Strings – Page 3 – Music Advocacy Group

March 3 at 3 PM! MAG Benefit Concert Returns, Features Orcatrazz Swing Band & Other Island Musicians

February 14, 2024

After a three-year hiatus, the Music Advocacy Group Spring Benefit Concert for the Orcas Island Public School’s music program returns Sunday, March 3, at 3 PM in the Orcas Island High School Gym. Everyone is welcome. This island tradition features performances by Orcatrazz Swing Band, JP & the OK Rhythm Boys, Orcas Choral Society Ensemble, and … More March 3 at 3 PM! MAG Benefit Concert Returns, Features Orcatrazz Swing Band & Other Island Musicians

January 2024 Music Student of the Month – Angelo Vaccarella

February 8, 2024

Congratulations on your progress, Angelo! Solo and Ensemble competitions off-island are a valuable way that music students receive feedback from professional judges. It also gives students the opportunity to bond with their group and to hear their peers from regional schools perform. We look forward to hearing you and your orchestra mates perform at the MAG concert … More January 2024 Music Student of the Month – Angelo Vaccarella

December 2023 Music Student of the Month – Jessica Cartisser

January 10, 2024

At a tender age, Jessica, a 7th grader, has already grasped one of the best reasons for playing music with friends—a life skill that we can all practice: ”When we play by ourselves, we listen to ourselves, and when we play as a group, we learn how to listen to others.” Bravo, Jessica, we are … More December 2023 Music Student of the Month – Jessica Cartisser

November 2023 Music Student of the Month – Edwin Gonzalez

November 29, 2023

Edwin has played the alto saxophone all through middle school and counts jazz music as his favorite genre. Band Director, Darren Dix, appreciates his developing leadership skills and great attitude. Way to go, Edwin! Come enjoy these upcoming Winter Concerts: The Music Student of the Month series recognizes Orcas Island Public School musicians who work … More November 2023 Music Student of the Month – Edwin Gonzalez

Fall 2023 School Music News

November 9, 2023

Give the gift of inspiring musical experiences This fall, the Orcas Island School District music program is moving to a quick beat. In October, high school musicians entertained family and community in the annual Costume/Pops Concert, and the high school Pep Band marched and played at Homecoming festivities on the Village Green. Bravo! A change … More Fall 2023 School Music News

October 2023 Music Student of the Month – Scarlett Coffey

November 6, 2023

Congratulations, Scarlett! This high school junior credits school music for her music sight-reading skills, which she sees as a valuable language for connecting with musicians everywhere. She believes music is “a way to connect to cultures around the world.” Yes, indeed! School music matters. Save the date — Dec 14, for an evening Winter Concert … More October 2023 Music Student of the Month – Scarlett Coffey

September 2023 Music Student of the Month – Tom Malo

October 9, 2023

Congratulations to Tom Malo, our first Music Student of the Month in the 2023-24 school year! This freshman tuba player made his high school concert debut on October 6th, in costume, at the High School Costume/Pops concert. This Friday, October 13th, at 3:30pm, Tom will march with the High School Band in the Homecoming parade, … More September 2023 Music Student of the Month – Tom Malo

June 2023 Music Student of the Month – Forest Friedli

July 23, 2023

Orcas Island life is filled with inspiring musical programming this summer—what a treat for student musicians to be immersed in this! As a soon-to-be senior, Forest reflects that ‘high school is a really good time of life to learn an instrument’. This year, he has traveled to Pacific Lutheran University for a band festival and … More June 2023 Music Student of the Month – Forest Friedli

May 2023 Music Student of the Month – Vaughn Webster

May 30, 2023

Yes, fun is a worthy goal of playing music. Vaughn Webster, a 6th grader who plays the cello, is one of many of our student musicians who have realized that just 10 minutes of daily practice can quickly add up to a big improvement in musical skills, and the better you get, the more fun … More May 2023 Music Student of the Month – Vaughn Webster

March and April 2023 Music Students of the Month

May 1, 2023

Always a pleasure to chat with and to present to you these student musicians from Orcas Island School District who are passionate about learning their instruments and ready to improve their skills at every lesson. Meet our March duo, Marin and Sidney Andersson, who are in 5th grade Strings and our April honoree, Yusef Guzauskas, … More March and April 2023 Music Students of the Month