Governor Christine Gregoire, the San Juan County Council, and the Boards of Orcas Center, the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival, the Orcas Island Education Foundation, Orcas Open Arts and the Orcas Island Public School District and its Parent-Teacher-Student Association have all proclaimed May 2010 as Arts Education Month.
A consortium of representatives from over 15 Orcas organizations are working to promote, provide and sustain arts education for our children. The Orcas Arts Education Consortium consists of representatives from The Funhouse, The Madrona Club, Music Advocacy Group, Orcas Center, Orcas Christian School, Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival, Orcas Island Community Foundation, Orcas Island Education Foundation, Orcas Island Historical Society, Orcas Lions Club, Orcas Oddfellows, Orcas Open Arts, Orcas Island Public School District and the Parent-Teacher-Students Association, Orcas Recreation Program and Salmonberry School. Their shared Vision for Arts Education on Orcas Island is: The community of Orcas Island believes that arts education is a critical component of the basic education of our children. The young people of Orcas Island are enriched by exposure to and participation in the diversity of dance, music, theatre and the visual arts.
A number of events that demonstrate the arts learnings of Orcas K-12 students will take place around the island in May. Please support these highly-entertaining and informative events.
May 7, 3 to 5 p.m.
Orcas Elementary Student Art Show
All are welcome to stroll the halls of Orcas Elementary and see student creations. Enjoy the color, line, and perspective of the school!
May 7, 7 p.m.
Opening Reception for Student Art Exhibit at Orcas Center featuring the work of close to 300 students Orcas Middle and High Schools, the Oasis Program, and Orcas Christian School.
This exhibit will run through May.
Wednesday, May 5, 7:30 pm
The Jazz Experience with students of Willie Thomas, a renowned jazz artist and teacher, will showcase his talented young jazz students, with help from members of the ever-growing Orcas jazz community. $5, Orcas Center.
Thursday, May 20, 6:30 pm
Student Music Concert featuring K-4th grade, the OASIS choir, the 5th/6th choir, early morning strings and the 5th/6th strings. Theme – the 70’s. Middle School Gym.
Saturday, May 22
Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival Music Lovers’ Seminar by George Shangrow, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., students attend free, St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Wednesday, May 26
5:15 pm — Elementary School Dance Showcase (kindergarten and Ms. Harvey’s 3rd grade, Ms. Gaylord’s 4th grade, and Ms. Towne’s 6th-A grade)
6 pm – 5th Grade Theatre Showcase
Orcas Center, free.
Thursday, May 27
5:15 pm — Elementary School Dance Showcase (Mr. Chasanoff’s 1st grade, Ms. McGrath’s 2nd grade, Ms. Inch’s Montessori class, Ms. Storey’s 5th grade and Ms. Towne’s 6th-B grade)
6 pm – Ms. Towne’s 6th Grade A and B Theatre Showcase
Orcas Center, free.
Thursday, June 3, 7 pm
7th and 8th Grade Exploratory’s Theatre Performance – Where I Come From
Orcas Center’s OffCenter Stage, free.
