–by Joyce Stone for the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival —
Mandy Troxel, the latest Pied Piper to lead Orcas children in music-making
Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival’s Pied Piper program brings local musicians to our island preschools each week during the school year, and special sessions during the Summer. “We couldn’t imagine a week without the Pied Piper music program in our classrooms,” said Susan Anderson, Executive Director at Children’s House. “Young children gain so much through music and motion, and the shared experience brings them together in highly unique ways that support their development. Music helps enhance language, develop listening skills, and they learn respect for the instruments and the talent. Nothing beats a live performance to connect with a child!”
This Fall, OICMF is welcoming two new members to the Pied Pipers team: Tom Rawson and Mandy Troxel. They’ll join Anita Orne in visiting four island preschools.
Tom Rawson also joins the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival as a Pied Piper to Orcas pre-schools
Tom is a local folksinger and storyteller. He taught preschool and primary grades in public and private schools in the Seattle area, and on Orcas for 30 years. Tom is the music teacher at Salmonberry School, and performs regularly at children’s concerts, libraries, and folk festivals throughout the Pacific Northwest. Mandy has lived and made music on Orcas Island for over 13 years. Alongside Anita Orne, she co-leads the “Girls with Ukes” ensemble and frequently contributes to the soundtrack of many Orcas community events. An accomplished singer-songwriter, she has released two recordings, and currently performs solo and with her band “The Bitter Ends.”
The Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival is dedicated to sharing music, musicians and music education with our preschools. This early childhood musical opportunity involves playing instruments, singing and creating musical stories, and provides a strong music-based foundation from which our young ones learn and grow.
