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Submitted by the Music Advocacy Group.
School music is in full swing here on Orcas Island. The first-ever Mariachi education program kicked off this fall as a zero-hour class (7:30 a.m.) on Mondays and Wednesdays. Orcas Island Rotary generously stepped in to fund new mariachi instruments and curriculum to enable the inaugural group of eight students to explore this culturally rich pathway to music education.
Making school music more accessible
Providing access to a reliable musical instrument to learn on is an important part of the school music program, making music education more affordable for families. This year, 130 students in fifth through 12th grade are participating in band and strings groups. A nominal rental fee allows every band and strings student access to an instrument of their choice, without having to purchase or rent one privately. Orcas Island School District music teachers oversee the collection of musical instruments acquired over the years through donations and loans. The music teachers help maintain instruments until they are beyond repair. This year, several instruments need replacement.
In the 2024 Holiday Give Orcas, Music Advocacy Group is raising funds for a baritone saxophone, F-attachment trombone, a French horn and a string bass storage rack. The goal is to ensure that music students have playable instruments and advanced learners have instruments to learn more challenging pieces.
Stella Dillard, a trombone player in the high school band had this to say: “I chose my instrument because there were no other girls playing it, and it is big and loud.” Dillard says that playing music has made her more patient and persistent.
“I’m glad that we have a music program because you have to try it before you can decide whether you like to play an instrument,” said Audrey Hance, a flute student.
Jessica Cartisser, who plays the violin, said: “When we play as a group, we learn how to listen to others.”
School winter concerts open to community
The community is invited to two winter concerts in December. On Dec. 5, the fifth- through eighth-grade band and strings groups will perform in the high school gym at 7 p.m., and on Dec. 12, high school band and strings will perform at 7 p.m. at the Orcas Center.
Several students are preparing for winter/spring competitions and honor festivals. The high school pep band is also gearing up to play at home games during basketball season. Their dedication to practice is truly helpful in honing social-emotional skills such as resilience, collaboration and self-esteem.
School music program highlights
OISD students have made Orcas Island proud by participating and winning honors in 2024 competitions. Here are more highlights from the school music program:
Anonymous donor funds marching band needs
Thanks to an anonymous donor, OISD has secured much-needed marching band equipment. The OIHS marching band led a spirited Homecoming parade that culminated at the Village Green with pep songs and a bonfire.
Europe calling: Orcas student musicians on tour
Six OIHS band students performed throughout Europe this summer as part of the Washington Ambassadors of Music program, with help from an anonymous MAG donor. Additionally, strings student Lamai Hons traveled to London as part of the Honors Performance Series. Hons previously performed at Carnegie Hall in New York.
Kids’ Chorus Kids in grades first through fifth are singing popular and traditional favorites and writing a few songs of their own under the baton of island musician Mary Wachter. This youth program is cosponsored by Orcas Choral Society and the Funhouse Commons. A chorus for grades sixth through 12th is planned for January.
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