Orcas Students Give Music to the Community

From Kristen Wilson for Music Advocacy Group (MAG)

5th and 6th grade strings (under the direction of Pamela Wright)

Orcas school music students will shine this December as they present a trio of concerts throughout the month. Each concert takes place on a Thursday, but each takes place in a different venue. All concerts are free and open to the public, although donations are gratefully accepted for the High School concert.

The first concert is Thursday, December 6, with a performance by 5th through 8th grades at 7 p.m. in the Orcas School Cafeteria. “These concerts aren’t just for parents and grandparents; they’re for the whole community,” said Pamela Wright, Music Director for Elementary, Middle and High School Strings and Choir, as well as K-4 classes. “We encourage everyone to attend and see the wonderful progress our students are making.”

7th and 8th grade strings (with Pamela Wright at the back of the group)

“The concert setup is totally different this year,” said Wright. “In the past we’ve had just two concerts with all elementary students playing in one concert, and middle school and high school students playing in another. By adding the third concert each class gets to play more than they have in the past, and the whole concert should flow better.”

“Plus, each group has more time to observe the older kids and envision where they will be in the future,” said Martin Lund, Band Director. “We think this format will help us continue to build the music program.”

Concertgoers on December 6 will hear the 5th grade band play “Jingle Bells,” “Dreydl Dreydl,” and “Donkey Round.”

5th and 6th grade choir (with Pamela at the back)

The 6th grade band will play “Minuet” by Bach, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” and “Kookaburra.” The 7th and 8th grade band will play “Deck the Halls” and other favorites. The 5th and 6th grade strings class will play “Housetop Hoedown,” among others. The 7th and 8th grade strings class will play “Country Dance,” “Lo, How a Rose,” and “Silent Night.” The 5th and 6th grade choir will sing “Masters in This House,” “When the Lights All Shine,” and others.

The concert series will continue on Thursday, December 13, when the Orcas High School strings and band perform at 7 p.m. at Orcas Center. Donations will be accepted for this performance to offset the $470 rental of Orcas Center. On Thursday, December 20th, Kindergarten through 4th grade students will present a concert at 6:30 p.m. in the Old Gym at the Orcas School.