Category: Uncategorized

January 2020 Music Student of the Month – Orlando Ljubic

February 4, 2020

This is Orlando’s first year learning the trumpet and he is enjoying learning all about the instrument. He’s eager to improve and actively asks for advice on how to get to the next level–an attitude that Band Director Darren Dix appreciates. He has great advice for other new learners and that is, ‘Just try to … More January 2020 Music Student of the Month – Orlando Ljubic

December 2019 Music Student of the Month – Keyla Salinas Cruz

February 4, 2020

Keyla was drawn to the violin for its beautiful sound and has found it easy to learn.  At Orcas Elementary, 5th grade students start learning an instrument of their choice as part of the school music program.  Keyla, however, has been playing for 2.5 years and takes private lessons after school.  We love her dedication … More December 2019 Music Student of the Month – Keyla Salinas Cruz

2019 GiveOrcas holiday catalog: Chromebooks/Cart needed for OISD Music Program in new Wing 

December 2, 2019

Tra-la-la-lala!  The 2019 GiveOrcas Holiday Catalog runs from Dec 2-20, and MAG is one of 20 non-profits that are participating.  At the top of our music teachers’ wishlist is a dedicated set of 30 Chromebooks, housed in a storage cart cum charging station, that will serve the music classrooms in the new music wing.  Here, … More 2019 GiveOrcas holiday catalog: Chromebooks/Cart needed for OISD Music Program in new Wing 

Senior Student Projects That Are Giving Back Through Music

May 1, 2019

Three graduating seniors at Orcas Island High School have each embarked on a musically-focused senior project as their way to give back to the music-loving Orcas community that has supported their musical development while at the public school. Dishwashing to opera music  Luke Pietsch was first introduced to opera fortuitously, while working as a dishwasher … More Senior Student Projects That Are Giving Back Through Music

Letter to the Editor – Keep Music Room in the School Construction Bond

December 16, 2018

The reduced scope of the 2017 School Construction Bond has relegated the Multi-purpose/Music Room to the ‘Alternate’ category, in a re-prioritized list of projects for a new bid package.  There is a serious possibility that the Multi-purpose/Music Room may be dropped.  The School Board will open new bids for the revised scope of the 2017 … More Letter to the Editor – Keep Music Room in the School Construction Bond

Orcas Community Once Again Demonstrates Strong Support for School Music

March 29, 2018

— from Miriam Ziegler, President, Music Advocacy Group – On Sunday March 4, the Orcas community enjoyed a real musical treat, the 21st Annual Music Advocacy Group Benefit Concert.  The School’s Old Gym was filled to capacity. An audience member commented, “This MAG Concert is my favorite concert of the year, and I attend a … More Orcas Community Once Again Demonstrates Strong Support for School Music

OIHS Students Earn Top Awards

February 6, 2018

Many thanks to Ed Wilson for sharing this article that also appeared on Orcas Issues: A busload of Orcas Island High School (OIHS) musicians traveled to Bellingham High School on Saturday morning, January 27, to compete in the all-day San Juan Music Educators Association (SJMEA) regional solo and ensemble contest. By Sunday night, it was learned that two … More OIHS Students Earn Top Awards

December Music Student of the Month – Ashling Gordon

January 8, 2018

“I like how music can show emotion, and how you can move while playing.” -Ashling Gordon, Orcas Island Strings musician Congratulations Ashling for being recognized in December 2017, and to all our student musicians in 2017.  We look forward to hearing more about your musical journeys in 2018!  The Music Student of the Month series … More December Music Student of the Month – Ashling Gordon