MAG School Benefit Concert Hits High Note, Honoring Catherine Pederson

— from Sharon Ho —

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The Music Advocacy Group (MAG) school music benefit concert on March 6 saw almost 250 people fill the High School Gym, joining 100 musicians to show their support for keeping Orcas kids learning music, singing, and playing instruments in school.

The Choral Society, Island Sinfonia, and Community Band put on accomplished performances that showcased the wealth of local music talent and proved, resoundingly, that music is a lifelong sport. They set a fine example for the music students they were performing alongside to support. In turn, the Middle and High School Strings groups and the High School Band displayed growing confidence and virtuosity on stage, to the cheers of approval from the audience.

High school seniors Paris Wilson, and Tim Jenson, both award-winning music students, spoke on the podium about how they have benefitted from the music program. Greg White, the School Board president, injected a sweet note of humor as he addressed the crowd about the value of music education in our school district.

“So much talent, goodwill and hope, and so many generous teachers in that room!” noted MC Jim Bredouw.

The most touching moment was when Victoria Parker introduced long-time school music advocate, Catherine Pederson, with the words “School music has always mattered to Catherine Pederson.” A dedicated school music advocate and former MAG board member herself, Victoria gave a heartwarming tribute to Catherine, noting that she has cultivated the love of music, beginning with her own family, and extending that passion and knowledge to countless children and adults on Orcas in her many roles as teacher, piano teacher, music director, and board member. Catherine has worked in the school district, and has been involved in organizations like MAG, Orcas Choral Society, Orcas Center and the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival among others. With her children and grandchildren looking on, a visibly touched Catherine accepted a MAG resolution recognizing her as Founding Member Emeritus.

The afternoon ended with a reception in the school cafeteria where audience and musicians caught up over cake and sweet treats, and viewed a musical-themed display of student artwork put up by Arts for Orcas Kids (A-OK).

To learn more about school music advocacy on Orcas, visit OIMAG.org. Volunteer, or donate online or via check to ‘MAG’ at P.O. Box 1171, Eastsound, WA 98245. MAG is a 501(c)(3) organization.