Bringing Music to Life Online: Meet the Leaders Behind WAVA’s Music Club 

At Washington Virtual Academies’ (WAVA), music is more than just a subject, it’s a shared experience that brings students together across grade levels and across the state. At the heart of this vibrant community are two passionate educators: Lori Burton and Peggy Olsen, whose combined experience, creativity, and love for music have helped shape Music Club into a space where students can connect, create, and find their voice. 

A Shared Passion for Music and Students 

Lori, a second-grade teacher based in Blaine, Washington, has been with WAVA since 2010 and has led Music Club since 2020. With more than 20 years’ experience in education, she brings a deep understanding of student growth and engagement. 
 
Peggy, a high school counselor in Olympia, joined WAVA in the 2021–2022 school year and has been part of Music Club since 2021. With advanced degrees in psychology and counseling, she brings a unique perspective, supporting not just students’ academic journeys, but their emotional well-being as well. 

For both educators, music has always played a meaningful role in their lives.  

Peggy recalled how music became a source of comfort during a major life transition: 
“When I was 12 and moved from the city to a rural area, my piano became my best friend, she shared.” 

Lori shared a similar lifelong connection, having taken piano lessons as a child and later teaching herself guitar. Today, both educators continue to play music in their spare time and bring authenticity and passion into every club session. 

The Highlight of Our Week 

Their shared passion translates directly into the student experience. Both music club leaders exclaimed: “Music Club is the highlight of our week, they both shared.” 
 
Open to students in grades K–12, the club creates a welcoming and flexible environment where participation looks different for every student – and that’s exactly the point. 

Hosted virtually through Engagely, Music Club blends structure with creativity. Younger students in the K–5 “Sound Kitchen” bring high energy as they explore rhythm, movement, and music-themed stories, while older students in the 6–12 Harmony Club take a more independent approach, working on personal music projects and sharing their progress with peers. 

Whether students are singing, playing instruments, composing songs, or simply listening and learning, every session is designed to foster both creativity and connection. 

Creating Community Through Creativity 

One of the most powerful aspects of the Music Club is its ability to build community, despite being fully virtual. Students collaborate using tools like Padlet, participate in musical games, and even learn from guest speakers, including professional musicians and music therapists. From composing original songs in GarageBand and BandLab to performing pieces with family members, students are encouraged to explore music in ways that feel personal and meaningful. 

Lori and Peggy pointed out: “It is incredibly fulfilling to see that a computer screen is no barrier to building a strong community and making beautiful music together.” 

Evolving with Students  

As the club continues to grow, Lori and Peggy are especially focused on expanding engagement, particularly among high school students. The shift toward more student-led experiences is already underway, with older participants taking ownership of their projects and sharing their work during spring showcases. 

Looking ahead, both educators are excited to see what students create in the coming months. 

“We’re really looking forward to seeing the student projects in April and May,” Peggy shared. 

For Lori, the excitement extends beyond Music Club and into her classroom: 
“It’s always fun to see how much growth my students make from September to June.” 

More Than Music 

For Peggy and Lori, Music Club is about more than notes and melodies—it’s about confidence, expression, and belonging. 

By creating a space where students feel comfortable sharing their talents and trying new things, they are helping students discover not just music, but themselves. This type of connection makes all the difference. 

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