as serious about learning to play the violin at school. “I like the harmonies. I like how it’s peaceful. It makes me feel calm.” Orcas Middle School Strings member Lillian Hodges Strings Director … More Mar 2019 Music Student of the Month – Lillian Hodges
6th grader Rhya plays the clarinet in the Middle School band and is enthusiastic about learning music, so much so that Band Director Darren Dix has noted her progress and leadership in class. Congratulations on being February’s Student Musician of the Month! “Take your instrument home from school and practice!” says Orcas Middle School Strings … More Feb 2019 Music Student of the Month – Rhya Segault
Kai first had his ear on a viola played at an Orcas Chamber Music Festival Concert years ago, leading him to pick up the instrument at school. Besides simply loving the sound, he sees music opening the doors to travel! May you go far, Kai Ross. Congratulations on being January’s Student Musician of the Month! … More January 2019 Music Student of the Month – Kai Ross
Moose has been playing the cello for five years and continues to get a thrill out of learning to play a piece. It’s a privilege to see our young musicians develop. Congratulations Moose for being recognized as our December 2018 student musician! “Whatever language people speak, they understand you when you play music.” says Orcas … More December 2018 Music Student of the Month – Moose Kinsey
At the school board meeting on Tuesday evening, Dec 18, board members decisively elected to construct the long-awaited Multi-purpose/Music Room, which was on the Alternate list of the recent re-bid for the 2017 Bond Construction. The completion of the music wing has the support of many in our music-loving Orcas community. MAG would like to … More Letter to the Editor – Music Room To Be Constructed in 2019!
The reduced scope of the 2017 School Construction Bond has relegated the Multi-purpose/Music Room to the ‘Alternate’ category, in a re-prioritized list of projects for a new bid package. There is a serious possibility that the Multi-purpose/Music Room may be dropped. The School Board will open new bids for the revised scope of the 2017 … More Letter to the Editor – Keep Music Room in the School Construction Bond
Elijah is the only bassoon player in the middle school band and took on the challenge of switching from learning to play the clarinet just this year. Come watch Elijah and fellow musicians from 5th-8th grade Band and Strings in their Holiday Concert on Thursday, Dec 6 at 7pm in the High School Gym. All … More November 2018 Music Student of the Month -Elijah Giampietro
Here’s to one hardworking musician! Adairis practices at home and in school and has impressed her teacher Mrs. Pamela Wright with her progress and perseverance. Congratulations Adairis for being recognized as our October 2018 student musician! “It seems like part of my life. I want to keep playing.” says Orcas Middle School Strings violinist Adairis … More October 2018 Music Student of the Month -Adairis Quintero
The Orcas School music program bids farewell to two graduating seniors this year, a Band percussionist, Liam Griskey-Watson, and Strings violinist, Joanne Mietzner. Both have been stellar musicians. Joanne played in the San Juan Music Educators Association (SJMEA) Senior Honor Orchestra. She also played in the Orcas High School Strings group that won first … More School Music Wraps Up A Notable Year – Over $19,000 in funding from MAG
“Playing music makes me calm and happy.” – Orcas Elementary School Strings student Ava Ashcroft Congratulations Ava for being recognized as our April 2018 student musician! Learning a new instrument is a brave step and we’re glad you are up for the challenge. All the best! The Music Student of the Month series recognizes Orcas … More April Music Student of the Month – Ava Ashcraft
