Three years ago, our Orcas school band and orchestra were combined. We held concerts in our loud, dusty cafeteria to an audience of parents and family. Then things changed.

Now we have two flourishing branches of the music program, both band and strings in middle school and high school. During the past two years, we’ve performed two concerts each year at Orcas Center and played at various community events. We’ve also competed in state competitions and been awarded an “excellent” rating and two “superior” ratings.

We can’t believe how much we’ve accomplished. It makes us actually enjoy waking up for our 7:30 a.m. practices! We finally have an outlet to express our love for music and ensemble performance. Having a group of peers who share our talent, enthusiasm and love of music is priceless. It’s allowed us to develop our character and musical ability, as evidenced by our seniors who have gone on to music programs in college and beyond.

Which is why it makes us so sad that funding for music has been so decreased that our school must consider combining the middle school and high school programs. This would negatively affect our more advanced members’ continued musical growth and our newer members’ ability to acquire essential skills.

That’s why our Orcas High School Strings will perform a benefit concert this Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. at Orcas Island Community Church. We encourage you to attend and support our school music program that supports us and, by extension, our entire community. Admission is by donation, which is greatly appreciated.

Jules Mann and Brigid Ehrmantraut

Orcas High School students