The Orcas High School Band may be small, but they’re strong.

The nine-member band brought home “I” or “Superior” ratings from both judges at a regional contest in Bellingham on March 27.

Playing under the direction of Darren Dix, the Orcas band competed with 23 other high school bands at the San Juan Music Educators Association Sr. Large Group Band Contest at the Performing Arts Center on the Western Washington University Campus.

“No other school in our bracket received a “I’ from both judges,” Dix proudly pointed out.

A superior rating, according to the SJMEA guidelines, is given to “a performance at the highest level of artistry and technical proficiency that can be expected of a high school student.”

The Orcas musicians played “Abington Ridge,” an overture by Ed Huckeby, and “Fantasia on the Dargason,” the finale from Holst’s Second Suite in F, arranged by Stanton.

“Hello Orcas!” said one judge. “What a lovely opening! I can tell you folks have worked hard!”

Members of the Orcas High School Band who competed in Bellingham include Claire Bishop Martin, Eric Eagan, Holden Griskey-Watson, Josephine Gudgell, Keith Light, Devon Mann, Kaya Osborn, Magdalyn Paige and Kahana Pietsch.