At the 2nd annual Dia de los Muertos Festival on the Village Green on November 1, Diego Poblet White, our October Music Student of the Month, took to the stage with music teachers Darren Dix and Sarah Dorian to perform mariachi music that he has been learning in school. The Mariachi and Ballet folklórico programs … More Sharing mariachi in community
Sixth grader Diego Poblet White has been selected as Orcas Island’s Music Student of the Month. Diego is a percussionist who especially enjoys playing drum set, but his musical interests stretch well beyond percussion. He has played piano for about five years, drums and mallet instruments for two years, and also experiments with electronic music … More October 2026 Music Student of the Month – Diego Poblet White
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
Family and community members filled the Orcas Center on Thursday, May 28, to celebrate another successful year for the Orcas public school strings program. Mrs. Pamela Wright, the music teacher and strings director, who will be retiring after 24 years, received a standing ovation. This year’s All-District Strings Concert saw a large group of 66 … More School Music Rings In Summer On A High Note
“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
We are grateful to the Orcas Island community for joining us on Sunday, March 29, at our benefit concert for school music, and for sharing in a standing ovation for the OISD music teacher and Strings Director, Mrs. Pamela Wright, in tribute to her 24 years of teaching in the public school. During her tenure, … More Thank you for making MAG’s school music benefit a success!
“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