”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
”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
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
”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
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
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
This young flutist is glad for the opportunity to try out a musical instrument as part of the school music program when she was in 5th grade. For many Orcas Island public school students, this is where they first learn to play an instrument. This February and March, Audrey has benefited from professional feedback, thanks … More March 2024 Music Student of the Month – Audrey Hance
Congratulations to our February honoree, Seffa! This middle schooler has been busy preparing for state-level competitions such as the W-ASTA/WWU State Orchestra Festival in March. These contests are highly educational and provide the opportunity for Orcas island music students to listen to outstanding symphonic and string ensembles from throughout the region. The Music Student of … More February 2024 Music Student of the Month – Seffa Halabisky
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
Congratulations on your progress, Angelo! Solo and Ensemble competitions off-island are a valuable way that music students receive feedback from professional judges. It also gives students the opportunity to bond with their group and to hear their peers from regional schools perform. We look forward to hearing you and your orchestra mates perform at the MAG concert … More January 2024 Music Student of the Month – Angelo Vaccarella
Music Advocacy Group 