Fall 2023 School Music News

Give the gift of inspiring musical experiences This fall, the Orcas Island School District music program is moving to a quick beat. In October, high school musicians entertained family and community in the annual Costume/Pops Concert, and the high school Pep Band marched and played at Homecoming festivities on the Village Green. Bravo! A change … More Fall 2023 School Music News

October 2023 Music Student of the Month – Scarlett Coffey

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

September 2023 Music Student of the Month – Tom Malo

Congratulations to Tom Malo, our first Music Student of the Month in the 2023-24 school year! This freshman tuba player made his high school concert debut on October 6th, in costume, at the High School Costume/Pops concert. This Friday, October 13th, at 3:30pm, Tom will march with the High School Band in the Homecoming parade, … More September 2023 Music Student of the Month – Tom Malo

June 2023 Music Student of the Month – Forest Friedli

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

March and April 2023 Music Students of the Month

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

February 2023 Music Student of the Month – Neila Welch

As a 7th grade flute player, Neila Welch already recognizes that to play an instrument is to ‘practice commitment’ and this also helps her in other areas of school. She also made the astute observation that being in band is ‘A good balance of individual and team spirit.’ We love hearing how Orcas student musicians … More February 2023 Music Student of the Month – Neila Welch

January 2023 Music Student of the Month – Maddox Webster

In 4th grade, Maddox learnt to play the cello in the school music program, before picking up the violin. Strings Director, Pamela Wright, is impressed with his musical ear and knowledge of instruments. Now in 8th grade, Maddox says he is committed to participating in the school music program until he graduates. We support his … More January 2023 Music Student of the Month – Maddox Webster

December 2022 Music Student of the Month – Wolf Zohar

Fifth graders such as Wolf, who is in band, have been learning notes and familiarizing themselves with their instruments as they learn to make music as a group. We are excited to hear Wolf’s enthusiasm for learning to play the trumpet. Congratulations, we look forward to supporting you and watching your skills develop over the … More December 2022 Music Student of the Month – Wolf Zohar