Category: Uncategorized

March 2nd School Music Benefit Concert to Feature Turtleback Brass & Other Beloved Island Musicians

February 20, 2025

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

February 2025 Music Student of the Month – Wren Ontjes

February 19, 2025

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

January 2025 Music Student of the Month – Ansley Loock

February 4, 2025

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

December 2024 Music Student of the Month – Paxton Erwin

January 8, 2025

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

November 2024 Music Student of the Month – Ashley Conejo Medina

December 6, 2024

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

Band Together for School Music at Holiday GiveOrcas Dec. 3-12

December 3, 2024

Join us this holiday season to raise funds for musical instruments & equipment for greater instrument accessibility in public school music. Donate at GiveOrcas.org Every year, 130-140 students from 5th through 12th grade participate in band & strings groups at the Orcas Island public school. Providing access to a reliable musical instrument to learn on … More Band Together for School Music at Holiday GiveOrcas Dec. 3-12

Elementary Children’s Chorus to meet starting October 25

October 7, 2024

If you have an elementary-age child who likes to sing and loves to sing along with favorite songs, the Kids’ Chorus is for them! They will have fun singing popular favorites and some traditional songs, as well as learning new songs and even writing songs. The Funhouse Commons, Orcas Island Music Advocacy Group and Orcas … More Elementary Children’s Chorus to meet starting October 25

OIHS Band and Strings Students Graduate on a High Note

June 5, 2024

Set to graduate on June 15, the Orcas Island School District class of 2024 is notable for having begun their freshman year in online classrooms. Their mettle has been tested and honed as the district navigated COVID-19 challenges of first transitioning students to virtual learning and then back to the new normal within the timeframe of their high school years. Five remarkable … More OIHS Band and Strings Students Graduate on a High Note

Orcas Island HS Band performs at Invitational Band Festival

April 15, 2024

On Friday and Saturday, March 8-9, 2024, the Orcas Island High School Band participated in the Invitational Band Festival at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) in Tacoma, WA. The festival formally invites twenty bands, twelve high schools and eight junior high/middle school bands every year. This is the third consecutive year that our high school band … More Orcas Island HS Band performs at Invitational Band Festival

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