Senior Student Projects That Are Giving Back Through Music

Three graduating seniors at Orcas Island High School have each embarked on a musically-focused senior project as their way to give back to the music-loving Orcas community that has supported their musical development while at the public school. Dishwashing to opera music  Luke Pietsch was first introduced to opera fortuitously, while working as a dishwasher … More Senior Student Projects That Are Giving Back Through Music

Orcas Band Students Attend Seattle Opera

Orcas High School Band students enjoyed an unforgettable night at the opera on January 26.  A dozen excited student musicians, accompanied by Band Director Darren Dix and parent chaperones, made the trip to watch Seattle Opera’s last-night performance of Il Trovatore, Verdi’s masterpiece of love, passion and revenge, set during a time of Civil War. … More Orcas Band Students Attend Seattle Opera

Letter to the Editor – Keep Music Room in the School Construction Bond

The reduced scope of the 2017 School Construction Bond has relegated the Multi-purpose/Music Room to the ‘Alternate’ category, in a re-prioritized list of projects for a new bid package.  There is a serious possibility that the Multi-purpose/Music Room may be dropped.  The School Board will open new bids for the revised scope of the 2017 … More Letter to the Editor – Keep Music Room in the School Construction Bond

Burghardt Fund exceeds challenge target, paving new ways for local music students to reach full potential

In June this year, at the Music Advocacy Group (MAG) annual meeting and reception, the board received a remarkable challenge.  Four generous island donors stood up and pledged to match, dollar for dollar, up to $10,000 in donations from the community before the end of 2017.  The money raised would go to the establishment of … More Burghardt Fund exceeds challenge target, paving new ways for local music students to reach full potential

MAG’s $10,000 Challenge Grant Will Provide New Opportunities for Students

The Music Advocacy Group (MAG) is pleased to announce the formation of the Joyce Burghardt Excellence in Music Fund honoring recently-retired and founding MAG Board member Joyce Burghardt. MAG’s new fund will focus on helping Orcas Island public school music students develop their music skills to the highest level. Four generous island donors have pledged … More MAG’s $10,000 Challenge Grant Will Provide New Opportunities for Students