The High School Strings directed by Pamela Wright (back left)
By Kristen Wilson for Music Advocacy Group (MAG)
Orcas High School music students will present a program of holiday classics at their concert on Thursday, December 13. High School Strings, Band and Choir students will be performing at Orcas Center beginning at 7 p.m.
“If you haven’t heard these young musicians play,” said Martin Lund, Band Director, “then you are missing some beautiful music-making.”
“We have a group of strings players who have been playing for more than a few years now,” said Pamela Wright, Strings Director, “and their skills have advanced a lot. I urge everyone to come out and hear the results of their hard work. You’ll be amazed!”
The High School Choir, directed by Pamela Wright and launched by student Jules Mann (front left)
The High School Strings will perform “Dance of the Sugarplum Fairies,” “Eine kleine Nachtmusik,” “Still, Still, Still,” and a Mozart “Adagio.” The High School Band will perform a medley of songs entitled “Workin’ the Christmas Groove” which includes four songs: “Jingle Bells,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” and “Good King Wenceslas.” The strings and band will come together as the Orcas High School Orchestra to play: “Little Drummer Girl,” and “Loch Lomond.” The newly-formed, 15-member High School Choir, under the direction of Pamela Wright, and launched by student Jules Mann, will perform Mumford and Sons’ “Little Lion Man.”
The High School Band directed by Martin Lund (back left)
This is the second in a trio of concerts by Orcas music students this month. All concerts are free and open to the public, although donations are gratefully accepted for the high school concert to offset the $470 rental fee for 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. “Please note the different start times and different venues,” said Wright. “This Thursday, the 13th, the concert starts at 7 p.m. at Orcas Center. On the following Thursday, the 20th, the concert starts at 6:30 in the Old Gym.”
And we need to take a moment to remember that this is where the gift of music in our lives began — singing in the chorus and playing in the band or orchestra. The joy we experienced growing up with music has lasted and enriched ouor lives. Our young Orcas musicians are truly amazing. Many thanks to them, their parents, teachers and all the volunteer supporters who help make music possible at school.