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
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
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
At a tender age, Jessica, a 7th grader, has already grasped one of the best reasons for playing music with friends—a life skill that we can all practice: ”When we play by ourselves, we listen to ourselves, and when we play as a group, we learn how to listen to others.” Bravo, Jessica, we are … More December 2023 Music Student of the Month – Jessica Cartisser
Edwin has played the alto saxophone all through middle school and counts jazz music as his favorite genre. Band Director, Darren Dix, appreciates his developing leadership skills and great attitude. Way to go, Edwin! Come enjoy these upcoming Winter Concerts: The Music Student of the Month series recognizes Orcas Island Public School musicians who work … More November 2023 Music Student of the Month – Edwin Gonzalez
Congratulations, Scarlett! This high school junior credits school music for her music sight-reading skills, which she sees as a valuable language for connecting with musicians everywhere. She believes music is “a way to connect to cultures around the world.” Yes, indeed! School music matters. Save the date — Dec 14, for an evening Winter Concert … More October 2023 Music Student of the Month – Scarlett Coffey
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
Music Advocacy Group 