High School Strings to Play for “School Music Matters” Concert

The Orcas High School Strings and advanced Middle School players will perform a fundraising concert at Orcas Island Community Church on Wednesday, September 12 at 7 p.m. to raise money to help pay their teachers’ salaries and support the current music program.

Admission is by donation, and a reception will follow the concert.

“The School Music Matters Fund was created to keep our separate Middle School and High School music programs going strong,” said Marilyn Anderson, a founding member of the Music Advocacy Group (MAG), which endorses this effort, as does the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival. She added, “All proceeds from this concert will go to that fund, which will be held by MAG, a 501(c)(3) corporation.”

“Beginners and advanced music students need to work on different skills at different times. So keeping our separate Middle School and High School music programs is crucial to a strong overall program,” said Martin Lund, who teaches band students in both programs.

Catherine Pederson, a member of the MAG Board of Directors added, “Our School District began this school year with separate Middle School and High School programs, but they can only be sure of funding through the current month of September. We need to raise enough in private donations to help fund a full year of teacher salaries for both programs.”

Pamela Wright, who teaches strings students in both Middle School and High School programs, will conduct at the concert, said, “The audience will hear music by talented school musicians who want to show support for their teachers and music program – plus 2012 graduates Mackie Blackburn and Suzanne Mietzner, on their last night before college!”

“Anyone who’s heard our Middle School and High School musicians perform in recent years has been impressed with their progress, under the guidance of Pamela Wright (Strings) and Martin Lund (Band),” said Victoria Parker, Executive Director of the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival. She added, “Please attend and donate to show your support!”

The September 12 concert will be sponsored by Galen and Birch Burghardt. Those who cannot attend but wish to donate can make checks payable to “MAG School Music Matters Fund” and mail them to MAG, PO Box 1170, Eastsound, WA 98245.