Making music education available in the public school curriculum, from elementary through high school, gives students the opportunity to explore learning different musical instruments to find the one that they will enjoy. Jose is a great example of a student who was able to try out a different instrument this year. Mr. Dix, the OISD … More April 2025 Music Student of the Month – Jose Coro
Sierra is new to the beginning strings program at Orcas Island public school but already shines as an enthusiastic and hardworking young musician. To her credit, she was an inaugural participant of the Junior Orcas Youth Chorus. She also has a supportive family that believes in the benefits of learning music. In fact, on a … More March 2025 Music Student of the Month – Sierra Miller
On Sunday, March 2nd, at 3:00 PM, local musicians and music lovers will gather at the Orcas Island High School gym to celebrate the benefits of music education on Orcas Island. This annual Orcas Island tradition is a community celebration that will feature performances by local groups, including Turtleback Brass, Orcas Island Community Band, Orcas … More March 2nd School Music Benefit Concert to Feature Turtleback Brass & Other Beloved Island Musicians
A saxophonist in the high school band, Wren works diligently to improve her performance skills and one of the things she appreciates about participating in the school music program is getting to travel off-island for competitions to see other bands and hear different levels of playing. Together with fellow high school musicians, Wren is raising … More February 2025 Music Student of the Month – Wren Ontjes
Ansley recognizes that simultaneously being able to listen to her instrument, the sound that her group is making, and the sound produced by all the parts together is an invaluable musical skill; it is a skill that she is already focused on honing through practice and concentration. Her Strings teacher points out that Ansley comes … More January 2025 Music Student of the Month – Ansley Loock
He may be in 6th grade, but Paxton’s effort to learn more challenging music for trumpet has caught the notice of his band teacher, Mr. Dix. Paxton is quick to recognize that Mr. Dix creates a safe space to make mistakes as part of the journey of learning an instrument. He also credits participation in … More December 2024 Music Student of the Month – Paxton Erwin
She may be a freshman but Ashley has transitioned comfortably into the high school strings program, having studied the violin in the public school music program since 5th grade. She is also a member of the school’s Mariachi Band. She is particularly excited for the opportunity to learn music that is part of her culture. … More November 2024 Music Student of the Month – Ashley Conejo Medina
”…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
”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
”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
Music Advocacy Group 