Header image Whidbey Island Orchestra

The Whidbey Island Orchestra was formed in 2007 to provide quality musical experiences
for young and adult musicians of Whidbey Island and for our community.

Support WIO

Community support is vital for Whidbey Island Orchestra. Although our adult musicians pay dues, these provide less than half of our operating expenses. We depend on the voluntary donations we receive for our primary community support.

Mail donations to us at: PO Box 1451, Freeland, WA 98249


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You can also support us through PayPal or Network for Good:

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View our IRS Tax-Exempt Letter

Summer Music Sight-Reading Workshop and Introduction to the Orchestra
August 4 - 8
James Hinkley, Conductor

Principal Conductor Cynthia Morrow

Any or all mornings - August 4 - 8, 10 am - noon
Island Church of Langley Youth Gym
Entrance off Sixth Street, Langley

Introduction to the Orchestra - We invite musicians of any age to get a taste of the orchestral experience, brush up on skills, and get guidance and instruction from Conductor James Hinkley and current members of Whidbey Island Orchestra

You might like this workshop if you:
- always wanted to know what it's like to play in an orchestra
- have an instrument, haven't played it in a while, and want to pick it up
- like people who like to make music
- want to play music in a group
- enjoy the challenge of sight-reading orchestral music
- want to interest and welcome new members into the orchestra (Current members)

You need:
At least early-intermediate technical facility:
- ability to reliably play notes in the main part of your instrument's range
- ability to set up and tune your instrument
- ability to read musical notation - notes, dynamics, key signatures, time signatures, repeats
Instrument and music stand

Each morning, we will pass out parts for two scores from our library, including classical and popular selections. Conductor James Hinkley will lead the orchestra through the music, shaping the orchestral sound and guiding musical interpretation. The group will include current members of Whidbey Island Orchestra to lead and assist participants.

This is an excellent opportunity for musicians to see how the orchestra works and to consider joining. Several current members came to the orchestra by playing in the sight-reading workshop!

Videos

2024 Mother's Day Video

2022 Christmas Concert Video!

Burton's Halloween Fantasy Concert Video (2022)

2021 Christmas Concert Video

2021 Witching Hour Video

Our New Conductor: James Hinkley

WIO Conductor James Hinkley

Whidbey Island Orchestra is delighted to announce that James Hinkley has been appointed Conductor.

As Assistant Conductor for the past year, James stepped into the full conductor role following the illness of Cynthia Morrow. He has engaged the musicians and our audiences alike with his passion, musical vision, and relatability.

As Conductor, James is responsible for selection of music, preparation of the orchestra in rehearsal, and conducting and explaining the music at our concerts.

An aspect of James's musical talent, much-appreciated by the musicians, is his facility with music arrangement. As a small community orchestra, we do not always have every instrument available to match the requirements of the scores we choose to play. James has consistently been able to re-write parts to suit the variety and talents of the musicians in the group, ensuring a well-rounded presentation that satisfies both the musicians and the audiences.

Concerts

2025-2026 Concert Schedule

Summer Music Sight-Reading Workshop

August 4 - 8, 10 am - noon
Island Church, Langley

No cost! Bring your instrument and a stand


Fall Concert - Full Orchestra

Friday, October 11 and Sunday, October 13
Trinity Lutheran Church and/or Island Church of Langley

Donations greatly appreciated!


Christmas Concert - Full Orchestra

Friday, December 12 and Sunday, December 14
Trinity Lutheran Church and/or Island Church of Langley

Donations greatly appreciated!


Skylark Ensemble

Saturday, February 14 - Zech Hall at WICA

Tickets: wicaonline.org

Whidbey Island Center for the Arts offers various lower-price ticket options. Call the Box Office at 360-221-8268 Tue - Fri from Noon to 5:30 pm!


Spring Concert - Full Orchestra

Saturday, March 14
Venue TBD

May Concert/WICA 30th Anniversary - Full Orchestra

Saturday May 17 and Sunday, May 18

Tickets: wicaonline.org

Whidbey Island Center for the Arts offers various lower-price ticket options. Call the Box Office at 360-221-8268 Tue - Fri from Noon to 5:30 pm!


Skylark Ensemble

Date and site TBD