“Music brings a lot of joy, and playing again at an older age, I appreciate it in a whole new way.” – Orcas High School Band Senior Phaedra Osborn We are always excited to hear of high school students picking up their instrument and giving it another go. After all, playing music is a lifelong … More September 2018 Music Student of the Month – Phaedra Osborn
The Orcas School music program bids farewell to two graduating seniors this year, a Band percussionist, Liam Griskey-Watson, and Strings violinist, Joanne Mietzner. Both have been stellar musicians. Joanne played in the San Juan Music Educators Association (SJMEA) Senior Honor Orchestra. She also played in the Orcas High School Strings group that won first … More School Music Wraps Up A Notable Year – Over $19,000 in funding from MAG
“When it gets challenging, it’s really fun! It’s another life skill.” – Orcas Middle School Band student Eddie Cunningham We couldn’t agree more with Eddie that facing up to the challenge of learning music is a life skill! What a great attitude from a middle schooler. Yay, Orcas Middle School! And, congratulations Eddie for being … More May Music Student of the Month – Eddie Cunningham
“Playing music makes me calm and happy.” – Orcas Elementary School Strings student Ava Ashcroft Congratulations Ava for being recognized as our April 2018 student musician! Learning a new instrument is a brave step and we’re glad you are up for the challenge. All the best! The Music Student of the Month series recognizes Orcas … More April Music Student of the Month – Ava Ashcraft
“You can say things with music that you can’t say in words.” – Orcas Middle School Band student Ellie Wright Congratulations Ellie for being recognized as our March 2018 student musician! We look forward to hearing you play at the upcoming Grades 5-12 Band Concert on May 11, 2018 at the High School Gym. The Music … More March Music Student of the Month – Ellie Wright
“When people play music, it gets their bright side out. Their face lights up. It relaxes everything to play beautiful music!” – Orcas Middle School Strings student, Itiari Villarreal Congratulations Itiari for being our February 2018 student musician! We look forward to hearing you play at the upcoming Grades 1-12 Strings Concert on May 3, 2018 … More February Music Student of the Month – Itiari Villarreal
This Sunday, March 4, a grand Orcas Island music tradition returns with fresh notes to welcome Spring. More than 100 members of our community music groups and school music ensembles will perform at the 21st annual benefit concert for school music hosted by the Music Advocacy Group (MAG) in the Old School Gym at 3pm. … More 100 Musicians! 1 Great Cause!
“Willow is dedicated student, and even joined the H.S. Pep Band and plays with us at every game!” – Band Director Darren Dix Congratulations Willow for being our first student musician to be recognized in 2018! Between Nov 2017 to Feb 2018, many of our string and band student musicians have played and competed in … More January Music Student of the Month – Willow White
Many thanks to Ed Wilson for sharing this article that also appeared on Orcas Issues: A busload of Orcas Island High School (OIHS) musicians traveled to Bellingham High School on Saturday morning, January 27, to compete in the all-day San Juan Music Educators Association (SJMEA) regional solo and ensemble contest. By Sunday night, it was learned that two … More OIHS Students Earn Top Awards
“I like how music can show emotion, and how you can move while playing.” -Ashling Gordon, Orcas Island Strings musician Congratulations Ashling for being recognized in December 2017, and to all our student musicians in 2017. We look forward to hearing more about your musical journeys in 2018! The Music Student of the Month series … More December Music Student of the Month – Ashling Gordon
Music Advocacy Group 