MAG benefit concert returns, features Orcatrazz Swing Band and other island musicians

February 15, 2024 1:30 am
Orcas Island High School band performing at the 2023 Pacific Lutheran University Band Invitational. The MAG Benefit Concert featuring local musicians will help fund K-12 music education at Orcas Island Public School, including important off-island learning experiences.
Orcas Island High School band performing at the 2023 Pacific Lutheran University Band Invitational. The MAG Benefit Concert featuring local musicians will help fund K-12 music education at Orcas Island Public School, including important off-island learning experiences.

Submitted by Music Advocacy Group.

After a three-year hiatus, the Music Advocacy Group Spring Benefit Concert for the Orcas Island Public School’s music program returns Sunday, March 3, at 3 p.m. in the Orcas Island High School Gym.

This island tradition features performances by Orcatrazz Swing Band, JP & the OK Rhythm Boys, Orcas Choral Society Ensemble, and Orcas Island Public School musicians. A reception with sweet and savory refreshments will follow the concert. Admission is by donation, and all proceeds go to Music Advocacy Group, a 501(c) (3) community-funded organization.

MAG has advocated for and helped sustain the public school music program on Orcas Island for over two decades, striving to provide the foundation for quality music education as the program has expanded and evolved. In the last four years, MAG has contributed $94,420 to the Orcas Island school music program, which serves 290 K-12 students each week. Funding is used to double the annual school music budget, pay for instruments, and cover rising off-island travel costs so students may attend performances, competitions, and other learning experiences crucial to music education.

The advantages of music education are many. Research shows that music education provides cognitive, neurological, and social-emotional benefits that support all other core disciplines. Music education reinforces teamwork, individual expression, independence, planning, and self-discipline.

This school year, students have performed in events ranging from school concerts to pep band at basketball games to solo/ensemble and honor band competitions.

“We are thrilled to once again be able to gather for the MAG Concert and enjoy the musical collaboration among school and community musicians,” said Annette van Dongen, Board President, MAG. “I am deeply grateful for the community’s continuing financial support of our outstanding public school music program on Orcas Island.”

Donations to MAG will be accepted at the door, online at www.OIMAG.org, or via check payable to Music Advocacy Group, P.O. Box 1171, Eastsound, WA 98245.