“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
— from Miriam Ziegler, President, Music Advocacy Group – On Sunday March 4, the Orcas community enjoyed a real musical treat, the 21st Annual Music Advocacy Group Benefit Concert. The School’s Old Gym was filled to capacity. An audience member commented, “This MAG Concert is my favorite concert of the year, and I attend a … More Orcas Community Once Again Demonstrates Strong Support for School Music
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
Here comes Dante Ljubic! He’s a fifth grader with a fantastic attitude. Catch him and the 5th-8th grade band and strings musicians at the public school’s Winter Holiday Concert this Thursday Dec 7th, 7pm in the High School Gym. … More November Music Student of the Month – Dante Ljubic
This holiday season, your donation to MAG’s appeal in the OICF 2017 Holiday Catalog will help purchase a set of orchestral chimes and other music equipment for the Orcas public school music program. It is a gift that our young percussionists and their fellow student musicians have been hoping for. Donate here. Let’s hear from our … More Chime in for a musical cause in the OICF Holiday Catalog 2017
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
Practicing helps more than you think it would! – Nate Smith, Orcas High School Strings violinist Congratulations Nate for being recognized in October 2017. The Music Student of the Month series recognizes Orcas Island Public School musicians who work hard at their musical skills and whose love of music is an inspiration to their fellow student … More October Music Student of the Month – Nate Smith
Music Advocacy Group 