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

Fall 2024 Newsletter | Orcas Island

November 20, 2024

You are making a difference in school music School music is in full swing with Costume Pops, Homecoming, and Pep Band music. Several students are preparing for Winter/Spring competitions and honor festivals. Their dedication to practice is truly helpful in honing social-emotional skills such as resilience, collaboration, and self-esteem. Bravo to the music students and … More Fall 2024 Newsletter | Orcas Island

October 2024 Music Student of the Month – Jonathan Rodriguez Ortiz

October 29, 2024

”…music is fun because of the cool songs we play. I have to focus so hard sometimes I zone out of everything else.” Currently the only bassoonist on the 5th-8th grade band, Jonathan is taking on the challenge of learning to play the bassoon after two years of learning the clarinet. He admits to being … More October 2024 Music Student of the Month – Jonathan Rodriguez Ortiz

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

September 2024 Music Student of the Month – Max Dickey Vollmer

October 2, 2024

”Music uses all parts of the brain, so it really helps me get prepared for the day.” Max kicks off our Music Student of the Month this 2024/25 school year by sharing a wonderful insight to how music practice with classmates as the first period of his long school day (he is a school athlete, … More September 2024 Music Student of the Month – Max Dickey Vollmer

June 2024 Music Student of the Month – Charlotte Walker

September 6, 2024

”I like how beautiful it sounds when we play together in harmony.” Simple words of wisdom. Playing together in harmony is a skill we can all practice, in music and in life. Congratulations, Charlotte, you are off to a great start! The Music Student of the Month series recognizes Orcas Island Public School musicians who … More June 2024 Music Student of the Month – Charlotte Walker

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

May 2024 Music Student of the Month – Alyssa Garcia

June 3, 2024

”Playing a musical instrument helps me practice responsibility.” We are so impressed by this gem of insight from a beginning band student after just a year in the school music program. Congratulations, Alyssa! Come June 6, this year’s 4th graders will participate in the 2024 Instrument Zoo before selecting an instrument to learn in the … More May 2024 Music Student of the Month – Alyssa Garcia

April 2024 Music Student of the Month – Ryan Guerry

May 14, 2024

Congratulations, Ryan! Ryan knew he wanted to play the violin when he was given the choice of instruments to learn during Orcas Island Elementary’s annual Instrument Zoo last year because his grandfather had introduced him to the violin when he was little. Save the date and come enjoy string music performed by 5th-12th grade students, … More April 2024 Music Student of the Month – Ryan Guerry

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