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
Did you know that 292 students participate in music programs at Orcas Island public schools? The Orcas Island community is invited to fill the Orcas High School gym on Sunday, March 29, at 4 p.m. for a family-friendly benefit concert presented by Music Advocacy Group (MAG). There will be performances by Orcas Choral Society, Orcas … More Orcas Island’s Music Advocacy Group invites all to the March 29 concert
Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival (OICMF) collaborated with Orcas Island School District (OISD) to bring professional musicians, Iwo Jedynecki and Karolina Mikolajczyk, into school on Thursday, March 12, 2026, to provide master classes for Strings students from grades 4 through 12. OISD high school and the middle school strings ensembles performed the following weekend in … More Master Classes with Iwo and Karolina, and Aloysia at OISD
“I like walking into school and playing something that brings happiness to those who listen,” says Mirah Guzauskus, looking over two vastly different sized string instruments that she is trying to master. “Playing music gets me in the right mood, in the creative mind, the right headspace for an essay due in the next period … More February 2026 Music Student of the Month – Mira Guzaukus
Congratulations to Leo Battles, January’s Music Student of the Month! Leo is a sophomore and started playing the flute in fourth grade band. Six years in, Leo says he has always loved band and that being able to travel on the trips is a highlight. “Disneyland was awesome and I highly recommend it,” Leo says. … More January 2026 Music Student of the Month – Leo Battles
6th grader Nora Duthie has a lot of hobbies, like sports and dance, and playing music is one of her favorites. “Music is one of my favorite classes, I like the sounds of the songs and playing just helps me calm down with less anxiety,” she explains. Nora particularly enjoyed the songs she performed with … More December 2025 Music Student of the Month – Nora Duthie