Shop local at these businesses in March to benefit school music

March 6, 2025

From March 1st through 31st, 2025, three iconic Main Street establishments—Darvill’s Bookstore, Pawki’s Pet Store, and New Leaf Café—have pledged to donate 10% of your purchase to Music Advocacy Group (MAG) when you present a promotional certificate or show one on your phones at checkout. Save the promotional image below on your phone and present it … More Shop local at these businesses in March to benefit school music

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

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