You are making a difference in school music School music is in full swing with Costume Pops, Homecoming, and Pep Band music. Several students are preparing for Winter/Spring competitions and honor festivals. Their dedication to practice is truly helpful in honing social-emotional skills such as resilience, collaboration, and self-esteem. Bravo to the music students and … More Fall 2024 Newsletter | Orcas Island
”…music is fun because of the cool songs we play. I have to focus so hard sometimes I zone out of everything else.” Currently the only bassoonist on the 5th-8th grade band, Jonathan is taking on the challenge of learning to play the bassoon after two years of learning the clarinet. He admits to being … More October 2024 Music Student of the Month – Jonathan Rodriguez Ortiz
”Music uses all parts of the brain, so it really helps me get prepared for the day.” Max kicks off our Music Student of the Month this 2024/25 school year by sharing a wonderful insight to how music practice with classmates as the first period of his long school day (he is a school athlete, … More September 2024 Music Student of the Month – Max Dickey Vollmer
”I like how beautiful it sounds when we play together in harmony.” Simple words of wisdom. Playing together in harmony is a skill we can all practice, in music and in life. Congratulations, Charlotte, you are off to a great start! The Music Student of the Month series recognizes Orcas Island Public School musicians who … More June 2024 Music Student of the Month – Charlotte Walker
”Playing a musical instrument helps me practice responsibility.” We are so impressed by this gem of insight from a beginning band student after just a year in the school music program. Congratulations, Alyssa! Come June 6, this year’s 4th graders will participate in the 2024 Instrument Zoo before selecting an instrument to learn in the … More May 2024 Music Student of the Month – Alyssa Garcia
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
Music Advocacy Group 