Six School Music Groups in Free Concert

Thursday, January 16, 6:30 p.m., School Cafeteria

— from Kristen Wilson —

Orcas student musicians from the 5th through 8th grades will bring their voices and instruments together for a music-filled evening on Thursday, January 16, in the Orcas School Cafeteria at 6:30 p.m. Music Directors Pamela Wright (strings and choir) and Darren Dix (band) have planned an excellent musical program with a wide variety of numbers. This concert is free and open to the public.

Some of the pieces performed will include American favorites “Skip to My Lou” and “Oh Susanna,” the moving Israeli anthem “Hatikvah Fantasia,” the marvelous percussive piece “Anasazi,” the bold and energetic “Fanfare Acclamations,” and the Grammy-nominated “Roar” by Katy Perry. If preparations are complete, the 5th and 6th grade strings will perform the popular theme for “Game of Thrones” composed by Ramin Djawadi, and arranged by our very own High School Strings player Brigid Ehrmantraut.

“Six different music groups from 5th to 8th grade will be performing,” said Pamela Wright, Director of Strings. “These are the stars of our future music department, and we’d love to have the community attend and show their support for these musicians.”

5th and 6th Grade Strings will play “Hard Rock Highway,” “Bolero,” and “Game of Thrones.” The Middle School Strings (looking sharp in their brand-new uniforms) will perform “Hatikvah Fantasia,” “Mattachins,” and “Branle.” The 5th and 6th Grade Choir will sing “Roar,” “Do, Re, Mi”, and the “Cups” song (“When I’m Gone” from Pitch Perfect).

The 22-member-strong 5th Grade Band has prepared “Skip to My Lou,” “Oh Susanna,” and John Philip Sousa’s “High School Cadets.” The 6th Grade Band will perform “El Nino,” “Anasazi,” and “American Medley.” The Middle School Band will play “Superman,” “Camptown Variations,” “Fitzwilliam Suite,” and “Fanfare Acclamations.”

This is the second in a trio of concerts by Orcas music students this winter. All concerts are free and open to the public. The kindergarten to 4th grade concert will take place on Thursday, January 30, at 6:30 p.m. in the old gym.