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
Musicians count fractions as they read sheet music. Maya says, “In Band class, we start with the Bb scale whole notes, then quarter notes, and then eighth note scales. Reading music is like math, and I like math.” Maya and I discussed some other ways that playing music enhances areas of her life. She says, … More November 2025 Music Student of the Month – Maya Yerly
Solomon Ross is at the edge of his seat, cello in arms, eager to express his passion for his instrument. “I’ve grown attached to this instrument. I bring it home and practice almost every day of the week to wind down and relax. “Music is definitely my favorite subject in school,” Solomon says. “Now I’m … More October 2025 Music Student of the Month – Solomon Ross