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
Solomon Ross is at the edge of his seat, cello in arms, eager to express his passion for his instrument. “I’ve grown attached to this instrument. I bring it home and practice almost every day of the week to wind down and relax. “Music is definitely my favorite subject in school,” Solomon says. “Now I’m … More October 2025 Music Student of the Month – Solomon Ross
Here are the highlights from our Fall 2025 newsletter about the public school music program on Orcas Island: We hope you will read all the updates and photos in the full two-page newsletter below. Keep the drumbeat of school music strong Thanks to your sustained support, all students from K-12 grades have in-school access to … More Fall 2025 School Music News
The Music Advocacy Group (MAG) supports both Orcas Island School District (OISD) levies on the ballot this November 4. Strong schools are the foundation of a healthy, thriving community. These levies are essential to keeping our schools vibrant, well-rounded, and fully equipped to serve all students. Please join us in supporting our schools and vote … More In Support of the November 4, 2025 School Levies
The high school band and strings performed their first concert of the school year on Monday, October 20, at 7pm in the high school gym. These student musicians delighted family and the Orcas community with a short selection of tunes while dressed in playful looks. Please mark the date, Thursday, December 18, at the Orcas … More OIHS Costume Pops 2025
“As the only trombone in the whole middle school, the pressure is on, but I like it!” says Odin Sprenger, this month’s Music Student of the Month. “I’ve been the only trombone since sixth grade, which has been a challenge but a lot of fun too – I have a lot of opportunities to shine. … More September 2025 Music Student of the Month – Odin Sprenger
June’s featured music student is just finishing up his first year of learning to play an instrument in the public school music program. Danny explained some of the perks of playing trombone in the Orcas Island school band. He said that Band Director Mr. Dix teaches breathing techniques to the students who play brass instruments … More June 2025 Music Student of the Month – José Daniel Medina Valladarez
Orcas Island has demonstrated that a small, rural, public high school can indeed provide many opportunities for young minds to pursue a variety of passions and excel. A foundational music education is one of them. Among this year’s cohort of graduates, seven are student musicians who have dedicated themselves to the rigor and practice of … More Seven seniors from OIHS Class of 2025 lettered for school music excellence
Come out and enjoy the music that the amazing young musicians at Orcas Island public school have been working on this year. Let’s applaud their dedication to learning music throughout thIs busy 2024-25 school year! We are so proud of all our students!
Early access to music education during his elementary school years has given Carlitos the chance to learn the violin from a young age. He credits playing music with giving him a “surge of creativity” and allowing him more room for expression. OISD Strings Director Pamela Wright commended his hard work and commitment to practice, noting that he … More May 2025 Music Student of the Month – Carlitos Salan Rodriguez
Music Advocacy Group 