Making a difference in school music: Mariachi, winter concerts and instrument goals

||| FROM SHARON HO for MUSIC ADVOCACY GROUP |||

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 5th 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 (OISD) 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 (MAG) 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.” Stella 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 December 5, the 5th-8th grade band and strings groups will perform in the High School Gym at 7 pm, and on December 12, HS band and strings will perform at 7 pm 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 done 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. Lamai previously performed at Carnegie Hall in New York.

Kids’ Chorus now at the Funhouse Commons
Kids in grades 1-5 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 co-sponsored with Orcas Choral Society and the Funhouse Commons. A chorus for grades 6-12 is planned for January 2025.
 
About Music Advocacy Group
Music Advocacy Group champions and sustains music education in our public schools with the support of music lovers on Orcas Island. Thanks to the generosity of school music supporters, MAG contributed $27,780 for music education on Orcas Island in the 2023/2024 school year.  The donations helped fund participation in competitions and auditioned honor festivals, an elementary concert and High School band clinic, youth choruses, and subscription fees for essential music practice software used daily by students.