Orcas Island life is filled with inspiring musical programming this summer—what a treat for student musicians to be immersed in this! As a soon-to-be senior, Forest reflects that ‘high school is a really good time of life to learn an instrument’. This year, he has traveled to Pacific Lutheran University for a band festival and … More June 2023 Music Student of the Month – Forest Friedli
Yes, fun is a worthy goal of playing music. Vaughn Webster, a 6th grader who plays the cello, is one of many of our student musicians who have realized that just 10 minutes of daily practice can quickly add up to a big improvement in musical skills, and the better you get, the more fun … More May 2023 Music Student of the Month – Vaughn Webster
Always a pleasure to chat with and to present to you these student musicians from Orcas Island School District who are passionate about learning their instruments and ready to improve their skills at every lesson. Meet our March duo, Marin and Sidney Andersson, who are in 5th grade Strings and our April honoree, Yusef Guzauskas, … More March and April 2023 Music Students of the Month
As a 7th grade flute player, Neila Welch already recognizes that to play an instrument is to ‘practice commitment’ and this also helps her in other areas of school. She also made the astute observation that being in band is ‘A good balance of individual and team spirit.’ We love hearing how Orcas student musicians … More February 2023 Music Student of the Month – Neila Welch
In 4th grade, Maddox learnt to play the cello in the school music program, before picking up the violin. Strings Director, Pamela Wright, is impressed with his musical ear and knowledge of instruments. Now in 8th grade, Maddox says he is committed to participating in the school music program until he graduates. We support his … More January 2023 Music Student of the Month – Maddox Webster
Fifth graders such as Wolf, who is in band, have been learning notes and familiarizing themselves with their instruments as they learn to make music as a group. We are excited to hear Wolf’s enthusiasm for learning to play the trumpet. Congratulations, we look forward to supporting you and watching your skills develop over the … More December 2022 Music Student of the Month – Wolf Zohar
Catch Lola and the Orcas Island High School Strings and Band for a festive Winter Concert at the Orcas Center on Thursday, December 15 at 7:15pm. Open to the public. Lola starts the day with music, practicing the viola as part of High School Strings, and ends it sailing on the waters around West Sound, … More November 2022 Music Student of the Month – Lola Walker
Beautiful Fall weather on Orcas Island saw the high school (HS) band rehearsing outdoors for their marching debut. On October 7, the band led the Homecoming parade, marching from the public school to the Village Green, where it entertained the public at the Homecoming Bonfire and Chili Bake. Most Orcas Island HS string and band … More Fall 2022 School Music News
“Playing percussion teaches you to slow down and be patient and yet be focused, counting in your head. I think that music is really inspiring and I’m really grateful to have this program.” Great insight from our October Music Student of the Month! We look forward to hearing you play at a school concert soon, … More October 2022 Music Student of the Month – Kenneth Farani
Music Advocacy Group 