School musicians are outstanding islanders

In Support of Music Education

The following was given as a curtain speech in advance of the February 5 “Band-O-Rama!” Concert held at the Orcas Island School by School Board Director Keith Whitaker

Encouraging our students to stay involved in music throughout their school careers not only helps them become well rounded individuals, but also directly benefits their academic performance and provides opportunities in many areas.

Lizz Hanks, who along with Pamela Wright is in charge of the Orcas Island Schools' music education program, leads the band on Feb. 5 at Band-o-Rama

Consider these facts about our high school band members:
• 1 is the ASB President and your emcee for the evening, Maddie Smith

• 3 are members of the Community Band and one of those three has been elected a member of the board<

• 1 is a member of Island Sinfonia<

• 1 is a member of Orcatrazz

• 2 attended the San Juan Honor Band, made up of the best students from 19 local high schools

• 1 is attending the All State Band in Spokane next week, having been selected by audition as one of the best music students in the state and has also just completed the Solo/Ensemble Contest sponsored by the San Juan Music Educators Association

• High School Music students mentor 5^th grade Band students when possible, sharing their love of music and helping bridge the divide between required participation in elementary music and the choice to stay involved through middle and high school and beyond.

• All High School Band members have taken the newly required Classroom Based Performance Assessments, in which they write a song and digitally record their performance.

• The High School students assisting tonight are all members of the elite Tri-Music Honor Society. As members of this group, which is the equivalent to the National Honor Society, the Tri-M’s provide service in many areas, including support for music in our community. They will, for example, be helping out at the upcoming MAG Concert.

Music instruction here and across the state continues to shift from an emphasis on large band experiences to the development of individual skills and musical literacy. Music instruction strives to nurture personal artistic expression and, directly and indirectly, to promote academic success, discipline, leadership and communication skills, and to better prepare students for college admission requirements.

We know that if we support our kids in the development of their musical craft by encouraging them to practice, to stay in the band and hone their skills, that they will enjoy benefits that will last a lifetime. They will have a set of skills, habits and attitudes that will help them achieve whatever they set their minds on.

Orcas Island Schools are fortunate to have two dedicated and highly capable music teachers who work tirelessly to teach our kids these skills and more. We are lucky to also have the support of the Music Advocacy Group and the newly formed Music Boosters, community musical groups that welcome student participation, and opportunities like all the State Band, Honor Band, Solo/Ensemble Contest and more, that are open to all students who continue to enroll in any school ensemble.<

As you listen to the pure sound of your children playing tonight, I invite you to hear not just a performance or a specific piece of music, but the sound of each of them growing, as musicians and as an individual.

They are truly remarkable and we should all be very proud.

Please be sure to attend the Annual Music, Music, Music Concert on March 1^st that benefits our entire school music program.