‘School matters’ concert

The Orcas High School Strings and advanced middle school players will perform a fundraising concert at Orcas Island Community Church on Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. to raise money to help pay their teachers’ salaries and support the current music program.

The Orcas High School Strings and advanced middle school players will perform a fundraising concert at Orcas Island Community Church on Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. to raise money to help pay their teachers’ salaries and support the current music program.

Admission is by donation, and a reception will follow the concert.

“The School Music Matters Fund was created to keep our separate middle school and high school music programs going strong,” said Marilyn Anderson, a founding member of the Music Advocacy Group, which endorses this effort, as does the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival. “All proceeds from this concert will go to that fund, which will be held by MAG, a 501(c)(3) corporation.”

Pamela Wright, who teaches strings students in both middle school and high school programs, will conduct at the concert.

“The audience will hear music by talented school musicians who want to show support for their teachers and music program – plus 2012 graduates Mackie Blackburn and Suzanne Mietzner, on their last night before college,” she said.

The Sept. 12 concert is sponsored by Galen and Birch Burghardt. Those who cannot attend but wish to donate can make checks payable to “MAG School Music Matters Fund” and mail them to MAG, PO Box 1170, Eastsound, WA 98245.