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
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
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
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
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
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
The Music Advocacy Group (MAG) encourages all voters on Orcas island to vote “yes” in support of the EP&O school levy renewal this February. Voting “yes” does not increase your taxes – the levy amount maintains current costs and even presents a slight decrease over the next four years. Voting “yes” does ensure that students … More Vote “Yes” on school levy
Give the gift of inspiring musical experiences This fall, the Orcas Island School District music program is moving to a quick beat. In October, high school musicians entertained family and community in the annual Costume/Pops Concert, and the high school Pep Band marched and played at Homecoming festivities on the Village Green. Bravo! A change … More Fall 2023 School Music News
Fantastic to hear a young musician sharing her knowledge. Your enthusiasm is infectious, Cathy! Congratulations on being February’s Music Student of the Month in 2022! The Music Student of the Month series recognizes Orcas Island Public School musicians who work hard at their musical skills and whose love of music is an inspiration to their … More February 2022 Music Student of the Month – Cathy Hall
Fun and community are two enduring reasons that make music-making a lifelong passion for many adults. Thank you, Kristian, for sharing how learning music is enriching you both personally and socially. Congratulations on being the first Music Student of the Month in 2022! The Music Student of the Month series recognizes Orcas Island Public School … More January 2022 Music Student of the Month – Kristian Freeman
Music Advocacy Group 